How to Apply for the Portuguese Citizen Card for the First Time: A Guide for Sephardic Residents in Colombia

Obtaining Portuguese nationality by Sephardic Jewish origin is a significant achievement for many Colombians.

However, once this status is acquired, the next crucial step is to apply for the Portuguese citizen card, also known as Portuguese cedula.

This document is essential to reside and work legally in Portugal and in the European Union.

In this article, we will guide you step by step through the application process from Colombia.

Step by Step to apply for a Portuguese Citizen Card

  1. Preparation of Necessary Documents

Before starting the process, it is essential to gather all the required documents.

These include:

  • Certificate of Portuguese nationality.
  • Valid Colombian identification document (citizenship card).
  • Proof of residence in Colombia.
  • Apostilled birth certificate.
  • Recent passport-size photographs.
  1. Translate and Apostille Documents

To ensure that your documents are accepted by the Portuguese authorities, you will need to translate them into Portuguese (if they are in Spanish) and apostille them.

The apostille is done at the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  1. Request an Appointment at the Portuguese Consulate

Once you have all your documents ready, you must request an appointment at the Portuguese Consulate in Bogota.

You can do it through their official website or by phone.

Be sure to select the option to “Solicitar Cartão de Cidadão”.

  1. Attend the Consular Appointment

On the day of the appointment, bring all required documents with you.

During the appointment, a photograph and your fingerprints will be taken.

You will also need to complete an application form and pay the corresponding fee.

solicitud cedula y pasaporte portugues
  1. Waiting for Citizen Card Issuance

After your appointment, the Consulate will send your documents to Portugal for processing.

Waiting time may vary, but generally takes between 4 to 8 weeks.

Once issued, you can pick up your citizen card at the consulate or have it sent to your address in Colombia.

  1. Register Carton in Portugal

If you plan to reside in Portugal, it is important to register your citizen card with the Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (Tax and Customs Authority) and the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (Foreigners and Borders Service) of Portugal.

Conclusion

Applying for a Portuguese citizen card is a detailed process that requires preparation and patience.

However, with this step-by-step guide, Sephardic residents in Colombia will be able to navigate the process more easily and obtain their Portuguese cedula smoothly.

This document not only facilitates residence and work in Portugal, but also opens the door to multiple opportunities within the European Union.

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For more information and to schedule appointments, visit the following official sources:

  • Consulate of Portugal in Bogota
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
  • Foreigners and Frontiers Service
  • Tax and Customs Authority

With this complete guide, we hope that the application process for the Portuguese citizen card will be clear and accessible to all Colombian Sephardim.

Good luck on your new path as a Portuguese citizen!

If you need more information or help to complete this procedure,

Contact us!