Surge in Israeli Citizenship Applications Overwhelms Portuguese Embassy
LISBON, portugal - A recent special event aimed at facilitating Portuguese citizenship applications from descendants of Sephardi Jews has been met with overwhelming demand from Israeli citizens, prompting long lines and highlighting a growing trend of Israelis seeking European passports. The Portuguese Embassy in [City, if specified in source] announced the “The past is back” event last month as a bypass to its perpetually overbooked online appointment system.
the rush stems from a 2015 Portuguese law offering citizenship to descendants of Sephardi Jews expelled during the 16th-century Inquisition. While the Portuguese government announced plans in December 2023 to end the policy, citing a fulfillment of repatriation goals, the law was revised-not abolished-making applications more restrictive, including requirements for demonstrated ties to portugal, such as a minimum three-year residency. Despite the increased hurdles, the appeal of Portuguese citizenship, and the associated freedom of movement within the European Union, remains strong for many Israelis.
According to a Facebook post from the Portuguese Embassy, “thousands” of applicants have been assisted, and “no one was neglected.” the influx typically peaks in december and January. Beyond EU travel benefits, Portugal offers Israelis a perhaps lower cost of living and tax rates, though income levels are also proportionally lower. Many hopeful applicants have been arriving before dawn to secure a place in line, exceeding the capacity of the event location.