Portugal Citizenship by Descent: Everything You Need to Know

Portugal Citizenship by Descent at a Glance

What is Portuguese citizenship by descent?

Based on Portugal’s Nationality Act, foreign nationals can obtain citizenship by descent if one of their parents was a Portuguese national or resident of Portugal at the time of their birth. The law also allows descendants of Portuguese grandparents to qualify.

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

Gaining 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.

• Visa-free travel in the EU: Portuguese citizenship grants you full passport benefits. 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 access 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 a 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.
• Access to excellent healthcare: You can rely on a well-developed public healthcare system that provides universal coverage for medical services for residents.
• Economic and financial advantages: Portuguese citizens can access the EU’s single market, which simplifies cross-border business and investment opportunities.
• Education opportunities: Portuguese citizens have access to the country’s reputable schools and universities.
• Portugal dual citizenship: You can get Portugal dual citizenship, meaning you don’t have to renounce your current nationality as long as your 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.
• Building a legacy: 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.

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
• Long-form birth certificate: Must include the names of both of your parents
• The ID of your Portuguese parent(s) or grandparent(s)
• Your ID or a valid passport
• Certified copy of the grandparent’s marriage certificate, if you apply for citizenship through a grandparent
• A clean criminal record certificate
• 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. You can legalize the documents 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.

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: Consult with our residency and citizenship division at Global Citizen Solutions. They can access your eligibility and identify your claim to Portuguese citizenship.

Step 2: Before you submit the documents, their specialists can review your application and make sure you comply with the Portugal citizenship by descent requirements.

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 much are the application fees?

The fee for Portuguese citizenship applications typically ranges from €175 to €250. Payment options generally include debit cards, Portuguese bank checks, or postal orders.

Any additional expenses, such as legal fees or translation services, can increase the total costs.

Who is not allowed to request Portuguese nationality?

It’s important to figure out the Portugal citizenship by descent rules, as the eligibility criteria are strict.

Those who may not qualify for Portuguese nationality are:

• Individuals who committed serious crimes (three or more years in prison)
• Applicants who are a danger to national security or involved in terrorism
• People with no official documents to prove lineage
• Applicants with false or forged documents

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 from 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.

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.