Spanish legislation has provided ways for Sephardic Jews to request Spanish nationality. Article 21 states that Sephardic Jews may apply for Spanish nationality by submitting a certificate of naturalization. Article 22 states that Spanish nationality may be requested after providing proof of two years of residency in our country.
Our legislation has gone a step further towards the integration of this community of people into our society by approving a preliminary draft to the law on behalf of the Council of Ministers regarding the modification of the Civil Code article 23.
Once this reform takes effect, Sephardic Jews may be granted a Spanish passport without having to renounce their nationality of origin. The following are forms of evidence that may be submitted to prove ones Sephardic legacy:
- A certificate issued by the Secretary General of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Spain confirming that the applicant belongs to the Sephardic community.
- Certificate from a rabbinical academy signed by a competent authority, legally recognized in the country of the applicant´s habitual residence. The applicant may also submit any other documentation that he deems suitable.
- By the applicant´s last names or familiar language or other indications that may prove his relation to the Sephardic community.
- By including a petitioner, a direct descendant included in the protected families list by Spain, by the agreement with Egypt or Greece following the Royal Decree of 29 December 1948 or any other list of similar formality, or finally by way of the Royal Decree of 20 December 1924.
- Through the individual´s relationship with a person or family mentioned in the previous paragraph.