Portugal Citizenship by Descent: A 2024 Eligibility Guide

Obtaining Portuguese citizenship offers a wide range of benefits, including the opportunity to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union (EU).

Non-EU individuals can attain Portugal citizenship by descent if they have parents or grandparents who hold Portuguese citizenship. However, the process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship is not merely about tracing an ancestral lineage.

Understanding the complexities of acquiring Portugal citizenship by descent can be complex, so we’ve created a detailed guide to help you understand how to obtain it.

This article covers everything from who is eligible to the documents you need. It’s a straightforward roadmap for those acquiring Portuguese citizenship by descent.

This expert-curated guide highlights:

• What is Portuguese citizenship by descent
• The benefits of becoming a Portuguese citizen
• Who’s eligible to apply for Portugal citizenship by descent
• How to get Portuguese citizenship through parents
• How to get Portuguese citizenship through grandparents
• Documents required for Portuguese citizenship by descent application
• About the Portuguese language test, and more.

What is Portuguese citizenship by descent?

Portuguese citizenship by descent, also known as Portuguese citizenship by ancestry or origin, refers to the acquisition of Portuguese citizenship based on familial or ancestral ties to Portugal.

So, if you can prove that you have Portuguese ancestors, you may be eligible to claim Portuguese citizenship by ancestry. This process is secured by the Portuguese Nationality Law by the principles of jus sanguinis (inheritance from Portuguese ancestors) or territoriality (birth within Portuguese territory).

The citizenship application process involves providing documentation that proves your Portuguese ancestry. This means you must prove your direct lineage to a Portuguese ancestor by producing Apostille documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant records.

However, obtaining Portuguese citizenship is not merely about tracing your ancestral lineage. Eligibility is only possible if your parents or grandparents are officially acknowledged as Portuguese citizens.

This legal prerequisite distinguishes the process from simple genealogy records and underscores the significance of a direct familial link to Portuguese citizenship.

Can you hold dual citizenship in Portugal?

Yes, the Portuguese government does allow Portugal dual citizenship. This means foreign nationals can become Portuguese citizens and hold their existing citizenship simultaneously without renouncing their rights.

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.

Acquiring nationality for Portugal has several benefits, which we outline in the section below. Additionally, maintaining dual citizenship can provide greater flexibility and opportunities for international mobility and engagement.

What are the benefits of Portugal citizenship by descent?

Visa-free travel within the EU

Portuguese citizenship acquired through descent grants individuals the freedom to live, work, and travel without constraints within the European Union. This opens up diverse opportunities for career growth, education, and overall mobility.

Access to high-quality healthcare

As Portuguese nationals, including those with citizenship by descent, individuals gain access to the country’s robust healthcare system, ensuring comprehensive medical services and well-being.

Educational opportunities

Portuguese citizens have the privilege of enrolling in the nation’s reputable educational institutions. This benefit extends to those with citizenship by descent, providing favorable conditions for pursuing a quality education.

Cultural connection and sense of belonging

Possessing Portuguese citizenship establishes a legal and familial link to the country, fostering a deeper connection to its rich history and heritage. This cultural connection contributes to an enhanced sense of belonging.

Interconnected legacy

Portuguese citizenship acquired through descent often extends to future generations, creating a lasting familial legacy. This continuity ensures that the family maintains a strong and enduring tie to Portugal and its associated privileges.

High quality of life

Portuguese citizenship allows individuals to live in Portugal, renowned for its high standard of living and good quality of life, adding to the benefits of citizenship by descent.

Portugal Citizenship by Descent Eligibility. Who Qualifies?

Portugal citizenship by descent or Portuguese nationality can be granted in two way:

1. Original assignment, recognized at the time of birth
2. Acquisition, which is valid from the date of registration.

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 Portuguese Nationality Law allows individuals whose parents were Portuguese nationals or residents (domestic or living abroad) at the time of their birth to apply for Portuguese citizenship through descent.

There are numerous scenarios under which you can apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent:

• Children born in territory belonging to Portugal to a Portuguese mother or father
• 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.

Under Portuguese law, demonstrating effective connections with the national community is crucial to claiming Portuguese citizenship by descent. This requires the government to recognize the relevance of these connections, such as proficiency in the Portuguese language and regular contact with Portuguese territory. It’s also contingent on no final sentence conviction for committing a crime punishable by a significant prison term (typically a prison sentence of three years or more).

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.

In a nutshell, you can gain eligibility from one parent or grandparent. There is no age limit to getting Portuguese citizenship through descent. What is important is that you have proof of Portuguese descent that is easily traceable to one or two generations in your succession line.

The Main Routes to Request Portuguese Nationality

1. Portuguese parent – How to get Portuguese citizenship through parents

As a Portuguese citizen, you can pass your citizenship to your children under several conditions. Portuguese nationality law allows for the transmission of citizenship to descendants, but the specific requirements depend on whether the child is born in Portugal or abroad and on the parents’ circumstances.

Automatic citizenship: If you are a Portuguese citizen and your child is born in Portugal, the child automatically acquires Portuguese citizenship at birth.

If your child is born outside of Portugal and at least one parent is Portuguese: If you are a Portuguese citizen and your child is born abroad, the child is entitled to Portuguese citizenship by descent.

To formalize Portuguese citizenship for a child born abroad, you must register the birth at the Portuguese civil registry or at the nearest Portuguese consulate in the country where the child was born. This process involves submitting a birth certificate and other documentation proving the parents’ identity and citizenship status.

Portuguese language requirement: If the Portuguese parent was also born abroad and the family has no established residence in Portugal, additional requirements, such as proof of a connection to the Portuguese community (e.g., Portuguese language knowledge), may be necessary.

Here is the process you need to follow:

1. Make an appointment with your local Portuguese Embassy, Portuguese Consulate, or Civil Registry Office – providing your name and phone number.
2. 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’s mandatory to register the marriage/divorce in the Portuguese civil registry system.

Note: If you’re a minor (under 18 years old), your parents must apply on your behalf, but you don’t need to be present at the Consulate.

2. Portuguese grandparent – How to get Portuguese citizenship through grandparents

If your grandparent(s) were Portuguese citizens, you’re 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 Portuguese grandparents are like those required to claim through parents, except that you would need to produce documentation proving the Portuguese nationality of your grandparent(s). You must also 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, including a sufficient understanding of the Portuguese language. Additionally, it’s 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.

3. Portuguese ancestry – citizenship through ancestry

You could still be eligible for Portuguese citizenship if you have a Portuguese great-grandparent. Even without living parents or grandparents of Portuguese descent, there is a potential pathway to obtain citizenship through naturalization. This is possible if the ancestor is of Portuguese origin and sufficient evidence demonstrates a connection to Portugal.

How to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship by Descent

Applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent involves several steps. It all starts with identifying your claim to Portuguese ancestry, which can be through parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents.

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 or 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 slightly differs from acquiring it through Portuguese grandparents.

Portugal Citizenship by Descent Requirements - Documents

Applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent requires the applicant to gather and submit numerous official documents. These documents serve to validate your lineage and provide other necessary identification details.

Below is a comprehensive list of the documents that you’ll generally need to apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent:

• 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. It should be signed by either of those parties, and the signature should be authenticated by a notary public.
• Birth certificate: You’ll need to provide an original copy of your birth certificate 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 apply for citizenship through a parent, you’ll need to provide their ID.
• Certified copy of the grandparent’s marriage certificate: If you apply 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: To apply for citizenship through this route, a citizenship test is necessary to prove ties with Portugal; this can be done by taking a Portuguese proficiency exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Portuguese as a foreign language. In citizenship cases for grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the proof needs to be more specific.

Remember, the required documents may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your lineage. You’re 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 officially translated into Portuguese.

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 isn’t in Portuguese, a translation by a translator recognized by the Portuguese Consulate is mandatory.

Proving proficiency in the Portuguese language

Proving your affiliation with the Portuguese community is essential for those seeking to obtain Portuguese citizenship by descent. This can be achieved through demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the Portuguese language.

The following documents serve as acceptable evidence:

1. Certificate of proficiency obtained from a Portuguese private school or public school.
2. Certificate of proficiency issued by the Portuguese Consulate during residency abroad, provided the Portuguese proficiency exam was taken through the Center of Evaluation of Portuguese Language (CIPLE) in Portugal or in other designated exam centers worldwide.
3. Certification of proficiency in Standard European Portuguese as a second language from any authorized Portuguese Evaluation Centre.
4. Diploma conferred by a recognized Portuguese public or private educational institution.
5. For graduates of a public school or a private school in Portuguese speaking countries, submission of the school diploma suffices.
6. In cases where literacy isn’t attained, alternative proof demonstrating proficiency in Portuguese is accepted.

Please note that Portuguese speakers of former Portuguese territories, such as Brazil, don’t need to prove proficiency in the language. They still need, however, to prove they have ties with the Portuguese community.

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 of obtaining a Portuguese passport:

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 local Portuguese Consulate in your country of residence or AIMA (which replaced SEF as the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) if you’re in Portugal. You’ll need to book an appointment for your Portuguese 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 AIMA.

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 AIMA (Portuguese authorities for immigration) office and is typically done so during your appointment. Generally, you can pay by debit or credit card, though some consulates accept a money order.

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.

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.

Portuguese Nationality Processing Time and Cost

Processing Portuguese citizenship applications can take up to a few months for the children of Portuguese parents and 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.

The fee for Portuguese citizenship applications is typically between €175 to €200. Generally, your payment options are a debit card, Portuguese bank checks, or a postal order.

Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jews

The Portuguese government recognizes the historical connection between the country and Portuguese 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 Jewish ancestry is those who descended from the traditional Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula (modern Portugal and Spain). The law applies not only to people who currently practice Judaism but also to those who can prove a traditional Sephardic cultural connection, such as having a family history of using Ladino language.

If you have Sephardic Jewish ancestry in your family tree, 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 from your family tree, 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 ancestry, 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’ll receive Portuguese citizenship.

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 who is well-versed in Portuguese immigration and citizenship laws to navigate the process effectively. We recommend consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer before beginning your application. During the application process, you can give them power of attorney to handle specific tasks related to your application, such as submitting documents or communicating with authorities.

Remember, obtaining Portuguese citizenship will not only give you the rights and benefits of being a Portuguese national. Still, it will also grant you a resident permit that allows you to live, work, and move freely within the countries of the European Union.

Acquire Portuguese Citizenship: Entities That Can Help

There are several organizations and entities that are involved in the process or can be utilized to find the documentation required to prove your ties to Portugal and obtain Portuguese citizenship:

• Conservatória dos Registos Centrais – The Portuguese central registry office where applications for Portuguese citizenship are processed.
• Portuguese Embassy and Consulates—These are International offices where application documents are acquired and submitted outside Portugal. If you need to make an appointment, check with your local consulate.
• Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) – Portuguese government agency responsible for registering and notarizing civil, property, commercial, and vehicle records, ensuring legal documentation and public trust.
• Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) – This organization has been replaced by The Agency for Migration and Asylum (AIMA), which is now responsible for managing immigration, asylum, and border control.
• Portuguese Civil Registry Offices – District offices where births, deaths, and marriages are officially documented and registered. This is where you’ll find documentation for family ties to Portugal.

Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?

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• GCS has offices located across Portugal.
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• Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants. 
• We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Portugal Citizenship by Descent Program