MORE ABOUT Portugal

Portugal's Citizenship by Descent

Portugal offers citizenship by descent to individuals with Portuguese ancestry, allowing them to reconnect with their heritage and gain the benefits of Portuguese and EU citizenship.

Statistics

Portugal - Citizenship By Descent

Discover Citizenship by Descent in Portugal

Portuguese citizenship by descent is available to individuals who can prove Portuguese ancestry in a direct line. This path to citizenship allows descendants of Portuguese citizens to claim their heritage, with specific provisions for different groups.

Minimum Income Amount

Visa-Free Travel Countries

175

Months to Visa

Overview

A Snapshot of Citizenship by Descent in Portugal

One-Liner: Reconnect with your Portuguese roots through citizenship by descent.

Eligibility Requirements

At least one parent or grandparent was a Portuguese citizen

Anchor Ancestor restrictions

Must not have lost their Portuguese citizenship

Months to citizenship

18-36 months

Length of Visa

Months to Visa

Physical Presence Requirement

None

Availability

Difficult

Family Allowance

Spouse and children

Overview

Benefits of Citizenship by Descent in Portugal

Portuguese citizenship offers numerous advantages, including EU membership benefits, visa-free travel to approximately 180 countries, and the opportunity to live and work in Portugal and other EU countries.

Administrative Path: Submit application to the Institute of Registries and Notaries at the National Center for Support to the Integration of Migrants (CNAIM) in Lisbon or Porto.

Overview

Requirements for Citizenship by Descent in Portugal

To apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Prove Portuguese ancestry through a parent or grandparent
  • Demonstrate that your Portuguese ancestor has not lost their citizenship
  • Provide necessary documentation to prove family ties and Portuguese ancestry
  • Submit a complete application with all required documents (all non-Portuguese documents must be translated to Portuguese and apostilled or legalized)
  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language
  • No criminal record for certain crimes or involvement in terrorist activities

Overview

Documents Needed for Portugal's Citizenship by Descent

Completed application form

Birth certificates (your own and your Portuguese ancestors')

Marriage Certificate

Proof of Portuguese citizenship of ancestor (e.g., old Portuguese passports, citizenship certificates)

Proof of name changes (if applicable)

Criminal record check

Proof of sufficient knowledge of Portuguese language

Discover How GlobalPassport Simplifies the Application Process for Portugal's Citizenship by Descent

Step-by-Step Guidance

Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.

Document Preparation

We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.

Application Submission

Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.

FAQs about Portugal's Citizenship by Descent

Is there a generational limit for Portuguese citizenship by descent?

Plus icon

Do I need to speak Portuguese to apply for citizenship by descent?

Plus icon

How long does the citizenship application process take?

Plus icon

Can I hold dual citizenship with Portugal?

Plus icon

Where do I submit my application for Portuguese citizenship by descent?

Plus icon

Plus icon

Why Portugal

Portugal offers a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and the benefits of EU membership. As a Portuguese citizen, you'll have access to opportunities across Europe and beyond.

Benefits:

  • EU citizenship
  • Visa-free travel to approximately 180 countries
  • Right to live and work in Portugal and other EU countries

Advantages:

  • High quality of life
  • Affordable cost of living
  • Favorable tax regime for new residents

Hear from our satisfied customers

Customer testimonials

"The document requirements to secure Italian Citizenship are daunting, until GlobalPassport™ streamlines it all. Absolute game changer!"

Roya Kambin
San Ramona, CA
Joined February 2023

"The convenience of GlobalPassport™ service is unmatched. I was always able to access my Spanish Citizenship application, which for someone as busy as I am, fit perfectly into my busy schedule.”

Alex Arriaga
Founder
Arlington, Virginia

"I’ve been waiting to apply for Slovak citizenship for the longest time but didn’t feel comfortable with the local law firms I found online. Feels great to work with an American firm!”

Kelly P
Akron, Ohio

As seen in

Your Passport to Freedom.
Live Where You Belong.

Learn which mobility asset best suits your needs and aspirations.

take free assessment