Sephardic Jews to attain Spanish Citizenship Automatically
Yet another important political reform, this time affecting the Spanish Civil Code.
Ministers of Justice and Foreign Affairs, Alberto Ruiz Gallardón and José Manuel García – Margallo, announced yesterday that descendants of the Sephardic community, who were expelled from the Iberian Peninsula back in 1492, will now be able to acquire Spanish citizenship automatically, without having to reside in Spain. This is an important modification of the Spanish Civil code, which since its last modification in 1982, stated a requirement of a minimum of 2 years of residence in Spain for acquiring Spanish citizenship.
This reform will affect those who are able to prove their Sephardic condition, whether it is via surnames, language, descendants or links to Spanish culture and Spanish customs regardless of their place of residence. For this purpose a certificate of the Jewish Community Federations will be required.
According to Gallardón, a few years ago it was understood that around 250,000 people spoke Judeo-Spanish but this estimation could be too conservative. It is thought that this reform could benefit up to 3 million people.
Marta Flores Vila.


Dear All,
Unfortunately there is no further update. Still waiting. As soon as we hear we will inform everyone.
Thanks Ms. Flores!
@marta flores,
Thanks for the updates regarding this reform. If possible, I’d also like to be added to your contact list. I descend from Sephardic Jews that moved to Amsterdam following the expulsion.
Thank you
Please include me in any updates. Thank you.
Please add me to your mailing list for updates on procedure to apply for Spanish citizenship.
Thank you in advance.
How can we get more info on the particulars of this? If we are Sephardic, how do we get more info about this, and if we already have European citizenship, will it make a difference?
We will need to wait a little longer I am afraid as there have been no further updates on this future law. Your current nationality will not have any impact on this law.
Curious if DNA tests will be accepted as proof.
Does anyone know how one goes about applying for Spanish citizenship? My mother is of Sephardic decent. Please include me on any updates.
Please let me know as well. I am a US/Canadian/Turkish citizen of Spanish decent and am very interested in pursuing Spanish Citizenship.
Please can you keep me informed. The story of my family cames from Spain.
Thanks
Steven
Please keep me informed as well. I am a US citizen with both parental sides originating from Spain, one side went to Turkey the other to Greece eventually landing in the USA in the 1800′s. Would enjoy the benefits of Spanish citizenship.
Thanks
Cheri
Hi can you add me to the notification email regarding the requirements
Thanks in advance
Hello,
I am a descendant of Sephardic Cryto Jews of New Mexico and was raised speaking Spanish with a Spanish dialect. My uncles have done the research of our family tree and I really need find out how the process works so that I can gather all the documents needed. Any information you can give me would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Jacquelyn
Please add me to your notification list as well.
Hi-
My family is from Morocco and our origins are from Spain. Can you please keep me posted on how to begin the process?
Hi, Please add me to your notification list
Hi,
According to my family story, they left Spain in 1492. Moved to Italy from there to Turkey and later Hungary. I was born in Israel.
Can you please add me to your list. What can I do now?
Hi, Please add me to your notification list
Thanks Lisa
Hello: Please add me to your contact list regarding the change to the Spanish Civil Code permitting descendants of the Sephardic community, who were expelled from the Iberian Peninsula back in 1492, to acquire Spanish citizenship automatically, without having to reside in Spain. I have documents that trace my family back to Spain since the year 1125 until they were expelled in 1492. I would like to know the next steps. Thank you.
HI…please add me to your notificatin list.how to begin the process and what can i do now?
I’m a sephardic Jew studying in Barcelona. I would really appreciate more information bout obtaining citizenship. Please contact me once the process is all figured out.
Please add me to your notification list. Would be happy to use your services to obtain Spanish citizenship.
Dear Marta,
I’d be grateful if I could be added to any list of potential clients you have for updates. I believe I’m descended from the Sephardim and would love to ‘close the broken circle’.
Kind regards.
Hi, Please add me to your notification list
Thanks Jesica
Please add me to your notification list as I am interested in this matter.
thank you from Canada.
Dear Marta,
Are there any further updates on the change to Spanish law on this matter? I know that Portugal has already passed legislation to the same effect. Where is Spain in this process? Thank you.