Sephardic Jews to see Easier Eligibility for Spanish Citizenship

Spain

Staring October 1, 2015, Sephardic Jews originally from Spain can apply for Spanish citizenship online without renouncing their nationality of origin or proving residency in Spain, as was previously required.

Those seeking Spanish citizenship through this law must present evidence such as an original duly apostilled and translated birth certificate and original duly apostilled and translated police clearance certificates issued by the country of origin and the countries of residence for the last five years.

Applicants must also take a basic Spanish language test (unless they are native Spanish speakers) and a general Spanish cultural knowledge test. Both tests will be designed by the Instituto Cervantes.

What This Means for Foreign Nationals

Sephardic Jews should benefit from the relaxed criteria for Spanish citizenship eligibility but should be sure to start their application early as police clearance certificates may cause delays.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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