Portugal Citizenship by Descent: Everything You Need to Know

Portuguese citizenship by descent, also known as citizenship by ancestry, allows those born outside Portugal to acquire citizenship through their familial ties to Portuguese citizens.

This pathway, based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), is available to individuals with Portuguese parents or grandparents, requiring proof of lineage and, in some cases, ties to the Portuguese community.

In this article, we’ll take a look at:

• What Portuguese citizenship by descent is
• Benefits of Portuguese citizenship by descent
• Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship by descent
• Required documents to apply for Portugal citizenship by descent
• The application process

What is Portuguese citizenship by descent?

Portuguese nationality law allows individuals to become citizens of Portugal in two ways: Origin (through descent, passed from parent to child), or through acquisition (by marriage or naturalization).

This means that children of Portuguese parents or grandparents may apply for citizenship, provided they can prove their lineage or ancestral ties and meet documentation requirements.

Therefore, for individuals born outside Portugal, proving the lineage through birth and marriage certificates (apostilled and translated if necessary) is critical. You must have a direct ancestor, such as a parent or grandparent, who did not lose their nationality.

Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship by Descent

Obtaining Portuguese citizenship by descent offers many benefits, many of which stem from Portugal’s membership in the European Union (EU) and its favorable policies for dual citizens.

EU citizenship and mobility: Portuguese citizenship grants you full EU citizenship rights. This means you can live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states without the need for visas or additional work permits. It also provides freedom of movement across the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free travel to more than 180 countries worldwide.

High quality of life: You can enjoy the country’s exceptional quality of life, characterized by a mild climate, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. You gain access to affordable healthcare through Portugal’s national healthcare system, which is known for its comprehensive and high-quality services.

Portugal dual citizenship: Portugal allows dual citizenship, meaning you don’t have to renounce your current nationality as long as you home country allows dual citizenship, too. This flexibility allows you to retain the rights and privileges of your existing citizenship while enjoying the benefits of being a Portuguese citizen.

Generational continuity: Portuguese citizenship can be passed down to your descendants, ensuring that future generations can also benefit from the opportunities and rights associated with being a Portuguese and EU citizen. It also establishes a sense of belonging and connection.

Economic and financial advantages: Portuguese citizens can access the EU’s single market, which simplifies cross-border business and investment opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Portugal Citizenship by Descent

The eligibility criteria for obtaining Portuguese citizenship by descent depend on proving a direct lineage to a Portuguese citizen. This route is available to individuals with Portuguese parents or grandparents, and the requirements will differ depending on your ancestor.

You have a Portuguese parent

As a Portuguese citizen, you can pass your citizenship to your children under several conditions. Portuguese nationality law allows for the transfer 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. In this case, you will need to register the birth at the Portuguese civil registry or at the nearest Portuguese Consulate in the country where the child was born.

You have a Portuguese grandparent

If your grandparent(s) were Portuguese citizens, you’re also eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent. However, for eligibility, you would need to prove your lineage, just as you would through a parent. You will also need to:

• Declare your intention to become a Portuguese citizen.
• Demonstrate strong connections to the country, including a sufficient understanding of the Portuguese language.
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Register your birth in the Portuguese civil registry.

As a grandchild of a Portuguese citizen, you can apply for citizenship by descent at any age, as long as you fulfil the requirements to establish a connection to Portugal.

A recent proposal has also introduced the likelihood of extending the right to Portuguese nationality to great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens as well, in cases of those born abroad.

You have Portuguese Sephardic ancestry

Individuals with Sephardic Jewish ancestry connected to Portugal can also apply for citizenship, requiring proof of lineage and connection to the Sephardic community.

The Portuguese nationality law recognizes the historical expulsion of Sephardic Jews from Portugal in 1496 and extends citizenship eligibility to their descendants. This initiative allows individuals with Sephardic Jewish ancestry to reconnect with their Portuguese heritage and obtain Portuguese citizenship.

In addition to proving their links to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin, all applicants will be required to have legal residence in Portuguese territory for a period of at least three years, consecutive or interpolated.

Note: A proposal has been made to eliminate direct access to Portuguese nationality for Sephardic Jews. For the latest details, keep an eye on Global Citizen Solutions.

Documents Required to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship by Descent

To apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent, you need to collect and submit several official documents. These documents are crucial for validating your lineage and providing essential identification information.

The type of documentation required, and the process vary slightly depending on your specific lineage.

For instance, the steps for acquiring Portuguese citizenship through parents differ from the steps for doing so through grandparents, which can be a bit more complex. 

In addition to proving the grandparents’ Portuguese nationality, the applicant needs to provide evidence of a meaningful connection to Portugal.

Here is a comprehensive list of the documents you will generally need when applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent: 

• Official application form: Completed and signed by the applicant or their legal representative, and the signature needs to be notarized
• Birth certificate: Must include the names of both of your parents
• The ID of your Portuguese parent(s) or grandparent(s)
• Your valid ID or passport
• Certified copy of the grandparent’s marriage certificate, if you apply for citizenship through a grandparent
• A criminal record check will be conducted.
• Proof of affairs with Portugal: To demonstrate your ties to Portugal (discussed in the section below)

Please keep in mind that the required documents may differ based on your specific lineage circumstances. 

Any foreign document must be legalized in advance, either through 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 required.

How to Prove Effective Ties to Portugal

Establishing your connection to the Portuguese community is crucial for those looking to obtain Portuguese citizenship by descent. This can be accomplished by demonstrating a strong command of the Portuguese language. Another pathway is through cultural and community involvement, where you can participate in Portuguese cultural associations, show frequent visits to Portugal, or demonstrate engagement in Portuguese traditions.

Proficiency in the Portuguese language

While cultural involvement helps, language proficiency is the most important 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.

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

Application process for Portugal Citizenship by Descent

Applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent involves several steps. Below, we provide an overview of the application process to follow. 

Step 1: The process begins with identifying your claim to Portuguese ancestry, which can be through parents or grandparents. All applicants must submit authenticated and apostilled documents, including birth and marriage certificates, to establish their lineage.

Step 2: Gather the required documents according to whether you are applying for citizenship through a parent or grandparent, complete the application form, and 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 submitted online if you have a legal representative or in person at the Civil Registry or Portuguese Consulate in your area of residence.

Step 3: The Portuguese authorities will assess and verify your documents and your lineage claim, and complete your criminal record background check. 

Step 4: Upon successful verification of your application, you will be granted Portuguese citizenship, and you will receive your Portuguese Citizenship Card as proof. You can then apply for a Portuguese passport. 

How to Get a Portuguese Passport

To get your Portuguese passport, you will need to:

1. Book an appointment at your local Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, or directly with AIMA if you are in Portugal.
2. You can also apply for a Portuguese passport online through the Portuguese Citizen’s Portal (Portal do Cidadão) or the IRN website.
3. The documents you will need include your Portuguese Citizen Card, proof of payment for passport fees, and a completed passport application form.
4. You will then attend your appointment and may have your biometric data (e.g., fingerprints and photos) taken.
5. After your application is processed and approved, you will receive your Portuguese passport. Portuguese passports are valid for five years for adults and two years for children, after which it will need to be renewed.

Portuguese Citizenship Processing Time and Cost

Processing Portuguese citizenship applications may take a few months for the children of Portuguese parents, while it can take a couple of years in other situations. This extended duration is due to the various checks and procedures required to verify and confirm all the information provided.

The fee for Portuguese citizenship applications typically ranges from €175 to €200. Payment options generally include debit cards, Portuguese bank checks, or postal orders.

Important Considerations and Helpful Organizations

When considering Portuguese citizenship by descent, be aware of the following:

• Loss of Portuguese citizenship: If your Portuguese ancestor has renounced their citizenship, you may not be eligible for citizenship by descent.
• Portugal dual citizenship: Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you can potentially keep your current nationality while obtaining Portuguese citizenship, as long as your home country allows dual citizenship as well. This includes Portuguese dual citizenship by descent.
• Processing time: The application process can take some time due to backlogs and lengthy approval processes, potentially six months to two years.
• Legal advice: It’s recommended to consult with a lawyer or immigration advisor like Global Citizen Solutions to navigate the application process and ensure you meet all the requirements.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

• Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
• Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
• Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
• Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
• Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.