Joana Mendonça
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 Portuguese 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?
Portuguese citizenship by descent, also known as Portuguese citizenship by ancestry or origin, refers to the acquisition of citizenship based on familial or ancestral ties to the country. Portuguese nationality law provides two pathways to citizenship: by origin (original assignment) and by acquisition.
Nationality by origin is granted at birth, typically through descent from a Portuguese parent, while nationality by acquisition is granted later in life through naturalization or marriage.
Under nationality of origin, Portugal applies the principle of jus sanguinis (“right of blood”), allowing citizenship to pass from a Portuguese parent to their child.
Birth in the Portuguese territory (jus soli) may also confer citizenship in certain circumstances. Those who obtain citizenship at birth or through descent are considered Portuguese citizens of origin.
So, if you can prove that you have Portuguese parents or grandparents who are officially acknowledged as Portuguese citizens, you may be eligible to claim Portuguese citizenship by ancestry.
Benefits of Portuguese 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.
Criteria for Portugal Citizenship by Descent
Portuguese law outlines clear criteria for claiming citizenship by descent through parents or grandparents:
Child of a Portuguese parent
If you are born in Portugal to a Portuguese citizen, you automatically acquire Portuguese citizenship at birth. If you are born outside Portugal to a Portuguese citizen, you are eligible for citizenship by descent, but it requires an administrative step.
If the Portuguese parent was serving the Portuguese State abroad (e.g., as a diplomat or military personnel), citizenship is automatic.
Otherwise, the child’s birth must be registered with Portuguese civil authorities, or the child must declare the wish to be Portuguese. There is no age limit, as an adult child can register later to claim citizenship by origin.
Grandchild of a Portuguese citizen
If you have at least one Portuguese grandparent, you can apply for citizenship by descent, provided the grandparent did not lose their nationality. You must:
- Declare your intention to be Portuguese.
- Demonstrate an effective connection to the Portuguese community.
- Register your birth in the Portuguese civil registry.
There is no age restriction for grandchildren applying, but establishing a connection to Portugal is essential. Great-grandchildren are generally not directly eligible unless their parent or grandparent obtains Portuguese citizenship first. Citizenship must be recognized generation by generation, meaning that it can’t skip a generation.
Portuguese citizenship for Sephardic Jews
The Portuguese government allows for citizenship through Sephardic Jewish descent, but the process can be complex. 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.
You can apply for Portuguese citizenship if you have Sephardic Jewish ancestry in your family tree. The first step in the process is to prove your Sephardic heritage. This could be through genealogical records from your family tree, a surname common among Sephardic Jews, or proof that your family traditionally used Ladino.
The process can take several years, and you might require expert assistance, such as 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.
Proving Effective Ties to Portugal
As part of the application process and criteria, you must prove an effective connection to the national community. This ensures a genuine link to Portugal, and the government has set out several ways to prove it.
Portuguese language proficiency: Showing the ability to speak and understand Portuguese is the most direct method. This might involve a language test or proving that Portuguese is used in the family or community.
Cultural and community involvement: Participation in Portuguese cultural associations, frequent visits to Portugal, or engagement in Portuguese traditions can support the application.
While cultural involvement helps, language proficiency is the primary legal requirement for demonstrating effective ties. The following documents serve as acceptable evidence:
- Certificate of proficiency obtained from a Portuguese private school or public school.
- 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.
- Certification of proficiency in Standard European Portuguese as a second language from any authorized Portuguese Evaluation Centre.
- Diploma conferred by a recognized Portuguese public or private educational institution.
- Submission of the school diploma suffices for graduates of public or private schools in Portuguese-speaking countries.
- In cases where literacy isn’t attained, alternative proof demonstrating proficiency in Portuguese is accepted.
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.
Requirements Documents for Portugal Citizenship by Descent
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal Citizenship by Descent
Can I pass Portuguese citizenship to my children?
As a Portuguese citizen, you can pass your citizenship to your children under certain conditions. Portuguese nationality law allows for the transmission of citizenship based on where the child is born and the parents’ circumstances.
If your child is born abroad, they are entitled to Portuguese citizenship by descent. To formalize this, you must register the birth at the Portuguese civil registry or the nearest Portuguese consulate.
How do I apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent?
Portuguese citizenship by descent requires being the child or grandchild of a Portuguese citizen, including those from former colonies and expelled Jews. It’s advisable to work with an immigration lawyer for the Portuguese citizenship application process.
They can assist with handling submissions and necessary documentation. Granting power of attorney allows them to submit the application on your behalf.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship through my grandparents?
Yes, Portuguese citizenship through descent 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 be granted Portuguese 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.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship through my great grandparents?
Descending from a great-grandparent is typically too far back for direct Portuguese citizenship. However, if your parent or grandparent obtains citizenship through them, Portugal citizenship by descent for grandchildren may be possible.
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.
Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent if my ancestor was born in a former Portuguese colony?
Yes, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent if your ancestor was born in a former Portuguese colony, as these territories were once part of Portugal. Citizenship by descent laws may apply, but you may need to provide additional documentation proving your ancestor’s connection to these Portuguese territories.
The process may involve proving your lineage and demonstrating knowledge of the Portuguese language.
How does Portugal's citizenship by descent process compare to other EU countries?
Portugal’s citizenship by descent process is relatively straightforward for those with strong ties to the country, including through Portuguese territories or former colonies. Unlike some EU countries, Portugal may have more lenient residency or citizenship test requirements, especially for those from Portuguese-speaking countries.
How do I authenticate foreign documents for Portuguese citizenship by descent?
To authenticate foreign documents for your Portuguese citizenship by descent application, you’ll need to follow specific steps. Typically, documents must be notarized, translated into Portuguese, and then apostilled or legalized, depending on the foreign nation of origin.
This ensures the documents meet the standards required by Portuguese authorities.
Can I expedite my Portugal citizenship by descent application?
While it’s challenging to expedite a Portuguese citizenship application, working with an immigration lawyer may help streamline the process.
Ensuring all documents are correctly authenticated and translated into Portuguese can also prevent delays. However, like other foreign nationals, you’ll need to follow the standard procedures, including submitting your application at a Portuguese consulate or embassy.
Are there special provisions for Sephardic Jews in Portugal's citizenship by descent law?
Yes, Portugal has special provisions for those with Sephardic Jewish ancestry. Applicants can obtain Portuguese citizenship by descent if they can prove their lineage and connection to Sephardic Jewish communities expelled from Portugal during the Inquisition.
The process involves demonstrating this ancestry and meeting other requirements, such as basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.
Can my children become citizens of Portugal as well?
Yes, your children can obtain Portuguese nationality. 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.
Can siblings of Portuguese citizens apply for citizenship by descent?
Yes, siblings of Portuguese citizens can apply for citizenship by descent if they meet the eligibility criteria. Each sibling must submit a separate citizenship application, which may be processed at the same Portuguese consulate.
Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent if my ancestor was naturalized in another country?
Yes, but if your ancestor renounced their Portuguese nationality when naturalizing in another country, it could complicate the process.
However, some foreign nations recognize dual citizenship, which may allow you to still apply for citizenship by descent through a Portuguese consulate.
Are there any residency requirements for Portuguese citizenship by descent?
No, there are no residency requirements for obtaining citizenship by descent. Applicants can complete the process from abroad, often through a Portuguese consulate, without needing to reside in Portugal.
What are the documents required for Portuguese citizenship by descent application?
To apply for Portuguese citizenship, provide:
- an original or certified copy of your birth certificate
- copy of your passport or another valid ID (not necessary for children under 14)
- birth certificate of the Portuguese parent and,
- if applicable, the marriage certificate of your parents.
If you don’t have these documents, provide the full name and date of birth of the Portuguese parent(s) for the Embassy or Consulate to locate their birth certificate. Also, include proof of address.
What's the processing time for Portuguese citizenship by descent?
The processing time for Portuguese citizenship through descent generally takes at least 24 months.
What's the cost of applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent?
The fee for Portuguese citizenship applications is typically between €175 to €200. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether or not your application is accepted.
Is knowing the Portuguese language required to get citizenship by descent?
To get citizenship through descent, you must have a close connection with the Portuguese community. This must be demonstrable through proficiency in the Portuguese language, residence, or consistent visits to the Portuguese territory.
You can demonstrate your Portuguese language proficiency by passing a CIPLE test. If you live in the US, you can find testing centers in Washington DC, Boston, San Francisco and various other locations.
Can I get a Portuguese passport with Portuguese citizenship through descent?
Yes, you can apply for a Portuguese passport after you become a Portuguese citizen. You’ll need to submit your citizenship certificate, a completed Portuguese passport application form, and a valid photo ID.
Can a US citizen get Portuguese citizenship?
Yes, a US citizen can obtain Portuguese citizenship through two main paths: citizenship by descent if they have Portuguese ancestry, or naturalization by meeting residency requirements and integrating into Portuguese society.
This often involves living in Portugal for several years, demonstrating language proficiency, and having no criminal record. Additionally, Portugal offers a Golden Visa program, which can be a pathway to citizenship through investment and residency.
