Who is entitled to a Spanish passport?

In October 2015, the Spanish parliament approved a bill allowing Jews of Spanish descent to issue a local passport. However, the way to obtain the citizenship and passport of the state of Spain is full of bureaucracy and complex procedures, some of which are expensive. Campus specializes in the process of exercising the right to receive a Spanish passport. The company has representation in Spain and cooperates with Spanish law firms specializing in the subject. Likewise, Campus has direct and high-quality contact with the relevant authorities in the country.

Who is eligible for Spanish citizenship?

It is important to understand that the decision of the Spanish parliament has historical significance because the state takes responsibility for the consequences of mass expulsion from Spain in the 15th century. The new law is intended to enable the descendants of the Jews who were expelled from Spain to reclaim the rights they deserve for historical and objective reasons.

In addition to proving the connection to the Spanish expellees, it is necessary to demonstrate proficiency in the Spanish language or other languages specified in the law. In addition, an investigation must be conducted by a Spanish notary and presenting proof from the police that the applicant does not have a serious criminal record. All of these in addition to passing a test on the Spanish culture and constitution.

In fact, the new law amends and extends previous laws on the subject of the Spanish citizenship to descendants of the Jews who were expelled from Spain, where the new law does not require the renunciation of the existing citizenship. It is important to emphasize that the new law is limited in time. The Spanish legislator has determined that it is possible to exercise the entitlement to local citizenship for a period of three years when there is a reasonable chance that the law will be extended for an additional year later.

Steps on the way to obtaining the Spanish passport

It is worth noting that the conditions for the submission of the application for the exercise of citizenship and passport of Spain contain successful passage of the test of knowledge of the Spanish language at level 2A. In addition, in order to prove a connection to Spain, it is necessary to pass a relatively simple examination regarding the Spanish constitution and local culture. At the same time, the documents required by law must be collected and translated only by an authorized translator who is authorized to do so.

In order to prove the Spanish origin and the connection with Spain, proof must be provided by means of the following possibilities:

• A Jewish marriage contract – a custom of the Jewish people in Castile.
• Official confirmation of knowing and using the Ladino or Haketia language.
• Professional opinion from a genealogy, academic institution or official body. A document recognized by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain must be presented.
• Confirmation of Sephardic origin on behalf of those in charge of the subject in Jewish communities in Spain.
• Confirmation of Spanish origin on behalf of organizations recognized by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain.
• Proof of connection to Spain, such as studies, residence, investments in real estate, businesses, membership in the Association for the Study of Spanish Jewry and the like.

As mentioned above, the documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translation. It is important to prepare for the structure of the language and knowledge of the Spanish constitution and culture. Campus accompanies you throughout the process and helps you realize your dream and receive a foreign passport which offers many advantages.

For more information, please contact us by phone or leave details on the website, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.