Portuguese Citizenship
Portuguese citizenship opens a world of opportunities, from free movement within the European Union (EU) to accessing a high standard of healthcare and education.
If you have Portuguese parents or grandparents, you may be eligible for citizenship through descent. Portuguese Nationality Law recognizes nationality through jus sanguinis (derived from Portuguese ancestors) or territorial (if the child was born in Portuguese territory).
Acquiring Portuguese citizenship by descent is a process through which individuals of foreign nationality, with either parents or grandparents who are Portuguese citizens, can obtain Portuguese nationality. It’s not merely about tracing your roots to Portuguese ancestry; you’re eligible to become a Portuguese national if you have a parent or grandparents who are recognized Portuguese citizens.
In this blogpost, we’re going to look at eligibility, required documents, and how to apply for Portugal’s citizenship by descent program. We’ll also provide some alternative paths to citizenship.
How to apply for Portugal citizenship by descent?
A foreign national who has a Portuguese parent or grandparent can apply for Portuguese nationality at the Institute of Registries and Notaries of the National Center for Migrant Integration (CNAIM) in either Lisbon or Porto.
Alternatively, applications can be made online if you have a legal representative or in-person at the Civil Registry/Portuguese Consulate in their area of residence.
To apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent, your first step is to gather documentation proving your lineage to a Portuguese citizen. This typically involves obtaining birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates, which illustrate your familial connection. The type of documentation and process will vary slightly depending on your specific lineage path. For example, acquiring Portuguese citizenship through parents is slightly different than through grandparents, and so forth.
Portuguese citizenship through parents
If you’re seeking Portuguese citizenship and one or both of your parents are Portuguese citizens, the process involves several steps and you will need to present specific documents. Here is the process you need to follow:
- Make an appointment with your local Portuguese Embassy, Consulate, or Civil Registry Office – providing your name and phone number.
- Collect the necessary documents, including:
- Original or certified copy of your birth certificate
- Copy of your passport or another valid picture ID document (not necessary for children under 14 years of age)
- Birth certificate of the Portuguese descendent parent
- Birth certificates for both parents if one or both are Portuguese OR a valid Portuguese ID document. If you don’t have these, you should provide the full name and date of birth of the Portuguese parent(s) to allow the Embassy or Consulate to locate the respective Portuguese birth certificate.
- Original or certified copy of your parents’ marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Proof of address
If your parents’ marriage or divorce took place outside of Portugal, it is mandatory to register the marriage/divorce in the Portuguese civil registry system.
Note: If you’re a minor (under 18 years), your parents need to apply on your behalf, but you don’t need to be present at the Consulate.
Portuguese citizenship through grandparents
If your grandparent(s) were Portuguese citizens, you are also eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. However, for eligibility, you would need to prove your lineage, just as you would through a parent.
The process and documents required to claim citizenship through grandparents are like that of claiming through parents, except that you would need to produce documentation proving the Portuguese nationality of your grandparent(s). You would also need to demonstrate your relationship with your grandparent(s) through birth and marriage certificates.
To meet the requirements for residency in Portugal, you must demonstrate strong connections to the country, which includes having a sufficient understanding of the Portuguese language. Additionally, it is necessary to have a clean criminal record with no prison sentences of three years or more for offenses punishable under Portuguese law. Furthermore, there should be no indication of posing a danger or threat to national security or defense by engaging in activities associated with terrorism, as defined by the applicable law.
Portuguese citizenship through ancestry
If you have a Portuguese great-grandparent, you might still be eligible for citizenship. If you have a Portuguese great-grandparent, you could still be eligible for Portuguese citizenship. Even in the absence of living parents or grandparents of Portuguese descent, there is a potential pathway to obtain Portuguese citizenship through naturalization. This is possible if the ancestor is of Portuguese origin and there is sufficient evidence demonstrating a connection to Portugal.
Required Documents to Request Portuguese Nationality
Below is a comprehensive list of the documents that you will generally need to apply for Portuguese citizenship:
- Official application form: The first document you’ll need is an official application form. This form is to be filled out by the applicant or their legal representative and should contain all relevant identification information.
- Birth certificate: You’ll need to provide an original copy of your birth cert issued in your country of residence. The birth certificate must include the names of both your parents.
- Copy of Portuguese parent(s) or grandparent(s) ID: The next set of documents you’ll need are copies of the ID of your Portuguese parent(s) or grandparent(s). If you’re applying for citizenship through a parent, you’ll need to provide their ID.
- Certified copy of the grandparent’s marriage certificate: If you’re applying for citizenship through a grandparent, you’ll need to provide an original copy of your grandparent’s marriage certificate.
- Valid ID: A copy of your valid passport or ID is also necessary. This serves as proof of your identity and can also demonstrate ties to your country of residence (for example, if you regularly visit Portugal, own property there, etc.).
- Background check: A criminal record check will be conducted.
- Proof of affairs with Portugal: A citizenship test is necessary to prove ties with Portugal, this can be done by demonstrating knowledge of the Portuguese language. In citizenship cases for grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the proof needs to be more exhaustive.
Remember, the required documents may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your lineage. You are encouraged to contact the nearest Portuguese Consulate or Embassy for the most accurate information related to your case. Ensure all your documents are properly certified and translated into Portuguese.
Please note that any foreign document must be legalized beforehand, either with the Apostille of the Hague Convention or by the Portuguese Consulate and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country where the document was issued. If the document is not in Portuguese, a translation by a translator recognized by the Portuguese Consulate is mandatory.
Processing time
Processing Portuguese citizenship applications can take up to a few months for the children of Portuguese parents to a couple of years in other circumstances. This duration is due to the multiple checks and processes involved in verifying and confirming all the information provided. However, the application fee is not too high, typically between €175 to €200.
Who can request Portuguese nationality?
Portuguese nationality can be granted in two main ways:
- Original assignment, recognized at the time of birth
- Acquisition, which is valid from the date of registration.
As per the Portuguese Nationality Law (Organic Law No. 2/2018, of July 5), nationality can be acquired either by right of blood (jus sanguinis) derived from Portuguese ancestors, or by birth within Portuguese territory. In both cases, the recipients are considered Portuguese by origin.
The law allows individuals, whose parents were Portuguese nationals or residents (domestic or abroad) at the time of their birth, to apply for Portuguese citizenship through descent. There are numerous scenarios under which this could occur, some of which are:
- Children born abroad to a Portuguese parent who is serving the Portuguese State
- Children born abroad to a Portuguese parent, provided they are registered in the Portuguese civil registry or express a desire to be Portuguese citizens.
- Individuals born abroad with at least one second-degree ascendant (e.g., a grandparent) of Portuguese nationality who did not lose their nationality can claim citizenship if they express a desire to be Portuguese, maintain effective connections to the Portuguese community, and have their birth registered in the Portuguese civil registry, given that these conditions are met.
It’s important to note that Portuguese citizenship can be pursued based on ancestry (such as having a Portuguese parent or grandparent) or based on the parents being legal residents in Portugal, even prior to completing the mandatory residence period.
In accordance with Portuguese law, demonstrating effective connections with the national community is crucial. This requires the Government’s recognition of the relevance of these connections, such as proficiency in the Portuguese language and regular contact with Portuguese territory. It is also contingent on no final sentence conviction for committing a crime punishable by a significant prison term.
The eighth amendment to Law No. 37/81, of October 3, authorizing the Nationality Law, and Organic Law No. 2/2018, of July 5, grants access to native nationality and naturalization to individuals born on Portuguese soil.
Portuguese citizenship for Sephardic Jews
The Portuguese government recognizes the historical connection between the country and Sephardic Jews who were expelled during the Inquisition in the 15th century. In a bid to make amends for this historical wrong, Portugal has enacted laws allowing Sephardic Jews and their descendants to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Sephardic Jews are those who descended from the ancient Jews and traditional Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula (modern Portugal and Spain). The law doesn’t only apply to people who currently practice Judaism; it also applies to those who can prove a traditional Sephardic cultural connection, such as having a family history of using Ladino language.
If you have a Sephardic Jewish heritage, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship through the following process:
- Proof of Sephardic heritage: The first step in the process is to provide proof of your Sephardic heritage. This could be through genealogical records, a surname that is common among Sephardic Jews, or proof that your family traditionally used Ladino.
- Certification from a Portuguese Jewish community: The next step involves obtaining a certificate from a Portuguese Jewish community. This community must be legally recognized, and they must certify that you are of Sephardic Jewish descent.
- Submission of application: After obtaining the certificate, you can then submit your citizenship application, which will include your certification and proof of Sephardic Jewish ancestory, along with other necessary documents such as your long-form birth certificate and identification. You’ll also need to submit “proof of affairs” with the Portuguese community, as per the amendment to the Nationality Law that came into force in September 2022.
- Review process: The Portuguese government will then review your application. This process may take several months as the government thoroughly checks all provided information and documents.
- Approval: If your application is approved, you will then be granted Portuguese citizenship.
It’s important to note that while the Portuguese government allows for citizenship through Sephardic Jewish descent, the process can be complex and often requires expert assistance. You may need the support of a professional well-versed in Portuguese immigration and citizenship laws to navigate the process effectively.
Remember, obtaining Portuguese citizenship will not only give you the rights and benefits of being a Portuguese national but will also grant you a resident permit that allows you to live, work, and move freely within the countries of the European Union.
Can you hold dual citizenship?
Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship. This means that foreign nationals can be a Portuguese citizen and hold their existing citizenship simultaneously without renouncing their rights in either.
Having a second citizenship is an advantageous situation that allows you the privileges and benefits of both nations. This can include the right to reside, work, vote, access healthcare and education, and even get a passport in both countries.
However, it’s crucial to understand that while Portuguese law allows for dual citizenship, it’s a two-way process. Your second country of nationality must also permit its citizens to hold dual citizenship. If the other country doesn’t allow dual citizenship, you might have to give up your original nationality to become a Portuguese citizen, or vice versa.
How to Get a Portuguese Passport
After successfully obtaining Portuguese citizenship by descent, the next step is to apply for your Portuguese passport. This travel document verifies your status as a Portuguese citizen and grants you the freedom to move within the European Union and other countries. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Eligibility: Ensure you have your Portuguese Citizenship Card as proof of your Portuguese citizenship. It would be best if you had this before applying for a passport.
- Schedule an appointment: Contact the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence or the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) if you’re in Portugal. You’ll need to book an appointment for your passport application.
- Prepare the necessary documents: Gather all the necessary documents. This typically includes your Portuguese Citizen Card, proof of payment for passport fees, and a completed passport application form. The exact documents may vary depending on your location, so check with the Portuguese Embassy, Consulate, or SEF.
- Attend the appointment: Attend the appointment in person. Here, you’ll submit your application and the necessary documents. You may also need to have biometric data (like fingerprints) taken.
- Payment of fees: Pay the required application fee for the passport application. The fee can be paid at the embassy, consulate, or SEF office and is typically done so during your appointment.
- Collection or delivery: After your application is processed and approved, you’ll receive your Portuguese passport. The method of collection varies. Some Embassies or Consulates might require you to pick up the passport in person, while others may offer delivery services.
Remember, the Portuguese passport needs to be renewed every five years for adults and every two years for children under the age of five. Always check the expiry date and start the renewal process well in advance of any planned travel.
Who We Are and How We Can Help
We at Global Citizen Solutions are immigration experts, headquartered in Portugal with offices in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. We have a large team of local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists with more than five decades of combined experience who can help you throughout your journey to secure your Portuguese citizenship by ancestry.
Simply get in touch today to talk to one of our experts about this citizenship route.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, we can also refer you to alternative paths to Portuguese residency, such as the Golden Visa program.
Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions for Your Golden Visa Portugal Application
Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal’s Citizenship by Descent Program
How do I get Portuguese citizenship by descent?
If you want to claim Portuguese citizenship by descent, it involves a few key steps. Firstly, you need to gather all necessary documents, which include:
- Your birth certificate
- Your Portuguese parent’s birth certificate
- A copy of your valid passport, and other relevant documents as required by the Portuguese immigration authorities.
Once these documents are ready, you can fill out the official application form provided by the Institute of Registries and Notaries. The application can be submitted either in Portugal, at the Portuguese Consulate in your country of residence, or online. You will receive a citizen card that officially denotes your status as a Portuguese national.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship through my grandparents?
Yes, Portuguese citizenship can be acquired through your grandparents. If at least one of your grandparents is or was a Portuguese national who did not lose their nationality, you can claim citizenship. To do so, you need to express your desire to become a Portuguese citizen, maintain effective connections with the Portuguese community, and have your birth registered in the Portuguese civil registry.
How many generations can get Portuguese citizenship?
Portuguese citizenship can be claimed by descendants up to the second degree, which includes children and grandchildren of a Portuguese citizen, as long as the Portuguese ancestor did not lose their nationality. However, there is an exception to this rule when applying for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization.
In such cases, it is possible to skip more than two generations and claim citizenship, even as a great-grandson of a Portuguese individual.
Is it easy to get Portuguese citizenship by descent?
The ease of acquiring Portuguese citizenship by descent can vary depending on your specific circumstances, such as the availability of necessary documentation and your personal connection to the Portuguese community.
However, with the right assistance and information, the process can be straightforward. Our team is here to guide you through your citizenship application process, making it as smooth as possible.
Can my children become citizens of Portugal as well?
Yes, your children can become citizens of Portugal. Once you have obtained Portuguese citizenship, your children are also eligible to apply. As children of a Portuguese citizen, they have the right to apply for citizenship by descent.
They will also need to complete an application and provide supporting documents as you had to for your own application process. After approval, they will receive a citizen card, and can enjoy all the benefits of being a Portuguese national, including a residence permit, allowing them to live and work in Portugal and other countries within the European Union.
Can I get dual citizenship?
If your country of origin allows dual citizenship then yes, you can become a dual citizen of both Portugal and your country of origin.
