Proof of Sephardic Origin

The applicant for Portuguese Nationality must first obtain a Certificate from the Portuguese Jewish Community which attests to his/her ties to a Sephardic Jewish Community of Portuguese origin. In order to obtain this certificate, one must proof his condition of Sephardic Jew or his/her lineage.

There are various means of proof, amongst others:

1. Personal Documentation

Family name, records and documents (including image, video and audio) of family ceremonies, weddings, burials, registration at Jewish communities, birth certificates, property deeds, bibliography and book quotes, copies of inquisition archives, DNA testing and alike.

2. Genealogical/Family Tree

As complete as possible accompanied with all the documents on which the family tree is based.

3. Testimonial Evidence

Reputable witnesses who can attest to a family’s oral tradition. Testimony must be in the form of written depositions, signed by the witnesses andcertifiedbyaNotaryPublic (languages: Hebrew, English Spanish or Portuguese)

4. Expert Evidence

Support of an expert on Portuguese Jewish diaspora. Expert evidence must be submitted in writing. The reports of experts in Portuguese diaspora must be in writing and signed by the expert

5. Use of Ladino Language

If needed, we will work with our worldwide local genealogist teams to locate and obtain the different evidence needed to proof Sephardic Jewish lineage