Roman Abramovich gets Portuguese passport

Roman Abramovich has taken up Portuguese citizenship, adding the Iberian EU state’s passport to his Russian and Israeli documents.

A spokesman for the Chelsea owner confirmed a report in the Portuguese press that the billionaire had made the move back in April of this year, Reuters reported today.

The basis for his application was the Portuguese law that offers citizenship to the descendants of Sephardic Jews who fled Portugal during the mediaeval inquisition.

People able to show Sephardic roots and a long standing interest in Sephardic culture can apply on a case by case basis. Abramovich has a long history of donating money to suitable causes around the world.

Despite owning Chelsea, Abramovich has not been seen in the UK often since he was denied a visa in 2018, and his appearance at Stamford Bridge for the first time in years caused a real stir last month.

It’s not clear whether this taking up of Portuguese citizenship could lead to the oligarch spending more time in Europe.