FAQ I

Several of our clients have asked us other questions that we have decided to answer and present here for your consultation.

What can you do for me?

We can process the Portuguese nationality and therefore of the European Union for you and your whole family. Thus they will be able to live, work, travel, study and even obtain social security in any of the 27 countries that make up the European Union.

How do they process nationality?

Portugal, through Decree-Law 30A/2015 of 2015, grants Portuguese nationality to those who can duly prove that they have an ascendant of Sephardic origin. We do that for you and your family.

Do I have Sephardic ancestry?

The Sephardim were Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal at the end of the Middle Ages who spread throughout the world. Their descendants have the right to Portuguese nationality. We find out if this is your case.

What steps are followed?

We carry out a preliminary analysis of their surnames, a genealogical study, we process a personal certificate of Sephardic origin issued by the Jewish communities of Portugal and we process the application for nationality with the Portuguese government.

What rights will I have?

With Portuguese nationality you will be able to live, work, travel, study and even access social security in any of the 27 countries of the European Union, including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Germany.

Should I travel, take exams or speak Portuguese?

No. You do not have to travel to Portugal, take exams or speak Portuguese to obtain your Portuguese nationality. You can speak any language and process your nationality from your city through us.

Is this also possible in Spain?

This was possible in Spain until October 2019. Now it is only possible in Portugal. But with Portuguese nationality you can live anywhere in Spain.

Will I have two nationalities?

If your country allows you to have more than one nationality you will not lose your current nationality. If your country does not allow it, you must choose between your current or European nationality.

FAQ II

Several of our clients have asked us other questions that we have decided to answer and present here for your consultation.

Is this totally legal?

Yes. We are a group of respected professionals led by former ambassador Jorge Leyva-Valenzuela and we only offer fully legal professional services. We do the procedures according to the Portuguese laws.

How long does the whole process take?

The process usually takes between 18 and 28 months depending on the volume of work that the Portuguese authorities have. We are not aware of cases that have taken more than 29 months.

Do I have to have a specific religion?

No. Regardless of your beliefs, gender, sexual preferences, race or country of origin, you can apply for your Portuguese and European Union nationality.

Are we going to sign documents?

Yes. Your local agent will send you a contract and power of attorney signed by our director. You will need to sign them and send them back to your agent. This is a guarantee that you are doing a serious and legal process.

How much does the service cost?

The price depends on your country of origin because it determines the difficulty of carrying out the Genealogical Study that we do to prove the Sephardic ancestry. Please ask your local agent for the price for citizens of your country.

Will I have a Portuguese passport?

You receive a Portuguese birth certificate with which you can go to a Portuguese consulate and process a Cartão de cidadão, which is Portugal's identity document (value 20 eruos) and a Portuguese passport (value 75 euros). These last two payments are not included in the Portulive prices.

Is your director a Sephardic ambassador?

Jorge Leyva is a former ambassador. You can see a photo of him presenting ambassadorial credentials to King Harald V of Norway, here. Its Sephardic origin is certified. See certificates:

- Certificado de la Federación de comunidades judías de España

- Certificado de la Comunidad israelita de Lisboa, Portugal.

Are nationality and residence the same?

Nationality is the status of being a citizen of a country, belonging to its nation and having the rights granted by its Constitution. Residency is just a permission that a country gives a person to live in its territory.

FAQ III

Several of our clients have asked us other questions that we have decided to answer and present here for your consultation.

Do my children inherit my nationality?

Only children under the age of 18 may inherit the nationality of their parents. Children over the age of 18 must complete the nationality process based on Sephardic origin.

Does my partner acquire my Portuguese nationality?

Anyone who can prove marriage or common-law union for more than three years with someone Portuguese can request Portuguese nationality. Then the final decision can take another one to two years.

Do I have to pay taxes in Portugal?

No. Unless you live in Portugal 183 days of the year or, living outside Portugal, you receive income in that country, you will not have to pay taxes when you acquire your new nationality.

Will I need a visa to enter the United States?

The VWP Visa Waiver Program (Visa Waiver Program) allows Portuguese citizens to travel to the United States without a visa. It will suffice to obtain an authorization called ESTA online at the following link: 

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

Will I be able to vote in Portugal and in Europe?

Yes. When you have your Cartão de cidadão you will be able to vote in the Portuguese and European Union elections. You will be able to participate in politics, elect and be elected.

Can the process still be done?

The Portuguese law toughened the requirements to obtain Portuguese nationality by Sephardic origin. However, as lawyers we are able to process the requests of all our clients.

Can you still obtain the certificate of Sephardic origin?

Yes. At Portulive, as lawyers, we are permanently able to successfully process the certificate of Sephardic origin for you and your family.

Are there new requirements in Portugal?

The Portuguese law established new requirements to obtain nationality but as lawyers we are fully capable of attending to all the processes and moving them forward even with this new regulation.