An IMGlobalWealth.com News Report
Thousands of Israelis queued for hours on Friday outside Cinema City Glilot in Ramat Hasharon as the Portuguese Embassy opened its doors for an exceptional walk-in appointment day.
The initiative allowed applicants to secure slots for citizenship applications and passport renewals without navigating the embassy’s notoriously congested online system.
The queue stretched from the complex’s main entrance deep into the underground car park, drawing crowds from the early hours of the morning. Many arrived before dawn, while others left after seeing the overwhelming turnout.
“Portuguese citizenship offers freedom of movement across the EU and lower tuition fees at European universities, albeit with proportionately lower wages”
The embassy branded the initiative “Old times are back”, signalling a temporary return to pre-booking procedures. The event, announced through the embassy’s Facebook page, was open to all Portuguese citizens and those seeking to regularise or renew their documentation.
In a statement after the event, embassy officials said that “thousands” had been assisted and that no one had been turned away.
“embassy officials said that “thousands” had been assisted and that no one had been turned away”
The surge in interest reflects a long-running trend. Since Portugal introduced its 2015 nationality law for descendants of Sephardic Jews affected by the Inquisition, Israelis have applied in large numbers. Although Lisbon announced in late 2023 that the original reparatory policy had “fulfilled” its purpose, lawmakers opted against abolishing the route entirely. Instead, requirements have been tightened, including the need to demonstrate meaningful ties to Portugal, such as three years of residency.
The looming policy changes appear to have accelerated demand. Portugal recently confirmed that from May 2026, new passports will be valid for ten years rather than five, although applicants queued on Friday will still receive documents under the existing five-year validity.
For many Israelis, Portuguese citizenship offers practical advantages: freedom of movement across the EU, lower tuition fees at European universities and access to a lower-cost environment than Israel, albeit with proportionately lower wages.
The appeal has grown significantly since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023, which triggered heightened security concerns and a notable rise in emigration.
Tens of thousands of Israelis are estimated to have left the country since late 2023, with second citizenship seen increasingly as a precautionary asset during a period of political and regional volatility. Portugal, viewed as accessible and relatively affordable, has become one of the most sought-after European options.
