On March 18^th 2022, the Decree-Law nº26/2022, proceeds with the fourth alteration to the Portuguese Nationality Regulation.

Among the various alterations made to the Nationality Regulations, of particular note is the amendment to article 24-A regarding the granting of Portuguese nationality, by naturalization, to descendants of Sephardic Jews.

The wording of the Nationality Regulation is thus amended to provide for the need for proof of the tradition of belonging to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin, to be made based on proven objective requirements. Such proof should be made through a new Certificate of a model still to be approved by order of the member of the Government responsible for the area of Justice.

The descendants of Sephardic Jews must now attach a certificate or other document proving the ownership, transmitted mortis causa, property rights over real estate located in Portugal or shares in commercial or cooperative companies based in Portugal, or attach proof of regular trips to Portugal.

This amendment will come into force on September 1^st 2022, as opposed to the other existing amendments, which will come into force already on April 15^th 2022.
In conclusion, as of September 1^st 2022, the nationality processes for citizens descending from Sephardic Jews will require an effective connection to Portugal by the above-mentioned means, thus becoming more strict and demanding.

Employment Department
21/03/2022