While the Spanish law is seen by attorney Zara as an almost impossible task, because of deliberate difficulties from the part of the Spanish legislator, the Portuguese option is much easier.
Zara’s firm is in Herzliya and Lisbon. All applications are submitted directly to the Ministry of Justice in Lisbon and not through an embassy. Yoram Zara can boast with the Portuguese passport that he has issued for himself as well as other members of his family living in Israel and in Turkey.
The firm’s method of operation includes a free eligibility evaluation in which they attempt to identify problems that may arise along the way. The firm explains that while it is relatively easy for eligible applicants to cross the first stage – the stage of proof of Sephardi origin, the second stage with the government is much more challenging. It is enough that there be one mistake, such as a change of name or lack of a certificate, so that the request will be halted and cannot be withdrawn for repair.
To prevent money from being invested in applications that do not stand a chance, the office will do everything possible to submit a valid and complete application.
Two-thirds of Yoram Zara’s clients are Israelis and the rest are Jews from Britain and the US. The firm is closely monitoring the extension of applicants’ queues and is therefore trying to complete the submission process to the government of any request for Portuguese citizenship within three months.
Bottom line: For those who believe only those who have managed to get a passport for themselves and have the experience since the beginning of the law.
