Portuguese Citizenship by Descent

Portugal offers several pathways to citizenship. Individuals born in Portugal automatically gain citizenship, regardless of their parents' nationalities. Those born abroad to at least one Portuguese parent, with their birth registered in the Portuguese civil registry, or those with a Portuguese grandparent who retained their citizenship, are eligible for Portuguese citizenship by descent.

A Portuguese passport provides freedom of movement and visa-free access to over 190 destinations. As an EU citizen, you have the right to live, work, and study within the European Union, benefiting from seamless borders and diverse opportunities across member states. Additionally, the special tax regime for non-habitual residents (NHR) offers tax exemptions or reduced taxes on foreign-sourced income for ten years. Portugal also permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Portuguese citizenship.

Requirements of Portuguese citizenship by descent

Since those born in Portugal are automatically granted Portuguese citizenship regardless of their parents' nationalities, there are two ways for individuals born outside of Portugal to claim citizenship by descent:

• Having at least one Portuguese parent, with the applicant’s birth registered in the Portuguese civil registry
• Having at least one Portuguese grandparent (a second-degree relative) who is a Portuguese citizen and has not lost their Portuguese citizenship

Conditions for descendants

• Direct lineage: The applicant must prove direct descent from a Portuguese citizen, through at least one parent or grandparent
• Language proficiency: A basic knowledge of Portuguese and a strong connection with the country might be required in some cases

Conditions for ancestors

• Portuguese citizenship: For ancestors to qualify as a basis for citizenship by descent, they must be or have been Portuguese citizens who did not lose their citizenship

Documents required

To apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent, applicants must gather and submit various official documents that verify their lineage and demonstrate their connection to the country.

• Certified copies of birth certificates of both the applicant and the ancestor
• Marriage certificates, if applicable, to establish the family lineage
• Proof of citizenship documents, such as passports or citizenship certificates, proving the Portuguese citizenship of the ancestor
• Valid identification documents of the applicant
• Criminal record certificate from the applicant's country of residence may be required
• Completed application form as prescribed by the Portuguese authorities

Procedures and time frame for Portuguese citizenship by descent

The procedure for obtaining Portuguese citizenship by descent involves gathering the necessary documents and submitting the application to the relevant Portuguese authorities, either in Portugal or at a Portuguese consulate abroad. Authorities will verify the documents and the lineage claim, and upon successful verification, the applicant is granted Portuguese citizenship and can then apply for a Portuguese passport.

The entire process typically takes around two years.