1 Portuguese Citizenship by Descent: Children of Portuguese Citizens
Portuguese citizenship by descent is one of the most straightforward paths to acquiring Portuguese nationality. This route applies to those with at least one Portuguese parent, regardless of where you were born.
Eligibility Requirements
You qualify for Portuguese citizenship by descent if:
- You were born to a Portuguese mother or father (regardless of your birthplace)
- Your parent was a Portuguese citizen at the time of your birth or became one later
This right remains even if your Portuguese parent has passed away, and there is no age limit to apply.
Documentation Required
- Your full birth certificate showing your Portuguese parent
- Your Portuguese parent’s birth certificate
- Proof of your parent’s Portuguese citizenship (if not born in Portugal)
- Your valid identification (passport or ID card)
- Criminal record certificate from your country of residence
- Completed application form from the IRN (Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado)
Application Process
- Collect all required documents
- Have foreign documents apostilled (Hague Convention) or legalized by a Portuguese consulate
- Submit the application at a Portuguese consulate abroad or at a Civil Registry Office in Portugal
- Pay the €250 application fee
- Wait for processing
- Receive your Portuguese citizenship certificate
- Apply for your Portuguese ID card and passport
Processing Times and Special Considerations
- Processing for minor children: 3-5 months
- Processing for adult children: 10-18 months
- No Portuguese language test required
- No residency in Portugal required
- Dual citizenship is permitted
Advantages
Portuguese citizenship by descent is often the quickest and simplest path to citizenship, requiring fewer documents and no language or residency requirements compared to other pathways.
2 Portuguese Citizenship by Descent: Grandchildren of Portuguese Citizens
Portugal offers a generous citizenship policy that extends to grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, though with additional requirements compared to direct children.
Eligibility Requirements
You qualify for Portuguese citizenship as a grandchild if:
- At least one of your grandparents was/is Portuguese
- Your Portuguese grandparent did not lose their nationality
- You can demonstrate “effective ties” to the Portuguese community
- You have no criminal convictions with sentences exceeding 3 years
- You are not involved in terrorist activities or serious/violent crimes
Understanding “Effective Ties”
Since the 2020 law revision, demonstrating “effective ties” has been simplified. The most common ways to prove these ties include:
- Knowledge of the Portuguese language (minimum A2 level) – this is usually sufficient by itself
- Regular visits to Portugal (documented with travel history)
- Property ownership in Portugal
- Participation in Portuguese cultural associations
- Family connections maintained in Portugal
Documentation Required
- Your full birth certificate
- Your parent’s birth certificate (showing the Portuguese grandparent)
- Your Portuguese grandparent’s birth certificate
- Portuguese language proficiency certificate (CIPLE A2 level)
- Criminal record certificate from your country of residence
- Completed application form
- Declaration of ties to the Portuguese community
Application Process
- Gather and authenticate all required documents
- Complete the Portuguese language requirement (CIPLE A2 exam)
- Submit your application at a Portuguese consulate or Civil Registry Office
- Pay the €250 application fee
- Wait for processing (typically 25-30 months)
- Receive your citizenship certificate
- Apply for your Portuguese ID card and passport
Special Considerations
- Processing time is significantly longer than for direct children
- Language proficiency is essential for most applicants
- This pathway remains available even if your Portuguese grandparent has passed away
- All documentation must show clear linkage between you and your Portuguese grandparent
3 Portuguese Citizenship Strategy for Great-Grandchildren (Bisnetos)
While Portugal doesn’t provide a direct citizenship pathway for great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, there is a strategic approach that can work.
The Chain Strategy
Portuguese citizenship law does not directly address great-grandchildren (bisnetos), but citizenship can be “cascaded” through generations by following these steps:
- The person closest to the Portuguese ancestor (typically the great-grandparent of the applicant) first obtains Portuguese citizenship
- Once they become Portuguese citizens, their children can then apply
- After those children obtain citizenship, the next generation can apply
- This creates a chain that can eventually reach the great-grandchild
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify the family member closest to the Portuguese ancestor (parent or grandparent)
- Help that person gather documents proving their relationship to the Portuguese great-grandparent
- Have them complete their citizenship process first
- Once approved, the next generation can begin their application
- Continue the process until reaching the great-grandchild generation
Required Documentation
Each person in the chain will need:
- Their birth certificate
- Birth certificate of their Portuguese parent
- Proof of Portuguese citizenship of their parent
- Criminal record certificate
- Language proficiency (if applying as a grandchild)
Challenges and Considerations
- This approach requires coordination among multiple family members
- The entire process can take several years (3-5 years is common)
- Older family members should prioritize their applications due to document availability
- All family members must meet their respective eligibility criteria
- Original documents from the Portuguese ancestor will be needed for multiple applications