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Applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent or birth
Portugal’s nationality law offers a unique opportunity for those with Portuguese ancestry or birth ties to the country to claim nationality. If you have Portuguese heritage through parents or grandparents, you may want to strengthen your familial and cultural ties by applying for citizenship. This pathway also provides opportunities for travel, work, and study across the European Union, as well as access to Portugal’s high quality of life and growing economy.
This guide will explore the application process for becoming a Portuguese citizen by descent or birth, and how citizenship lawyers (Advogados) can be beneficial.
Click on the links below to each section:
Discover issues that may arise during the citizenship process in Portugal, and why applicants should seek expert legal advice.
What is required of applicants looking to become a citizen in Portugal?
Discover the step-by-step process for the Portuguese citizenship application by descent or birth.
Browse which documentation is needed for the citizenship application in Portugal.
Read the common queries on applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent or birth.
What are the common challenges when applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent?
Applying for Portuguese citizenship through descent or birth can present challenges, particularly for foreign nationals who live outside Portugal. One major challenge, which is also predominately an issue for other pathways such as marriage, is the language barrier.
Although applicants by descent or birth do not need to take a Portuguese language and citizenship test (CIPLE), they still need to communicate with Portuguese authorities, navigate legal and bureaucratic terminology and translate documentation where required.
Obtaining overseas or historical documents
Collecting the necessary documentation, outlined further in the guide, may also become a significant obstacle. Older records and documents, like grandparents’ birth or marriage certificates, may not be easy to obtain.
These documents may be misplaced, illegible, or otherwise difficult to obtain, particularly when issued in another country or predate modern record-keeping systems.
Giambrone & Partners’ cross-border immigration lawyers can help address these concerns. We specialise in dealing with international matters and can liaise with Portuguese authorities. This ensures the documents are correct and meet legal requirements. This, in turn, reduces the risk of delays or rejections, particularly in light of the most current legal developments. Our legal expertise is invaluable in overcoming the challenges of proving ancestry and demonstrating eligibility.
For more information, browse our services for gaining citizenship in Portugal here.
The eligibility criteria for applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent
The country's citizenship laws are inclusive of individuals with direct lineage to Portuguese nationals, regardless of their country of origin. The eligibility criteria, as defined by the Portuguese government, ensure that those with Portuguese parents or grandparents, as well as individuals born in Portugal under specific conditions, can claim citizenship.
To qualify for Portuguese citizenship by descent, you must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- If you have a Portuguese parent who was a Portuguese national at the time of your birth, you are automatically eligible for citizenship.
- If you have a Portuguese grandparent who has retained their nationality, you may apply for citizenship, provided you have lived in Portugal for at least three years and can demonstrate integration into Portuguese society.
- If you were born in Portugal to foreign parents, you may be eligible for citizenship based on their residency status. The qualifying period varies depending on the date of your birth: five years of residency since 1981, two years since 2018, or one year since 2020.
It is important to ensure that all claims are supported by documentary evidence and meet the residency or integration requirements where applicable.
What is the application process for citizenship by descent in Portugal?
The application process for Portuguese citizenship depends on your relationship to your Portuguese ancestor or your circumstances of birth. If you are the child of a Portuguese citizen, you automatically qualify for citizenship and can register this status at any time through Portugal’s Civil Registry.
For those who need to apply, this can be done at several official locations:
- IRN offices - Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado
- National Support Centre for the Integration of Migrants – CNAIM
- Citizen Shop
- Local Portuguese consulate and embassy
Unlike other pathways to Portuguese citizenship, such as naturalisation, the application process for citizenship by descent or birth involves minimal fees. If you are claiming citizenship through descent, the application is free. However, if you are applying based on being born in Portugal, the process incurs an application fee of €250.
Read more about the application process for becoming a Portuguese citizen, and the benefits, here.
What documents are required for Portuguese citizenship by descent application?
Similar to other pathways, you must acquire and submit relevant documentation that supports your claim to Portuguese citizenship. For citizenship by descent, the necessary documents typically include:
- Your birth certificate,which serves as proof of identity and connection to your Portuguese ancestor.
- The birth certificate of your Portuguese parent or grandparent, which establishes their Portuguese nationality at the time of your birth.
- Proof of Portuguese descent,such as marriage or civil partnership certificates, where applicable.
- Proof of nationality, which may include a valid passport, identity card, or similar documentation.
- Evidence of permanent residency,if applying based on your grandparent’s citizenship and having lived in Portugal.
- Evidence of integration into the Portuguese community,such as language proficiency or cultural ties, if applicable.
- A signed declaration of Portuguese nationality, affirming your claim.
Gathering these documents can be complex, especially when dealing with older or foreign language records.
Giambrone & Partners is an international law firm specialising in cross-border matters, including gaining citizenship in countries like Spain, Italy and Portugal. Our expert immigration lawyers (Advogados) will guide you through the process of gaining Portuguese citizenship, assessing your validity, and ensuring your application will not be rejected due to an avoidable error.
Contact the Giambrone & Partners’ immigration lawyers for more information on gaining citizenship in Portugal and to request a callback with our immigration lawyers.
Frequently asked questions
What are the differences between acquiring Portuguese citizenship by descent and by naturalisation?
Applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent is based on your familial ties to a Portuguese national, such as a parent or grandparent, and is a much simpler process.
In contrast, naturalisation and the Golden Visa programme require you to fulfil other criteria, such as residing in Portugal for a significant period (generally five years), demonstrating integration into Portuguese society, and passing a Portuguese language test.
What is the processing time for applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent or birth?
Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the relevant authorities. Applications by descent are typically processed more quickly than naturalisation, but preparing for several months of processing is advisable.
Engaging an experienced citizenship lawyer can expedite the procedure by ensuring your application is complete and error-free.
Read our guide on how long the citizenship process takes in Portugal for more information.