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Citizenship for Sephardic Jews

Special provisions for descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 to obtain citizenship.

Sections

1. Legal Framework

The Spanish government passed Law 12/2015 on June 24, 2015, which allowed Sephardic Jews and their descendants to apply for Spanish citizenship without requiring them to renounce their current nationality. This law was a gesture of reconciliation for the expulsion of Jews during the Spanish Inquisition.

However, this law expired on October 1, 2019, meaning new applications under this specific law are no longer accepted. That said, Sephardic Jews may still apply for Spanish citizenship through other legal pathways, such as naturalization or residency-based citizenship, though these processes are more complex and less streamlined.

2. Application Process (Under Law 12/2015)

For historical context, here is how the process worked under the now-expired law. This information is still relevant for understanding the requirements and documentation that may apply to other pathways for Sephardic Jews:

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants had to:

  1. Prove Sephardic ancestry.
  2. Demonstrate a "special connection" to Spain.
  3. Pass Spanish language and culture tests (with some exceptions).

Required Documentation

Applicants needed to provide:

  1. Proof of Sephardic Ancestry:

    • A certificate from a recognized Jewish community in Spain or abroad.
    • Genealogical records or family names linked to Sephardic heritage.
    • Historical or cultural evidence of Sephardic lineage.

  2. Proof of Connection to Spain:

    • Knowledge of Spanish language or culture.
    • Evidence of participation in Spanish cultural activities.
    • Visits to Spain or ownership of property in Spain.

  3. Other Documents:

    • Birth certificate.
    • Criminal background checks from all countries of residence.
    • Marriage certificate (if applicable).
    • Proof of legal residence (if applying from within Spain).

Exams

Applicants were required to pass:

  • DELE A2 Exam: A Spanish language proficiency test (basic level).
  • CCSE Exam: A test on Spanish constitutional and cultural knowledge.

Application Submission

Applications were submitted online through the Spanish Ministry of Justice's platform. After submission, applicants had to appear before a Spanish notary to formalize their application.

Costs

  • Application Fee: €100 (non-refundable).
  • Exam Fees:
    • DELE A2: €130 (approx.).
    • CCSE: €85.
  • Notary Fees: €150–€300 (varied by notary).
  • Translation and Legalization: Costs for translating and legalizing documents could range from €200–€1,000, depending on the complexity and number of documents.

Processing Time

The process could take 2–3 years from application submission to receiving citizenship.

3. Current Pathways for Sephardic Jews

Although Law 12/2015 has expired, Sephardic Jews can still pursue Spanish citizenship through the following routes:

A. Naturalization by Discretion

  • Spain allows for discretionary naturalization in exceptional cases. Sephardic Jews may apply for citizenship under this pathway by demonstrating their historical and cultural ties to Spain.
  • This process is not standardized and depends on the discretion of the Spanish government.
  • Applicants must submit a formal request to the Spanish Ministry of Justice, including evidence of Sephardic ancestry and connection to Spain.

B. Residency-Based Citizenship

  • Sephardic Jews can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal residence in Spain.
  • This period is reduced to 2 years for citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Sephardic Jews.
  • Applicants must meet the standard requirements for residency-based citizenship, including proof of legal residence, language proficiency, and cultural knowledge.

4. Key Considerations

  • Dual Citizenship: Spain generally requires applicants to renounce their previous nationality, but Sephardic Jews (under Law 12/2015) and citizens of certain countries (e.g., Latin American nations) are exempt from this requirement.
  • Language Requirement: Proficiency in Spanish is essential for most citizenship pathways. Sephardic Jews should prepare for the DELE and CCSE exams unless exempt.
  • Legal Assistance: Given the complexity of the process, hiring a lawyer specializing in Spanish immigration and nationality law is highly recommended.
  • Document Preparation: Ensure all documents are properly translated into Spanish and legalized (e.g., with an apostille or consular certification).

5. Costs for Current Pathways

The costs for applying for Spanish citizenship through naturalization or residency are similar to those under Law 12/2015:

  • Application Fee: €100.
  • Exam Fees: DELE (€130) and CCSE (€85).
  • Legal Fees: Hiring a lawyer can cost €1,000–€3,000, depending on the complexity of the case.
  • Document Translation and Legalization: €200–€1,000.

6. Cultural and Historical Context

Spain's recognition of Sephardic Jews reflects its effort to reconcile with its historical past. Sephardic Jews have a rich cultural heritage tied to Spain, including the Ladino language (a Judeo-Spanish dialect) and traditions that trace back to pre-expulsion Spain. Today, Spain continues to foster connections with Sephardic communities worldwide.

7. Practical Tips

  • Start Early: The process can be lengthy, so begin gathering documents and preparing for exams as soon as possible.
  • Consult Experts: Work with a lawyer or immigration consultant familiar with Spanish nationality law.
  • Stay Updated: Spanish immigration laws can change, so monitor updates from the Spanish Ministry of Justice or consult the Spanish consulate in your country.

8. Useful Resources

If you have further questions or need clarification on any aspect of the process, feel free to ask!