Portuguese Citizenship for Descent

The context for citizenship on ancestry

Portuguese citizenship by descent offers individuals the chance to obtain Portuguese nationality through a qualifying ancestor, such as a parent or grandparent, who holds or held Portuguese citizenship. This pathway is especially attractive to those with Portuguese lineage who wish to reconnect with their cultural heritage, enjoy the benefits of European Union citizenship, or improve their global mobility.

Based on the Nationality Law (Organic Law No. 2/2018, of July 5), nationality can be by bloodline (derived from Portuguese ancestors) or territorial (since the child was born in Portuguese territory), therefore ttose who have a portuguese ancestor born in Portugal are elegible for the citizenship by descent

Requirements of Portuguese citizenship by descent

Individuals born outside of Portugal can claim citizenship by descent through two primary avenues:

Having at least one Portuguese parent, with the applicant’s birth registered in the Portuguese civil registry
Having a Portuguese grandparent who retained their 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.