{"id":15018,"date":"2026-08-05T19:43:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T17:43:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gentile.law\/?p=15018"},"modified":"2026-08-05T19:56:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T17:56:25","slug":"has-your-portuguese-nationality-file-based-on-sephardic-origin-been-pending-for-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gentile.law\/en\/has-your-portuguese-nationality-file-based-on-sephardic-origin-been-pending-for-years\/","title":{"rendered":"Has your Portuguese nationality file based on Sephardic origin been pending for years?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Posted:<\/strong> 05-08-2026<\/p>\n\n

What changed in May 2026 and how the administrative and judicial route works to request that Portugal issue a decision.<\/h2>\n\n

Updated: 5 August 2026 | Global Mobility Team<\/p>\n\n

Portugal closed the special nationality regime for new applications by descendants of Sephardic Jews on 19 May 2026. However, files that were already pending on that date were not cancelled: they must continue to be processed under the previous law.[1] [1]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

The problem is that thousands of people have been waiting for a response for years. In these cases, administrative action may be considered and, where necessary, judicial action may be brought to request that the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (Institute of Registries and Notaries, IRN) issue a decision. <\/p>\n\n

The judicial route does not automatically grant nationality. Its purpose is for the IRN to stop keeping the file stalled and to adopt a formal decision, whether favourable or unfavourable. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

1. Why are the files taking so long?<\/h2>\n\n

Official figures show a very significant backlog. Between 2020 and the first half of 2025, the IRN received more than 1.5 million nationality applications. In 2022 alone, 124,663 applications were filed by descendants of Sephardic Jews. As of 30 June 2025, 515,334 files were still pending analysis. 31% corresponded to applications based on Sephardic origin, equivalent to approximately 160,000 files.[1] [2]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

More than 1.5 million applications received between 2020 and June 2025<\/td>515,334 files were still pending analysis<\/td><\/tr>
31% of pending files were Sephardic<\/td>approx. 160,000 pending Sephardic files<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

In five years, the total number of pending files more than tripled. The IRN itself included reducing this volume among its objectives and reinforced its teams, but the backlog remains very high.[1] [3]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

In practice, these figures do not show that Sephardic files are moving forward with a priority capable of reducing the backlog: despite the fact that new applications are no longer accepted through this route, they remained the largest group of pending processes. Therefore, when a file has shown no relevant progress for years, it may be necessary to take formal action to try to get it moving again and obtain a decision.[1] [4]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

2. What changed in 2022 and what changed in May 2026?<\/h2>\n\n

To determine which requirements apply to each Sephardic file, it is necessary to distinguish between two reforms and review the exact date on which the application was filed.<\/p>\n\n

The 2022 reform: an effective connection with Portugal became required<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Decreto-Lei n.\u00ba 26\/2022 (Decree-Law No. 26\/2022) tightened the regime for applications filed from 1 September 2022. In addition to proving Portuguese Sephardic origin, the applicant had to evidence a liga\u00e7\u00e3o efetiva e duradoura a Portugal (effective and lasting connection with Portugal). In simple terms, this could be proven through inherited ownership of real estate, other rights or shareholdings in Portuguese entities, or through regular travel to Portugal throughout one’s life. Therefore, the filing date is essential: not all pending files are examined under the same requirements.[5]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Why were so many files submitted before 1 September 2022?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The new regulation did not apply to Sephardic files that were already pending when it entered into force. For this reason, in the preceding months there was a massive filing of applications: many people tried to register their file before 1 September 2022 so that it would be examined under the previous regime, without the new additional proof of an effective and lasting connection with Portugal. In many cases, the application was filed even though the certificate from the Comunidade Israelita de Lisboa (Jewish Community of Lisbon, CIL) was still pending issuance, with the expectation that it would be added to the file later, either voluntarily or following a request from the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (Institute of Registries and Notaries, IRN). This strategy did not eliminate the obligation to prove Sephardic origin nor did it guarantee that every incomplete application would be protected, but it helps explain why such a high volume of files was concentrated before the reform entered into force.[1] [6]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

The 2026 reform: closure to new applications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

1. New applications through the Sephardic route are no longer accepted: the special regime was closed to applications filed after 19 May 2026.<\/p>\n\n

2. Already submitted files continue: if the application was pending on 19 May 2026, it must be processed under the previous legislation.<\/p>\n\n

The reform also tightened the general naturalisation rules for new applications. The residence period increased to seven years for citizens of the European Union and of Portuguese-speaking countries, and to ten years for other nationalities. In addition to knowledge of the Portuguese language, applicants must now also evidence knowledge of the culture, history and national symbols, as well as fundamental rights and duties and the political organisation of the State. A solemn declaration of adherence to the principles of the democratic rule of law, compliance with security requirements and proof of means of subsistence are also required. These new requirements do not apply retroactively to Sephardic files that were already pending on 19 May 2026.[7]<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

The Portuguese Ministry of Justice explained that several of these new provisions require regulatory development to specify their practical application.[1][8]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Does the reform cancel my file?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

No. If your application was already pending on 19 May 2026, the reform protects its continuity. This does not mean that it will be approved, but the IRN must examine it and issue a decision. <\/p>\n\n

3. What can be done when the file does not move forward?<\/h2>\n\n

The action is usually approached gradually:<\/p>\n\n

1. Review the file: check the filing date, the actual stage, the documents submitted and whether any request for additional information is pending.<\/p>\n\n

2. Act before the IRN: submit a formal written request asking that the matter be expedited and that an explicit decision be issued.<\/p>\n\n

3. Assess the judicial route: if administrative action is not sufficient, examine whether it is appropriate to bring the matter before the Portuguese administrative court.<\/p>\n\n

The C\u00f3digo do Procedimento Administrativo (Code of Administrative Procedure) recognises the Administration’s duty to respond to requests falling within its competence. It also allows action to be taken when that duty is not fulfilled within a reasonable period.[1] [9]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

The Regulamento da Nacionalidade Portuguesa (Portuguese Nationality Regulation) establishes time limits for different internal stages of the procedure. However, those time limits may be affected by checks, requests for additional information or suspensions, and therefore each file must be analysed individually.[1] [10]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

4. How does the judicial route work?<\/h2>\n\n

The action commonly used is called a\u00e7\u00e3o administrativa de condena\u00e7\u00e3o \u00e0 pr\u00e1tica de ato devido (administrative action to compel the Administration to perform the act due). In simple terms, the court is asked to order the IRN to process the file and adopt the decision that has remained pending.[1] [11]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

The judge does not replace the IRN and does not decide directly whether the person meets the requirements to obtain nationality. The final decision remains with the IRN. <\/p>\n\n

How long can it take?<\/strong> <\/strong>From the start of the administrative and judicial strategy, the procedure may take, as a guideline, around two years. In some cases, it may take longer. There is no guaranteed timeframe, as the duration depends on the progress of the file and on the timing of the Administration and the court. <\/p>\n\n

WHAT IT MAY ACHIEVE<\/strong><\/td>WHAT IT DOES NOT GUARANTEE<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
The IRN should resume processing the case.There should be a formal ruling.The court should set a deadline for the Administration to take action.<\/td>Granting of citizenship.A favorable decision.The same exact date for all cases.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

5. Is there an urgent route?<\/h2>\n\n

Yes, but only for exceptional situations. It is called intima\u00e7\u00e3o para prote\u00e7\u00e3o de direitos, liberdades e garantias (urgent procedure to protect rights, freedoms and guarantees). It is not enough for the file to have been pending for a long time: there must be serious and specific personal circumstances that make a swift decision indispensable.[1] [1] Portugal, C\u00f3digo de Processo nos Tribunais Administrativos (Code of Procedure of the Administrative Courts), art. 109. See, among others, Tribunal Central Administrativo Sul, judgment of 7 February 2026, case 89021\/25.6BELSB.CS1, DGSI, which requires specific circumstances of indispensability and urgency to be alleged and proven. https:\/\/www.dgsi.pt\/ (accessed: 5 August 2026). [12]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

The courts have rejected this route where only delay or uncertainty is alleged. However, they have admitted it in very specific cases, for example where advanced age and serious health problems meant that an ordinary decision could arrive too late.[1] [1] Tribunal Central Administrativo Sul, judgment of 10 April 2025, case 2768\/24.0BELSB, DGSI: confirmed the urgent route in a Sephardic ancestry case in light of advanced age and serious medical conditions. By contrast, see TCAS, judgment of 7 February 2026, case 89021\/25.6BELSB.CS1, which rejected generic allegations of urgency. https:\/\/www.dgsi.pt\/ (accessed: 5 August 2026). [13]<\/a><\/p>\n\n

6. When may it make sense to request an assessment?<\/h2>\n\n

It may be advisable to review the file where:<\/p>\n\n

As a practical criterion, we normally assess this route when the file has been pending for at least two years. This period is not established by law and does not mean that any two-year-old file will succeed in court. It is an indicative reference, based on experience with this type of procedure, to assess whether the wait may be considered sufficiently prolonged. The analysis may vary depending on the stage of the file, its complexity and the specific circumstances of the case. <\/p>\n\n