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Thousands of Israelis lined up for hours outside the Portuguese Embassy in Tel Aviv this past weekend, hoping to apply for Portuguese citizenship or renew their Portuguese passports, local media reported.
The unusually long queues stretched from the embassy entrance into an underground parking area as interest surged amid recent geopolitical instability and tightened citizenship regulations.
The turnout was prompted by a rare in-person event dubbed "Return to the Old Days," organized by the embassy to bypass its routinely overloaded online appointment system. The embassy announced the initiative via Facebook, stating it would be open to all Portuguese citizens and applicants.
The in-person access window attracted such a large crowd that many people reportedly arrived before dawn in hopes of securing a spot. In contrast, others turned back upon seeing the extensive wait. Embassy officials later reported that "thousands" of individuals were assisted during the event and that "no one was left unattended."
The wave of applications stems from a Portuguese law enacted in 2015, which allows descendants of Sephardic Jews—who were expelled or persecuted during the 16th-century Inquisition—to apply for citizenship. The legislation was designed as a form of historical reparation.
However, the Portuguese government announced in late 2023 that the reparation goals of the law had been achieved. Although the law was not repealed outright, new amendments were introduced that imposed stricter eligibility criteria. These include requirements such as demonstrating a stronger connection to Portugal, including a minimum of three years of residency.
Portuguese citizenship offers holders a European Union passport, granting them freedom of movement across EU countries. This has made it attractive for many Israelis seeking alternative residency options.
In addition to mobility, applicants cite Portugal’s relatively low cost of living and lower tax burdens compared to Israel. Portuguese public universities also have lower admission thresholds and offer significantly reduced tuition fees for EU nationals, further driving interest in citizenship.
The demand for Portuguese citizenship has grown considerably since Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, incident. Many Israelis are now seeking a second passport as a form of insurance amid heightened national security risks and growing uncertainty, Times of Israel reported.
Tens of thousands of Israelis are reported to have left the country since the conflict began, adding urgency to efforts to acquire foreign citizenship.
In a related development, Portugal recently announced that starting in May 2026, the validity of its passports will be extended from five to 10 years. However, applicants from this recent event are still expected to receive the five-year passports under existing rules.
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