PORTUGUESE NATIONALITY

Descended from Portuguese Sephardic Jews

The easiest way to check if you are entitled to Portuguese nationality

Make an appointment now to assess the feasibility of the process in your case.

How it works

1. Contact us

Contact us, make an appointment to assess the feasibility of your case.

2. Hire us

Choose the modality and we'll take care of your Portuguese nationality process.

3. Preparing the dossier

Document preparation, filling in applications.

4. Delivery of the file to the CRC

Process delivered in person to the respective Civil Registry Office and delivery of the code for tracking the progress of the process

5. Birth registration

Monitoring the process until the final decision is made by the registrar.

WHO IS ENTITLED TO PORTUGUESE NATIONALITY:

Descendants of Sephardic Jews

A Portuguese flag is waving in the wind against a blue sky
As a rule, PORTUGUESE NATIONALITY can be acquired at birth or throughout life. The rules for acquiring nationality are organized by profile, and vary according to where people were born, how many years they have lived in Portugal, the nationality of their family members, their relationship with the Portuguese community, among others.
The process of obtaining Portuguese nationality is complex and requires a careful and personalized analysis of each case.
Our agency helps people who want to become Portuguese citizens.


Portuguese nationality processes for descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews:  


The word "Sephardic" comes from "Sepharad" or Iberian Peninsula, in Hebrew. The Sephardic Jews were a huge group persecuted for religious reasons in Portugal and Spain from the 15th century onwards.


Sephardic Jews were forced to leave Portugal


Initially expelled from Spain, they emigrated en masse to Portugal. Later, in 1496, King Manuel I created the conditions for their expulsion from Portugal, forcing them to look for other territories to live in.


They spread far and wide, starting with the Ottoman Empire and North Africa, and then moving on to American territories, including Brazil.


But they took the Iberian traditions and culture with them


However, the Sephardic Jews did everything they could to maintain their customs, language, traditions and rituals in the lands that welcomed them.


Ladino, the typical language, has been preserved by many families


For example, "Ladino" was a typical language of the Sephardic community, mixing Portuguese and Spanish, which is still used by many families of Sephardic origin. Typical surnames have also been passed down through the generations in many cases.


Legislation allows descendants of the community to acquire nationality


In this context, recognizing the historical link between Sephardic Jews and Portugal, in 2015 the national legislature made possible a special way for descendants of this community to acquire nationality.


This makes it possible for descendants of Sephardic Jews to obtain Portuguese nationality.


Sephardic Jews can access Portuguese nationality through naturalization, a form of derived nationality.


Descent can come from any family member in a straight line


In this case, the basis may come from any family member in the direct line (father, grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents) or from the family relationship in the collateral line of a common parent from the Sephardic community of Portuguese origin. In short, the basis will be Sephardic ancestry.


And of course, proof of Sephardic ancestry is required


However, the fundamental element of this type of case is proving your Sephardic ancestry, which can be done through direct evidence, of a documentary nature, or through indirect evidence, such as your surname, your family language, your customs, your origins.


Requirements


You can apply for Portuguese nationality under these conditions if:


  • is over 18 or emancipated according to Portuguese law
  • is a descendant of Portuguese Sephardic Jews 
  • belongs to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin.


To apply for Portuguese nationality you can:


  • have been sentenced to imprisonment for 3 years or more for a crime punishable in Portugal
  • being involved in terrorism-related activities.


Documents


  • Special form
  • Identification document
  • Birth registration certificate
  • Certificate issued by a Jewish community attesting to the tradition of belonging to a Sephardic community of Portuguese originCertificate issued by a Jewish community attesting to the applicant's tradition of belonging to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin, materialized, namely, in the applicant's surname, family language, genealogy and family memory or, alternatively, authenticated documentary records, such as records of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries, as well as residence permits, property titles, wills and other proof of the applicant's family connection, through direct descent or family relationship in the collateral line of a common parent from the Sephardic community of Portuguese origin.
  • Criminal record certificate from the country of birth and nationality, as well as from countries where you have resided since the age of 16
  • Documents proving an effective and lasting connection to Portugal

Certificate or other supporting document:

a) the ownership, transmitted mortis causa, of rights in rem in immovable property located in Portugal, other personal rights of enjoyment or shareholdings in commercial or cooperative companies based in Portugal; or

b) regular trips throughout their lives to Portugal.              

  • An application written in Portuguese


All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille or visa from the Portuguese consulate (this does not apply to documents issued by the authorities of European Union Member States).


Fee


Submitting a nationality application costs 250 euros.



Main situations for Portuguese Nationality processes :  


  • Portuguese children

    Applicable situations


    • Persons born in Portuguese territory, children of a Portuguese mother or father. 
    • Persons born abroad, children of a Portuguese mother or a Portuguese father, if one of the parents is abroad in the service of the Portuguese State.
    • People born abroad, children of a Portuguese mother or father, who have their birth registered in the Portuguese civil registry or declare that they want to be Portuguese.

    Documents 


    • Special form
    • Identification document
    • Birth registration certificate
    • Certificate of registration of the parent, which can be waived if the registration is in a national registry office and the registry office, year and registration number are identified.

    All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille or visa from the Portuguese consulate (this does not apply to documents issued by the authorities of European Union Member States).


    Fee


    Submitting an application for nationality costs 175 euros.

  • Portuguese grandchildren

    Applicable situation


    • Persons with a Portuguese ancestor of the 2nd degree in the straight line (grandparents) who has not lost that nationality 

    Requirements


    • Be a descendant of a Portuguese national of the 2nd degree in a straight line;
    • Have effective ties to the Portuguese community

      The connection to the Portuguese community is recognized if:

    1. The person has already been legally resident in Portugal for 3 years, is registered with the tax authorities and the National Health System and has attended school in Portugal or can prove that they know Portuguese
    2. The person has been legally resident in Portugal for 5 years and is registered with the tax authorities and the National Health System (or regional health services).
    3. The government analyzes the situation and concludes that this connection exists because the person:

              i. has knowledge of the Portuguese language

              ii. has legal residence in Portugal

              iii. travels regularly to Portugal

              iv. bought or rented a house in Portugal more than 3 years ago

              v. lives in or has a connection with a historical Portuguese community abroad

              vi. in the last 5 years, you have participated regularly in the activities of the Portuguese community in the country where you live, for example, by attending the activities of the Portuguese cultural and recreational associations of these communities.

    • No prison sentence of 3 years or more, with final and unappealable judgment, for a crime punishable under Portuguese law
    • There is no danger or threat to national security or defense by engaging in activities related to the practice of terrorism

    Documents


    • Special form
    • Identification document
    • Birth registration certificate
    • Birth certificates of the second degree ascendant in the straight line of Portuguese nationality 
    • Birth certificate of the Portuguese national's descendant parent
    • Criminal record certificate from the country of birth and nationality, as well as from countries where you have resided since the age of 16
    • Documents proving your connection to the Portuguese community

    All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille or visa from the Portuguese consulate (this does not apply to documents issued by the authorities of European Union Member States).


    Fee


    Submitting an application for nationality costs 175 euros.

  • Portuguese great-grandson

    Those who meet the following conditions can apply for Portuguese nationality as the great-grandchild of a Portuguese citizen.



    The new Portuguese Nationality Law, which came into force in 2017, states that the great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens have the right to Portuguese Nationality, provided they meet certain requirements. The options depend on who is still alive in the family.

    In order to make use of this prerogative, the Portuguese descendant (father or mother) must first acquire Portuguese nationality and then pass it on as a child to the current great-grandchild of a Portuguese citizen.

    The new law clearly mentions that grandchildren and great-grandchildren have the acquired right, but it is necessary for the grandchild of a Portuguese citizen to provide documentary proof of the affective bond with the Portuguese community.

  • Married or de facto with Portuguese

    Requirements


    • Married or in a de facto relationship for more than three years with a Portuguese national 
    • Applying for nationality for the duration of the marriage
    • No prison sentence of 3 years or more, with final and unappealable judgment, for a crime punishable under Portuguese law
    • There is no danger or threat to national security or defense by engaging in activities related to the practice of terrorism
    • Not hold public office, other than technical positions, in another country
    • No non-compulsory military service in another country

    Documents


    • Special form
    • Identification document of the person and spouse/domestic partner
    • Birth registration certificate;
    • Birth registration certificate of the spouse/ de facto partner, which may be waived if the registration is in a national registry office and the registry office, year and registration number are identified
    • If you are married: you must first register the marriage in the birth register of the Portuguese national spouse
    • If you are a de facto partner: the certificate of the court ruling recognizing that you have been living for more than 3 years in conditions similar to those of married people, or a declaration, less than 3 months old, in which the Portuguese citizen confirms that you continue to live as a de facto partner.
    • Documents proving the person's connection to the Portuguese community (such as a statement from their employers or Social Security, the report cards of their children born or registered in Portugal, their IRS declaration, pay slips, water, electricity or rent bills)
    • Criminal record certificate from the country of birth and nationality, as well as from countries where you have resided since the age of 16

    All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille or visa from the Portuguese consulate (this does not apply to documents issued by the authorities of European Union Member States).


    Fee


    Submitting a nationality application costs 250 euros.

  • Children and Grandchildren of Portuguese Citizens from the Former Colonies

    a) He was born outside Portugal;

    b) Has a father/mother born in the former colony or a Portuguese grandmother/grandfather, born in the former colony and died before their independence;

    c) Declare that they want to acquire Portuguese nationality;

    d) Register the birth (of the deceased ascendant) in the Portuguese civil registry;

    e) Proof of affectionate ties to the Portuguese community (in the case of Neto).


    Independence dates:


    Angola - November 11, 1975

    Mozambique - June 25, 1975

    Guinea Bissau - September 24, 1974

    Cape Verde - July 5, 1975

    São Tomé and Príncipe - July 12, 1975

  • Born in the former colonies

    Until 1981 - both under the Civil Code of 1867 and under Law no. 2098 - almost everyone who was born in Portuguese territory, as defined in the 1933 Constitution, was Portuguese.

    Decree-Law No. 308-A/75 of June 24th regulated the retention and loss of nationality of citizens born and residing in the newly independent countries.

    The following tables need to be considered:


     

    • State of India
    • Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe 
    • Macau
    • East Timor

    Angola, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe were Portuguese territories until 1975.

    Many of the citizens born in these countries retained Portuguese nationality, and their descendants have the right to apply for Portuguese nationality and thus become European citizens.

    We publish information on who are the citizens who have lost their Portuguese nationality and who have the right to keep it and acquire it.

    In order to answer the question of which citizens born or resident in Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau and São Tomé and Principe retained Portuguese nationality, the dates of independence of these countries are of the utmost importance:


    Angola - November 11, 1975

    Mozambique - June 25, 1975

    Guinea Bissau - September 24, 1974

    Cape Verde - July 5, 1975

    São Tomé and Príncipe - July 12, 1975

  • Residence in Portugal for more than 5 years

    Requirements


    • Over 18 years old
    • Have been legally resident in Portugal for at least 5 years
    • Have sufficient knowledge of Portuguese
    • No prison sentence of 3 years or more, with final and unappealable judgment, for a crime punishable under Portuguese law
    • There is no danger or threat to national security or defense by engaging in activities related to the practice of terrorism

    Documents


    • Special form
    • Person's identification document
    • Birth registration certificate
    • Criminal record certificate from the country of birth and nationality, as well as from countries where you have resided since the age of 16
    • A document proving that you speak Portuguese (namely a certificate of Portuguese as a foreign language, which can be obtained by taking a test at a recognized Portuguese assessment center - minimum level A2). Anyone who has been a national of a Portuguese-speaking country for more than 10 years is exempt from presenting this document.
    • Document proving residence in Portugal (residence permit issued by the Immigration and Borders Service or European Union Citizen Certificate)

    All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille or visa from the Portuguese consulate (this does not apply to documents issued by the authorities of European Union Member States).


    Fee


    Submitting a nationality application costs 250 euros. 

  • Minor child whose parent acquired Portuguese nationality after the child's birth

    Requirements

    - Under the age of 18

    - The mother or father acquired Portuguese nationality after the birth of the child

    - Have an effective connection to the Portuguese community (have been legally resident in Portugal for 5 years, or be registered with the tax authorities and the National Health System, or prove that you are studying in Portugal)

    - No prison sentence of 3 years or more, with final and unappealable judgment, for a crime punishable under Portuguese law

    - There is no danger or threat to national security or defense by engaging in activities related to the practice of terrorism

    Documents

    - Special form

    - Identification document

    - Birth registration certificate

    - Birth certificate of the parent who acquired Portuguese nationality

    - A document proving that you are effectively connected to the Portuguese community (e.g. a statement from the school you attend in Portugal, or a vaccination certificate)

    - Criminal record certificate from the country of birth and nationality, as well as from countries where you have resided since the age of 16

    All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille or visa from the Portuguese consulate (this does not apply to documents issued by the authorities of European Union Member States).

    Fee

    Submitting a nationality application costs 200 euros.

  • Minors born in Portugal to foreign parents

    Applicable situations


    - Persons born in Portugal, children of foreigners, if at least one of the parents was also born here and was resident here at the time of the child's birth, 

    - Individuals born in Portuguese territory, children of foreigners who are not in the service of the respective State, who do not declare that they do not want to be Portuguese, provided that, at the time of birth, one of the parents is legally resident in Portuguese territory, or has been resident here, regardless of title, for at least one year; 

    - Persons born in Portugal, children of foreigners, if at least one of the parents has been resident here for at least five years at the time of the child's birth, 

    - Persons born in Portugal, children of foreigners, if at least one of the parents has been resident here for at least five years at the time of the application or the minor has completed the first cycle of basic education in Portugal. 


    Requirements


    - Under the age of 18

    - Born in Portugal

    - Fulfill one of the applicable situations mentioned above


    Documents


    - Special form

    - Person's identification document

    - Birth registration certificate

    - Criminal record certificate from the country of birth and nationality, as well as from countries where you have resided since the age of 16

    - Proof of Portuguese language 

    - Document proving the residence in Portugal of one of the parents (residence permit issued by the Foreigners and Borders Service or European Union Citizen Certificate)


    All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille or visa from the Portuguese consulate (this does not apply to documents issued by the authorities of European Union Member States).


    Fee


    Submitting an application for nationality costs 250 euros

  • Descendants of Sephardic Jews

    The word "Sephardic" comes from "Sepharad" or Iberian Peninsula, in Hebrew. The Sephardic Jews were a huge group persecuted for religious reasons in Portugal and Spain from the 15th century onwards.


    Sephardic Jews were forced to leave Portugal


    Initially expelled from Spain, they emigrated en masse to Portugal. Later, in 1496, King Manuel I created the conditions for their expulsion from Portugal, forcing them to look for other territories to live in.


    They spread far and wide, starting with the Ottoman Empire and North Africa, and then moving on to American territories, including Brazil.


    But they took the Iberian traditions and culture with them


    However, the Sephardic Jews did everything they could to maintain their customs, language, traditions and rituals in the lands that welcomed them.


    Ladino, the typical language, has been preserved by many families


    For example, "Ladino" was a typical language of the Sephardic community, mixing Portuguese and Spanish, which is still used by many families of Sephardic origin. Typical surnames have also been passed down through the generations in many cases.


    Legislation allows descendants of the community to acquire nationality


    In this context, recognizing the historical link between Sephardic Jews and Portugal, in 2015 the national legislature made possible a special way for descendants of this community to acquire nationality.


    This makes it possible for descendants of Sephardic Jews to obtain Portuguese nationality.


    Sephardic Jews can access Portuguese nationality through naturalization, a form of derived nationality.


    Descent can come from any family member in a straight line


    In this case, the basis may come from any family member in the direct line (father, grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents) or from the family relationship in the collateral line of a common parent from the Sephardic community of Portuguese origin. In short, the basis will be Sephardic ancestry.


    And of course, proof of Sephardic ancestry is required


    However, the fundamental element of this type of case is proving your Sephardic ancestry, which can be done through direct evidence, of a documentary nature, or through indirect evidence, such as your surname, your family language, your customs, your origins.


    Requirements


    You can apply for Portuguese nationality under these conditions if:


    • is over 18 or emancipated according to Portuguese law
    • is a descendant of Portuguese Sephardic Jews 
    • belongs to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin.

    To apply for Portuguese nationality can:


    • have been sentenced to imprisonment for 3 years or more for a crime punishable in Portugal
    • being involved in terrorism-related activities.

    Documents


    • Special form
    • Identification document
    • Birth registration certificate
    • Certificate issued by a Jewish community attesting to the tradition of belonging to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin, materialized, namely, in the applicant's surname, family language, genealogy and family memory or, alternatively, authenticated documentary records, such as records of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries, as well as residence titles, property titles, wills and other proof of the applicant's family connection, through direct descent or family relationship in the collateral line of a common parent from the Sephardic community of Portuguese origin.
    • Criminal record certificate from the country of birth and nationality, as well as from countries where you have resided since the age of 16
    • Documents proving an effective and lasting connection to Portugal

    Certificate or other supporting document

    a) the ownership, transmitted mortis causa, of rights in rem in immovable property located in Portugal, other personal rights of enjoyment or shareholdings in commercial or cooperative companies based in Portugal; or

    b) regular trips throughout their lives to Portugal.              


    • An application written in Portuguese

    All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille or visa from the Portuguese consulate (this does not apply to documents issued by the authorities of European Union Member States).


    Fee


    Submitting a nationality application costs 250 euros.

  • Portuguese ancestors

    It is possible for the ascendants (parents or grandparents) of an original Portuguese citizen, as long as the ascendants have been legally or illegally resident in Portugal for at least 5 years and the ancestry has been established since the moment the Portuguese citizen was born. 

  • Member of a community of Portuguese descent abroad

    Requirements


    - Over 18 years old

    - The person is part of a community that functions as a local Portuguese community located abroad, where most of its members are recognized and proven to be of Portuguese descent, and where most of its members practice and disseminate values and traditions of Portuguese culture from certain regions of the country.

    - No prison sentence of 3 years or more, with final and unappealable judgment, for a crime punishable under Portuguese law

    - There is no danger or threat to national security or defense by engaging in activities related to the practice of terrorism


    Documents


    - Special form

    - Identification document

    - Birth registration certificate

    - Birth registration certificates of family members with Portuguese nationality

    - Documents proving your connection to the Portuguese community

    - Criminal record certificate from the country of birth and nationality, as well as from countries where you have resided since the age of 16


    All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille or visa from the Portuguese consulate (this does not apply to documents issued by the authorities of European Union Member States).


    Fee


    Submitting a nationality application costs 250 euros.

***The information contained herein is provided in a general and abstract manner and is not a substitute for qualified professional advice and assistance directed at the specific case. If you would like further clarification on the subject, please contact us so that we can provide you with all the necessary assistance.
European Citizenship
  • European Union citizenship

    Article 17 of the Treaty of Rome states:

     

    "Citizenship of the Union is hereby established. Any person holding the nationality of a Member State shall be a citizen of the Union. Citizenship of the Union is complementary to national citizenship and does not replace it."[1] 

     

    This text was introduced into the Treaty establishing the European Community[2] by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992.

    Strictly speaking, the Maastricht Treaty is the treaty establishing citizenship of the Union, which, according to the aforementioned provision, is complementary to the citizenship of a member state and does not replace it.

    In other words: all citizens of the European Union are, first and foremost, nationals of their respective member states[3].

    The Lisbon Treaty changed the text slightly, replacing the idea of complementarity with the idea of addition[4].

    In order to understand the importance of European citizenship, it is important to look at the provisions of the subsequent rules of the Treaty of Rome, which we quote below in the version prior to the Treaty of Lisbon, from which the most relevant rules in this area are also reproduced.

     These texts, given their clarity, need no explanation. Even if the Treaty of Lisbon is not ratified by all the states of the Union, this will not change the essence of the problem of the connection between Portuguese nationality (and the other nationalities of the other 26 states) and European citizenship. Nor will the major aspects of the reforms which, in terms of fundamental rights, were planned in that treaty change.

    Whether or not it is ratified by all states, the Treaty of Lisbon has significantly improved the quality of European citizenship, appealing to a deeper dimension of human rights and putting a stop to the manifestations of xenophobia and racism that, in a sense, could go unnoticed in the phase prior to its approval by the European Council.

    European citizenship - which gives citizens special rights in the immense space of the European Union - is not affirmed in isolation, with the essential prerequisite of belonging to one of the nations that make up the Union. What is especially important is that it adds substantial values to national citizenships and is, in itself, an element that levels up all citizens who carry it.

    European citizens, with the rights conferred on them by the treaties, are citizens of the countries that make up the European Union, whether or not they reside in European territory. As a result, access to European citizenship necessarily involves being a national of one of the member states.

    One of the ways is through the attribution or acquisition of Portuguese nationality by those who are entitled to it.

    Treaty of Rome


    Article 17 - (...)


    2. Citizens of the Union shall enjoy the rights and be subject to the duties provided for in this Treaty.


    Article 18


    Every citizen of the Union has the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States, subject to the limitations and conditions laid down in this Treaty and in the provisions adopted for its implementation.

    If, in order to attain this objective, action by the Community proves necessary, and this Treaty has not provided the necessary powers, the Council may adopt provisions to facilitate the exercise of the rights referred to in paragraph 1. The Council shall act in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251.

    Paragraph 2 shall not apply to provisions relating to passports, identity cards, residence permits or any other similar document, or to provisions relating to social security or social protection.


    Article 19

    Any citizen of the Union residing in a Member State other than that of which he is a national shall have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections in the Member State in which he resides, under the same conditions as nationals of that State. This right shall be exercised subject to the rules adopted by the Council, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament; these rules may provide for derogations where justified by problems specific to a Member State.

    Without prejudice to Article 190(4) and the provisions adopted for its implementation, every citizen of the Union residing in a Member State other than that of which he is a national shall have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament in the Member State in which he resides, under the same conditions as nationals of that State. This right shall be exercised subject to the rules adopted by the Council, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament; these rules may provide for derogations where justified by problems specific to a Member State.

     Article 20


    Any citizen of the Union shall, in the territory of a third country in which the Member State of which he is a national is not represented, be entitled to protection by the diplomatic or consular authorities of any Member State on the same conditions as the nationals of that State. Member States shall lay down the necessary rules among themselves and enter into the international negotiations required to guarantee such protection.

     

    Article 21

    Any citizen of the Union has the right to petition the European Parliament in accordance with Article 194.

    Any citizen of the Union may apply to the Ombudsman established under Article 195 of the Treaty on European Union.

    Any citizen of the Union may write to any of the institutions or bodies referred to in this Article or Article 7 in one of the languages provided for in Article 314 and obtain a reply in the same language.

     

    These rules were further developed by the Lisbon Treaty in the following terms:

     

    Lisbon Treaty


    Article 18

    Within the scope of application of the Treaties, and without prejudice to their special provisions, any discrimination based on nationality shall be prohibited.

    The European Parliament and the Council, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, may adopt rules to prohibit such discrimination.

     

    Article 19

    Without prejudice to the other provisions of the Treaties and within the limits of the powers conferred by them on the Union, the Council, acting unanimously in accordance with a special legislative procedure and after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament, may take appropriate action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

    By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the European Parliament and the Council, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, may adopt the basic principles of Union incentive measures, excluding any harmonization of the laws and regulations of the Member States, to support the actions of the Member States designed to contribute to the achievement of the objectives referred to in paragraph 1.

     

     

    Article 20

    Citizenship of the Union is established. Any person holding the nationality of a Member State shall be a citizen of the Union. Citizenship of the Union is additional to national citizenship and does not replace it.

    Citizens of the Union enjoy the rights and are subject to the duties laid down in the Treaties. In particular, they

    The right to move and stay freely within the territory of the Member States;

    The right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament, as well as in municipal elections in the Member State of residence, under the same conditions as nationals of that State;

    The right, in the territory of third countries in which the Member State of which they are nationals is not represented, to enjoy the protection of the diplomatic and consular authorities of any Member State, under the same conditions as nationals of that State;

    The right to petition the European Parliament, the right to appeal to the European Ombudsman and the right to address the Union's institutions and advisory bodies in one of the languages of the Treaties and to receive a reply in the same language.

    These rights shall be exercised under the conditions and within the limits defined by the Treaties and the measures adopted to implement them.

     

    Article 21

    Every citizen of the Union has the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States, subject to the limitations and conditions laid down in the Treaties and in the provisions adopted pursuant thereto.

    If, in order to attain that objective, action by the Union proves necessary and the Treaties have not provided the necessary powers, the European Parliament and the Council, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, may adopt provisions to facilitate the exercise of the rights referred to in paragraph 1.

    For the same purposes as those referred to in paragraph 1, the Council may, acting in accordance with a special legislative procedure, adopt measures relating to social security or social protection if the Treaties have not provided powers for this purpose. The Council shall act unanimously after consulting the European Parliament.

     

     

    Article 22

    Any citizen of the Union residing in a Member State other than that of which he is a national shall have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections in the Member State in which he resides, under the same conditions as nationals of that State. This right shall be exercised without prejudice to the procedures adopted unanimously by the Council, acting in accordance with a special legislative procedure, and after consulting the European Parliament; these procedures may provide for derogations where justified by problems specific to a Member State.

    Without prejudice to Article 223(1) and the provisions adopted for its implementation, every citizen of the Union residing in a Member State other than that of which he is a national shall have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament in the Member State in which he resides, under the same conditions as nationals of that State. This right shall be exercised without prejudice to the arrangements adopted by the Council acting unanimously in accordance with a special legislative procedure and after consulting the European Parliament; these arrangements may provide for derogations where justified by problems specific to a Member State.

     

    Article 23

    Every citizen of the Union shall, in the territory of a third country in which the Member State of which he is a national is not represented, be entitled to protection by the diplomatic or consular authorities of any Member State on the same conditions as the nationals of that State. Member States shall take the necessary measures and enter into the international negotiations required to guarantee such protection.

    The Council, acting in accordance with a special legislative procedure and after consulting the European Parliament, may adopt directives laying down the coordination and cooperation measures necessary to facilitate such protection.

     

    Article 24

    The European Parliament and the Council, by means of regulations adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, lay down the procedural rules and conditions for submitting a citizens' initiative within the meaning of Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union, including the minimum number of Member States from which the citizens submitting the initiative must come.

    Any citizen of the Union has the right to petition the European Parliament, in accordance with Article 227.

    Any citizen of the Union may apply to the Ombudsman established under Article 228 of the Treaty on European Union.

    Any citizen of the Union may write to any of the institutions, bodies, offices or agencies referred to in this Article or in Article 13 of the Treaty on European Union in one of the languages provided for in Article 55(1) of that Treaty and obtain a reply in the same language.

     

     

    Article 25

    The Commission shall report to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee every three years on the application of the provisions of this Part. This report shall take account of the development of the Union.

    On the basis of these reports, and without prejudice to the other provisions of the Treaties, the Council, acting unanimously in accordance with a special legislative procedure and after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament, may adopt provisions designed to extend the rights listed in Article 20(2). Such provisions shall enter into force after their adoption by the Member States in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements.

     

     


    [1] At the time of writing, the Lisbon Treaty had not yet been ratified, nor was it expected to be in a position to enter into force on January 1, 2009,

    [2] This is the other name given in the 1957 Treaty of Rome, successively amended by several other treaties. 

    [3] The European Union (EU) succeeded the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Community (EC). It comprised 27 member states.

    The current name comes from the Treaty on European Union, also known as the Maastricht Treaty.

    The member states are Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, which founded the Community in 1957. There have subsequently been six enlargements: in 1973, with the entry of Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom; in 1981, with the entry of Greece; in 1986, with the entry of Portugal and Spain; in 1995, with the entry of Austria, Finland and Sweden; in 2004 with the entry of the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Poland; in 2007 with the entry of Bulgaria and Romania.

    Norway and Switzerland held referendums in 1972 and 1994 for the former and in 2001 for the latter, but their citizens rejected integration into the Union. Croatia, Turkey and Macedonia were candidates for integration.

    [4] Citizenship of the Union is established. Any person who holds the nationality of a Member State is a citizen of the Union. Citizenship of the Union is additional to national citizenship and does not replace it.

     

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