Portuguese citizenship is governed by the Lei da Nacionalidade (Nationality Law, Law No. 37/81 of 3 October 1981, as amended) and its regulations. This legal framework outlines who is Portuguese by birth and how foreign nationals can acquire Portuguese nationality. Over the years, the law has been significantly liberalized – especially in 2018, 2020, and 2024 – to broaden eligibility (for example, granting citizenship to third-generation descendants and more children born in Portugal)irn.justica.gov.ptirn.justica.gov.pt. The law distinguishes nationality by origin (atribuição, acquired at birth) from acquired nationality (aquisição, obtained later by naturalization or other acts). Importantly, Portugal imposes no restriction on dual citizenship: one does not need to renounce other nationalities to become Portuguesejustica.gov.pt. (Do note, however, that some other countries may require you to renounce their citizenship if you become Portuguesejustica.gov.pt.)
Several categories of people are eligible for Portuguese citizenship, including those with Portuguese parents or grandparents, individuals born on Portuguese soil under certain conditions, spouses or partners of Portuguese citizens, long-term residents, and even descendants of Sephardic Jews persecuted in Portugal centuries ago. The law also provides special routes for individuals from former Portuguese territories and other exceptional cases. In the sections below, we break down every pathway to Portuguese nationality, with detailed requirements, steps, and insider tips for each.
Being born in Portugal does not automatically confer citizenship in all cases, but Portugal has expanded jus soli provisions that grant nationality to many children born on Portuguese territory. Under current law, a child born in Portugal is Portuguese at birth if at least one parent meets certain residency conditions at the time of birthirn.justica.gov.pt:
If one parent is a legal resident of Portugal for at least one year (even if the residence status is not formally documented), or if one parent holds any valid Portuguese residence permit, the child is born a Portuguese citizenirn.justica.gov.pt. This includes even situations where the parents might have been undocumented but living in Portugal for 12+ months before the birthirn.justica.gov.pt. Recent reforms in 2020 reduced the required residency period to just one year (down from 2 years in a 2018 law) to make access to citizenship easier for immigrants’ childrennfs-advogados.comirn.justica.gov.pt.
If both parents are foreign and not residents for at least one year, the child is not automatically Portuguese at birth. However, the law provides opportunities to acquire citizenship later in childhood (see below).
If the child would otherwise be stateless, born with no other nationality, then Portuguese nationality is granted at birth as a safeguard (Portugal is party to conventions preventing childhood statelessness).
If a newborn is found abandoned in Portugal with unknown parentage (a foundling), the child is presumed Portuguese by birthen.wikipedia.org.
There are two important exceptions: children born in Portugal to foreign parents who are serving their own country (e.g. foreign diplomats) are not granted Portuguese citizenship, and parents can explicitly decline Portuguese nationality for their child (for instance, if they prefer to pass their own nationality) at the time of birth registrationirn.justica.gov.pt.
Example: Maria and José, undocumented immigrants, have lived in Portugal since 2023. Their child born in Portugal in 2025 will be Portuguese at birth because the parents have been residing in Portugal for over one year. No further action is needed beyond registering the birth. By contrast, if a tourist couple on a short trip gives birth in Portugal, the baby would not be Portuguese, as the parents lack any residency term.
Next Steps for New Parents: If your child qualifies, ensure you declare your residency duration and status when registering the birth at the local Conservatória do Registo Civil (Civil Registry Office). The birth registration will be annotated to reflect Portuguese nationality. If you are foreign diplomats or wish to opt out (rare cases), you must declare that at the registryirn.justica.gov.pt.
Children born in Portugal who did not meet the above criteria at birth have options to obtain citizenship later:
Once a parent has been residing in Portugal for 5 years (even without a formal permit), the child can be granted citizenship by a simple declaration made while the child is a minorirn.justica.gov.pt. For example, if a child was born shortly after the parents arrived, the family can request the child’s citizenship after the 5-year mark of residence.
Alternatively, if by the time the child turns 18 they have lived in Portugal for 10 years, they could apply for naturalization as an adult with a residency basis (though the above minor route is faster and preferable).
In practice, the 2020 amendment created a fast-track for minors: a child born in Portugal to foreign parents can be naturalized immediately as a Portuguese citizen if at the time of the request one parent has 5+ years of residence (legal or not) in Portugal, or one parent has acquired legal resident statusirn.justica.gov.pt. There is no language test for minors in this case, and it’s treated as an entitlement.
Pitfalls to avoid: Failing to register the birth properly or not providing proof of the parents’ residency can delay recognition of the child’s citizenship. Always obtain residency proof (e.g. a certificate of residence from the local parish council) to present at the Conservatória. Also, note that if you prefer your child not to have Portuguese citizenship (perhaps due to another nationality law conflict), you must expressly declare this; otherwise, qualifying children are automatically registered as Portugueseirn.justica.gov.pt.
One unique provision in Portuguese law is the naturalization of descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews – i.e. those Jews who were expelled from Portugal in the 15th-16th centuries during the Inquisition. Portugal (like Spain) acknowledged this historical wrong and in 2015 opened a path to citizenship for the Sephardic Jewish diaspora with Portuguese roots. This does not require residence in Portugal – it is an exceptional clause based on heritage.
Who qualifies: Applicants must demonstrate that they are descendants of Sephardic Jews of Portuguese origin. In practice, this typically applies to Jewish communities in places like Turkey, Morocco, the Balkans, the Netherlands, and the Americas, where many Sephardic families exiled from Portugal eventually settled. Over the last few years, tens of thousands of people (including individuals from Israel, the U.S., Latin America, etc.) applied under this provision.
Requirements: The core requirement is proof of Sephardic lineage with a Portuguese connection. The Portuguese authorities accept two main forms of evidence:
A certificate from an official Portuguese Jewish community (specifically the Jewish Community of Lisbon or of Porto) attesting that the applicant is of Sephardic Portuguese originfiles.dre.ptfiles.dre.pt. These communities have committees that review genealogies. Applicants typically must supply detailed family trees showing descent from known Sephardic ancestors (often with Iberian surnames, etc.). The communities research surnames, family histories, and may require records like old synagogue registries or Inquisition archives to establish the link. A positive certificate will state that the person belongs to a Sephardic lineage of Portuguese origin.
If obtaining the community certificate is not possible, alternative documentation can be presented, such as authenticated records of Sephardic practices or connections: e.g. old synagogue or cemetery records showing your ancestors, family wills mentioning Portuguese Jewish origin, evidence of Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) language in your family, or documents proving familial ties to the exiled Portuguese Jewish communitiesnacionalidadeportuguesa.com.brnacionalidadeportuguesa.com.br. The law and regulations list objective indicators like sephardic surnames, use of Portuguese in rituals, Ladino as a family language, or direct lineage in family treesfiles.dre.ptfiles.dre.pt.
Additionally, the general criteria for naturalization apply: you must be an adult (18+) and not have a serious criminal record (no convictions ≥3 years sentence)files.dre.ptnacionalidadeportuguesa.com.br. There is no Portuguese language requirement in this category (though knowing Portuguese or Ladino can strengthen evidence of Sephardic heritage, it’s not a formal requisite).
Changes in 2022: Originally, proof of lineage via the community certificate was sufficient. However, due to the overwhelming number of applications and some controversies (there were high-profile cases of people obtaining citizenship with tenuous connections, prompting scrutiny), the law was tightened. From September 2022, an amendment (Decree-Law No. 26/2022) introduced an additional requirement of demonstrating an “effective connection to Portugal” as part of Sephardic applicationsfiles.dre.ptfiles.dre.pt. The regulation now asks for evidence of a traditional connection to a Portuguese Sephardic community, through objective ties to Portugalfiles.dre.pt. In practice, this means that beyond just proving an ancestor from 500 years ago, the applicant should show some continuing family customs or link indicative of Portuguese heritage (for example, a family surname that is Portuguese, use of Portuguese or Ladino language in the family or community, or even more modern ties like close relatives who already obtained Portuguese citizenship, etc.). Initially, there were discussions about requiring recent ties like property ownership or visits to Portugal, but the enacted rule focuses on cultural/historical connection. Bottom line: the bar was raised to ensure genuine lineage and some ongoing connection, rather than a purely remote ancestral link.
Application process: Sephardic descent applications are handled by the Central Registry (Conservatória dos Registos Centrais) in Lisbon:
First, gather genealogical evidence of your Sephardic ancestry. Often this involves tracing your family tree to a common Sephardic ancestor who can be linked to Portugal (for example, an ancestor with a Portuguese surname who lived in a known Sephardic diaspora community).
Obtain the certificate from the Jewish Community of Lisbon or Porto. You will submit your genealogy to them; if satisfied, they issue the certificate (note: these organizations charge a fee for this service, separate from government fees).
Prepare the required documents: your birth certificate (apostilled), criminal record certificates from all countries where you’ve lived (apostilled and translated if needed), a copy of your passport, and the community certificate or equivalent proofnacionalidadeportuguesa.com.br. Fill out the official application form for naturalization under Article 6(7) of the Nationality Law.
Submit the application to the Conservatória (you can do this via mail or through a lawyer in Portugal; many applicants hire Portuguese attorneys to handle the process). Pay the application fee (around €250).
The Ministry of Justice will review the file. They have discretion here – unlike descent or marriage cases, this is not an automatic right but a favor granted by the state (“the Government may grant nationality…” is the legal phrasingfiles.dre.pt). They will verify the certificate’s authenticity and may request additional proof of the “connection to Portugal” under the new rules. If everything is in order, they approve naturalization.
After approval, you can obtain a Portuguese birth certificate and then an ID and passport.
Tips and pitfalls: Given the stricter rules, it’s wise to provide as much evidence as possible of your family’s Sephardic Portuguese heritage. Don’t rely solely on a distant ancestor’s surname – bolster it with historical documents, family naming patterns, or even a DNA test indicating Sephardic lineage (while DNA is not official proof, it can support a narrative). Also, ensure the genealogical research is done by a reputable expert if your case is complex. A common pitfall is underestimating the documentation required – incomplete genealogies or unsupported claims will lead to rejection. Also be aware that as of 2022, processing has slowed and scrutiny is higher due to the new requirements and high volume of applications. Start the process sooner rather than later, as laws can change (for instance, there have been political discussions about eventually closing this program or imposing deadlines). In Portugal’s case, there isn’t a fixed end date in law, but any future amendment could alter eligibility.
Lastly, maintain patience – this route can take 1-2 years or more from application to approval, given the detailed analysis required. Successful applicants, however, gain full Portuguese (and EU) citizenship with no residency requirement.
Foreigners who have a Portuguese spouse or partner can acquire citizenship through a relatively streamlined process. Portuguese law recognizes both formal marriages and legally-recognized common-law unions (união de facto) for this purpose. This path is often called nacionalidade por efeito da vontade pelo casamento (nationality by marriage) and is considered an acquisition by declaration.
Marriage to a Portuguese citizen: If you are married to a Portuguese citizen for more than 3 years, you can obtain Portuguese citizenship by making a declaration of your desire to become Portuguesefiles.dre.ptdre.tretas.org. Key points include:
The marriage must be legally recognized in Portugal. If you married abroad, you will need to transcribe the marriage into the Portuguese civil registry (through a consulate or Conservatória) before applying. Essentially, the Portuguese state needs to have a record of your marriage to the Portuguese spouse.
The 3-year clock counts from the date of marriage to the date of application. You must still be married at the time of application (and of course, to the same person who is Portuguese).
There is no requirement for the Portuguese spouse to be a citizen by birth; they can be naturalized or by descent, etc. An older rule that the Portuguese spouse had to be Portuguese by origin was eliminated. Now, as long as your spouse is a Portuguese citizen (of any type) at the time of your application, it’s fine.
If the marriage is shorter than 3 years but you and your Portuguese spouse have a child together who is Portuguese, the waiting period can effectively shorten. In practice, if you have a Portuguese child, authorities will not oppose an application even if the marriage is, say, 1 or 2 years old, because the existence of the child is strong evidence of a family bond. However, the law on its face still says 3 years of marriage is needed, so most people wait until 3 years unless advised otherwise by an attorney in cases with children. By 3 years, this is moot.
You must not have been convicted of a serious crime (again the 3-year prison rule) and not be involved in activities against national security (standard for any adult applicant).
One important concept is “opposition” (oposição): Unlike regular naturalization which is a discretionary grant, the marriage route is by right, but the Public Prosecutor has the power to oppose (block) the acquisition if they suspect the marriage is one of convenience (fraudulent for immigration purposes) or if the applicant poses a danger. The law explicitly states that if the marriage has lasted 6+ years, or if you have common children, then the assumption is that it’s a bona fide marriage and no opposition on grounds of lack of integration will be madefiles.dre.pt. If between 3-6 years and no children, the authorities may take a closer look. In reality, genuine couples seldom face issues; fraudulent cases (e.g. sham marriages) are investigated.
De facto unions: Portugal also extends this privilege to those who are not formally married but have lived in a stable union with a Portuguese citizen for more than 3 years, provided the union is legally recognizedfiles.dre.pt. Recognition of a união de facto typically requires a certificate from a Portuguese Civil Registry or a court judgment confirming the union. Often, the couple must prove they have cohabited for at least 2 years to get that certificate (Law no. 7/2001 governs de facto unions). Once you have proof of the union’s status, the citizenship application is treated similarly to a marriage case.
Application process (spouse/partner):
Register the relationship: Ensure your marriage is registered in Portugal, or obtain the união de facto recognition. Without this, the application won’t proceed.
Gather documents: Your identification, your birth certificate (apostilled & translated if not in Portuguese), the Portuguese spouse’s birth certificate (to show they are Portuguese – though the office can often look this up if they have the ID number), the marriage certificate (from the Portuguese registry) or union certificate, and criminal record checks from your country of origin and any country you lived in recently. These need to be official and apostilled.
Submit a declaration of will to acquire Portuguese nationality through marriage/union (there’s a specific form for Article 3 of the Nationality Law). This is submitted at a Conservatória or consulate.
Pay the fee (around €175 for marriage cases).
The application will be reviewed by the Conservatória and forwarded to the Ministério Público (Public Prosecutor) who has 6 months to issue any opposition (for reasons of fake marriage or security)files.dre.pt. In straightforward cases, no opposition is filed and the process moves to approval.
Upon approval, your name is added to the Portuguese records as a citizen by acquisition. You can then get your Citizen Card and passport.
Timeline: Marriage cases can be relatively quick if all paperwork is in order – often around 6 months to a year. If the Prosecutor requests additional evidence that the marriage is genuine (which could happen in newer marriages without kids, or if you’ve never lived in Portugal together), it might prolong the process or require an interview. But many are completed without issue, especially for couples who have been together several years.
Tips:
Ensure the marriage is registered in Portugal early. Many people are unaware of this requirement; failing to do so is a common cause of delay.
It’s advisable (though not required by law) to include evidence of your life together with the application if you suspect any red flags – e.g. if you married relatively recently or mostly lived abroad. This could be photos, joint bills or leases, etc. While not formally listed as required, such evidence can preempt questions of convenience.
Women who took their husband’s surname or vice versa: make sure all documents (passport, certificates) are consistent or provide the marriage certificate linking any name change.
There is no language test and no residency requirement for this route. Even if you’ve never lived in Portugal, you can apply after 3 years of marriage. (That said, showing some integration, like basic Portuguese ability, can’t hurt if authorities inquire, but it’s not a legal criterion.)
After you become Portuguese, if you later divorce, it does not revoke your new citizenship. Once acquired, it’s yours for life (unless it was proven the marriage was a fraud from the start). So you don’t lose it due to a change in marital status.
Common pitfall: Not realizing that the spouse must be Portuguese at the time of marriage – actually, Portuguese law does not require the citizen spouse to have been Portuguese before the marriage, only that they are Portuguese when you apply. So if you married a foreigner who later became Portuguese (e.g. your spouse naturalized last year), you can count the full years of marriage even from before they were Portuguese. What matters is being married 3 years and your spouse holding Portuguese citizenship now. However, be cautious: if your spouse themself is Portuguese by naturalization very recently, sometimes the authorities wait until your spouse’s status is finalized (e.g. your spouse should have their Portuguese ID in hand).
In summary, the marriage/union route is one of the most straightforward: a clear legal right after 3 years, with minimal requirements besides documentation. It’s an attractive option especially if you are not from a Portuguese-speaking background or don’t meet other routes, since it waives language and residency criteria.
Portuguese nationality law contains specific provisions for certain historical and special situations. If you or your ancestors are connected to Portugal’s former territories or other unique circumstances, there may be tailored pathways:
Portugal had a vast empire, and the decolonization in the mid-1970s meant many people who were Portuguese citizens in the colonies lost that status when new countries formed. The Nationality Law and related decrees carved out who kept Portuguese citizenship and who didn’t. Here’s a breakdown:
Africa (Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, São Tomé e Príncipe): Until 1975, these were Portuguese territories and people born there were Portuguese citizens (with some distinctions under colonial law). When these countries became independent in 1975, a Portuguese decree (Decree-Law 308-A/75) assumed that most residents would become citizens of the new countriesen.wikipedia.org. Portuguese citizenship was generally retained only by:
Those born in the colonies who had a Portuguese parent or grandparent from mainland Portugal (thus considered Portuguese by origin), or
Those who had moved to Portugal (established residence in Portugal) before independenceen.wikipedia.org,
Those who explicitly declared to keep Portuguese citizenship (if such option was given).
In effect, indigenous African populations became citizens of the new nations (Angolan, Mozambican, etc.), while people of Portuguese descent or long-term settlers often retained Portuguese nationality. Many Portuguese settlers repatriated to Portugal (the “retornados”) around independence, thus keeping their status. People of African origin who did not have a parent born in Portugal typically lost Portuguese citizenship automatically on independence, unless they would otherwise be statelessen.wikipedia.org. The law unfortunately rendered some people stateless or in confusionen.wikipedia.org.
Today, what does this mean? If you were born in Angola/Mozambique/etc before 1975 and think you had a claim to Portuguese citizenship (perhaps via a Portuguese parent), you might still be able to have that recognized. It requires proving the circumstances: e.g., “my father was a Portuguese from Porto who moved to Luanda, I was born there in 1970, we left at independence” – in this case, you likely are Portuguese by origin (through your father) and can have your birth registered in Portugal now. Alternatively, if you were an African citizen but you moved to Portugal decades ago and never got Portuguese nationality, you might claim it via long-term residency or other regular routes.
There isn’t an automatic colonial heritage grant except via descent. So, descendants of Angolans or Mozambicans (with no European Portuguese ancestor) cannot claim Portuguese citizenship just because their country was once a colony. They would use normal naturalization. However, Portuguese law does allow former Portuguese citizens to reacquire nationality easily. So, an Angolan older person who was Portuguese pre-1975 but lost it, can apply to reacquire it by declaration (with no residency required) – this is a provision in the law for those who lost citizenship in the decolonization era. If you think this might apply (e.g. your parent or grandparent was classified Portuguese and lost it), look into a reacquisition request under Article 2 of the lawdiariodarepublica.pt.
Goa, Daman and Diu (Portuguese India): Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli were Portuguese territories in India until 1961 (1954 for Dadra/Nagar Haveli). India annexed these territories in December 1961. According to Indian law, everyone residing there became Indian citizens automatically unless they declared otherwiseen.wikipedia.org. Portugal, however, did not recognize the annexation at the time and maintained that Goans, etc., were still Portuguese. Consequently, those born in Portuguese India before the annexation (pre-20 Dec 1961 in Goa, and pre-1954 in Dadra/Nagar Haveli) were regarded by Portugal as Portuguese citizensen.wikipedia.org. Many people from Goa took advantage of this decades later: they or their descendants applied to have their births registered in Portugal, thereby gaining Portuguese citizenship.
In practice, if you have an ancestor born in Goa (or Daman or Diu) before 1961, you might have a claim. Typically:
The person born in Goa before 1961 can register as a Portuguese citizen by origin. This can be done even today (Portugal has handled many such cases, usually via the Consulate in Goa or directly with the Central Registry).
Once that ancestor (say, a grandparent) is registered, their children (born after 1961 in Goa or elsewhere) can also claim Portuguese citizenship by descent, and then you (the grandchild) can as well. Essentially it reactivates the line.
There is a sizable community of “Portuguese Goans” who hold EU passports due to this. Note that those born after December 1961 in Goa are not automatically Portuguese (they were born Indian), unless through descent. So the chain typically requires someone born while it was still Portuguese territory.
Documentation: Portuguese India records can be tricky – but Portugal has archives of birth records up to 1961. Many people need to reconstruct family trees. If pursuing this, you might need your ancestor’s baptismal certificate or birth from church archives, or old Portuguese archives, then have them recognized.
Macau: Macau was a Portuguese territory until 1999. Portugal extended its nationality law to Macau; those born in Macau before 1981 generally had jus soli Portuguese citizenship automaticallyen.wikipedia.org. After 1981, the law changed to jus sanguinis (by descent), meaning those born in Macau from 1981 to 1999 needed a Portuguese parent to be Portugueseen.wikipedia.org. Many Macanese (ethnic Chinese and Portuguese mixed community) obtained Portuguese citizenship before the handover. After Macau’s handover to China on 20 Dec 1999, acquiring Portuguese citizenship by connection to Macau is no longer possible, except via descent (children born after 1999 to parents who already had Portuguese citizenship can still inherit it)en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org. In summary, if you were born in Macau before 1981, you are likely Portuguese by birthright (and can still claim it now if not already). If born 1981-1999 in Macau to a parent who was Portuguese, you can claim by descent. If born after 1999, only matter is if your parent was Portuguese (normal jus sanguinis) – the fact of Macau birth doesn’t confer anything. Chinese nationals of Macau who didn’t secure Portuguese nationality by 1999 are treated as foreign nationals (China doesn’t allow dual citizenship, so those who kept Portuguese might have had issues unless they left Macau).
East Timor (Timor-Leste): East Timor was a Portuguese colony until 1975. Indonesia invaded in 1975 and annexed it (1976-1999) but Portugal never recognized Indonesian sovereigntyen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org. Therefore, Portugal considered East Timorese as its citizens throughout that period. When East Timor became independent in 2002, children born there after 1999 are considered foreigners from Portugal’s perspectiveen.wikipedia.org. The Portuguese law states that persons born in East Timor to Portuguese parents can be Portuguese by origin, but it requires them to register or declare that statusen.wikipedia.org. In practice, many East Timorese who could show Portuguese-era birth or ancestry applied for Portuguese citizenship after 2002, enabling them to live in Portugal or elsewhere in the EUen.wikipedia.org. For example, someone born in Dili in 1974 when it was Portuguese who can prove that birth can likely get a Portuguese passport. Their children can then get it by descent, etc. There was a surge of Timorese obtaining Portuguese nationality, leveraging the fact that Portugal never stripped them of it (unlike African colonies where Portugal did strip most people of citizenship in 1975)en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org.
So if you have East Timorese heritage, check if your parent or grandparent was registered as Portuguese. Often, those who fled Timor to Portugal or Australia retained or claimed Portuguese citizenship. East Timor is also now part of CPLP, so Timorese citizens can more easily move to Portugal and eventually naturalizejustica.gov.pt (the justice.gov.pt site even explicitly lists “if you are a Timorese citizen” as a category for Portuguese nationality, pointing to these historical connectionsjustica.gov.pt).
Summary tip for former territories: If you think you have a claim through birth in a former Portuguese territory, gather as much documentation as possible: old Portuguese ID cards, baptismal certs, colonial era passports, etc. Then consult the Portuguese nationality law or consulate. The rules can be arcane and differ by territory and date. In many cases, the claim will ultimately boil down to descent – e.g. proving a parent or grandparent was considered Portuguese. Direct claims by birth in a colony are mostly relevant to Goa (pre-1961) and Macau (pre-1981) as described, and to those East Timorese born under Portuguese rule.
Many Portuguese emigrated and sometimes lost their citizenship under old laws (for instance, Portuguese women who married foreign men prior to 1976, or those who became citizens of countries that didn’t allow dual nationality). The current law allows fairly easy reacquisition of Portuguese nationality for those who lost it:
A person who lost Portuguese citizenship due to marriage or voluntary acquisition of another citizenship in the past can reacquire it by declaration (essentially, by request)files.dre.pt. They need to show they once had Portuguese citizenship and lost it, and now want to regain it. There is generally no residence or language requirement for reacquisition – it’s restoring a previous status. This is particularly used by older generations, e.g. a Portuguese-born grandmother who became American and had to relinquish Portuguese at that time can now fill a form to get it back. Once she reacquires, this can have implications for her descendants (they may then qualify through her as a Portuguese parent or grandparent).
The law of 2020 also introduced the concept of nationality consolidation – if someone held Portuguese nationality in good faith for 10+ years, it cannot be nullified even if there was an error in grantingdre.tretas.org. This gives security to people who have been Portuguese for a long time.
If a minor (under 18) of foreign nationality is legally adopted by a Portuguese citizen, the child becomes Portuguese by origin. The law treats adoptees as equal to biological children for nationality purposes. The adoption must be a full adoption recognized under Portuguese law. Upon the finalization of the adoption, the parents can register the child as Portuguese. This is an atribuída form of nationality (the child is deemed Portuguese from the date of adoption, and effectively by origin). For example, if a Portuguese couple adopts a 5-year-old from abroad, once the adoption is completed and recognized, that child can get a Portuguese birth certificate citing the adoptive parents, conferring citizenshipen.wikipedia.org.
Portuguese government has discretion to grant nationality without the usual requirements to individuals who render or have rendered significant service to Portugal or to the Portuguese community. This is a rare provision (Article 6(6) of the Nationality Law) meant for exceptional cases – for instance, notable athletes, scientists, artists, or others whom Portugal wants to reward or enlist. In such cases, the Council of Ministers can waive requirements like language, residency, etc. A known example is soccer players of Brazilian origin who were fast-tracked to Portuguese citizenship to play for the national team (though many of those had residency anyway). Another example was the grant of citizenship to the renowned fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy for his contributions – though he had a home in Portugal too.
Generally, this is not a route one can “apply” for in the normal way; it usually involves a proposal by a government minister and a cabinet decision. If you believe you might qualify (e.g. you have an extraordinary achievement and want to become Portuguese), it would require lobbying at high levels. For most readers, this won’t be applicable, but it’s good to know such a mechanism exists.
Minor children of newly naturalized parents – can get citizenship by simple declaration (no conditions).
Minor children born in Portugal – can get citizenship after relatively short time (5 years residence of a parent)irn.justica.gov.pt.
Individuals born in Portugal who didn’t get citizenship at birth – after 10 years of living, they can naturalize with even fewer hoops (since language they’d likely know; the law also specifically waives some requirements for those born and raised in Portugal).
Stateless individuals – Portugal is quite generous in avoiding statelessness. A stateless person in Portugal can apply after 5 years as well, and the process might even be somewhat facilitated.
Citizens of Brazil (and other CPLP countries): While not a separate legal shortcut, Brazilians benefit from the Portugal-Brazil Friendship Treaty which grants them civil equality if they become residents. Brazilians in Portugal for 3 years can get a status almost like nationals (except voting in national elections). In terms of nationality, Brazilians still apply like any other 5-year resident, but Portuguese authorities know that Brazilians already fulfill language requirements and are culturally closer, so those applications are usually smooth. Similarly, nationals of other Lusophone African countries have the advantage of language.
All nationality applications, regardless of category, are ultimately decided by the Instituto dos Registos e Notariado (IRN) under the Ministry of Justice. The central hub for processing is the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais in Lisbon, which is the civil registry office that deals with citizenship and other central registries. Here’s how to navigate the process:
Where to Apply:
If you are in Portugal, you can file at certain local Conservatórias or Civil Registry offices. Not every small-town registry will process complex nationality cases, but they will forward them to the central office. In Lisbon and Porto, there are often desks that specialize in nationality.
If you are abroad, Portuguese Consulates can accept nationality applications, especially for cases of descent (birth registration of a child of a Portuguese, etc.). Some consulates also handle marriage-based and even residency-based applications, forwarding them to IRN.
Many people choose to engage a Portuguese lawyer or solicitor who can submit the application online or in person on their behalf. Portugal introduced an online submission system in 2020 for professionalsjustica.gov.pt, covering all types of nationality requests.
Documents: Always ensure all foreign documents are apostilled or legalized and translated by a certified translator to Portuguese (unless the original is in Portuguese or sometimes English/Spanish documents are accepted without translation for simple matters, but it’s safer to translate). The IRN website and guidelines lists required documents per type of requestjustica.gov.ptjustica.gov.pt. Typically:
Birth certificates, marriage certificates (where relevant), and name change documents are needed for proving family links.
Criminal record checks for adults (usually not for minors).
Proof of language (for naturalizations).
Identity copies and passport photos.
The official application form for that route.
Receipt of fee payment.
Every application must also include a form of your name as you want it to appear in Portuguese records. Note that Portuguese naming conventions apply – you will be registered with up to two last names (usually your current last names, or you can choose how to arrange if you have multiple). If you have middle names, they may be recorded as part of first name(s). It’s wise to consult how names are handled to avoid surprises (e.g. sometimes people with multiple middle names might see them concatenated).
Fees: As of 2024, fees range from about €175 (for marriage cases) to €250 (for most naturalization/descent cases) per application. If applying through a consulate, there might be additional consular fees.
Timeline: The legal timeline for a decision is set by regulation (in many cases 90 days for straightforward cases, 9 months for others, etc.), but in reality, processing can be much longer due to high demand:
Simple registrations of a child of a Portuguese can be done in a few weeks to months.
Naturalizations (residency, marriage, Sephardic, etc.) have been taking roughly 12-24 months in recent times, because of backlogs from a surge of applications (especially from Brazil and other diaspora).
The government has been hiring more staff and digitizing processes to speed this up. You can check application status online with a process numberjustica.gov.pt. Stages typically go: “Recebido” (received), “Em análise” (in analysis), sometimes “Pendência” (pending additional info), then “Despacho” (decision) and “Registo” (registration done).
After Approval: You will be issued a Portuguese birth certificate (even for naturalization, they create a record in the birth registry noting your acquisition of nationality). This document is key – it’s proof of citizenship. With that, you can apply for a Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card, the national ID) and a passport. If abroad, you can do these at the consulate once they have confirmation of your new status. The Citizen Card requires your biometrics (fingerprints, photo, signature) and has to be picked up in person (or by power of attorney to someone in Portugal). Many new citizens make a trip to Portugal to collect their documents and celebrate!
Ongoing obligations: Portuguese citizens, once made, should if resident abroad register with the consulate (to be able to vote in elections, etc.) and update civil status events (like if you marry or have children, you should report those so they are recorded in Portugal as well). This matters if later your spouse or child will seek citizenship.
Obtaining Portuguese citizenship is a legal process with many nuances. Beyond the formal criteria, here are some insider tips and cautionary notes to ensure a smooth journey:
Leverage Portugal’s resources: The Portuguese government provides information in Portuguese on official sites. The Justiça.gov.pt portal has guides and FAQs for nationalityjustica.gov.ptjustica.gov.pt. Use online translators if you don’t speak Portuguese to read these, as they often contain up-to-date clarifications (e.g., whether you need original documents or copies, etc.). Also, the Diário da República (official gazette) publishes all laws and recent amendments, which can be cited in applications if needed.
Ensure consistency of records: One of the most common issues is when names or dates don’t match exactly between foreign documents and Portuguese records. For example, if your name on your birth certificate is different from your name on your passport (perhaps you changed after marriage, or there was a spelling difference), the Portuguese registry may raise an issue. It’s often required to correct discrepancies before applying, or to provide an official statement explaining the variation. It might be worth obtaining a “no impediment to name” certificate or having documents reissued with consistent spelling. Portuguese bureaucracy likes exact matches.
Apostille and Translation: Every foreign document must be apostilled (for countries in the Hague Apostille Convention) or otherwise legalized. Without an apostille, your document is not considered authentic. After getting the apostille, have a sworn translator translate the document to Portuguese. Submit both the original-language document and the translation. This can be time-consuming, so plan ahead to gather everything. For criminal records, note that some countries’ police certificates come in multiple languages or have an international version which might be accepted – but generally, translate to Portuguese for safety.
Criminal Record nuance: If you have minor infractions (misdemeanors), usually it’s fine. If you have a more serious record, consult a lawyer. The law bars those with >=3-year sentences, which usually means felonies. Also, the record should ideally be “clean” (some countries allow expungement; if eligible, get your record expunged before applying). Portugal checks local records too; if you had any issues while in Portugal (like a DUI conviction), be prepared to address how it doesn’t fall under disqualifying criteria.
Language Test Tip: If you need to do the A2 language test, consider doing it at an earlier stage during your residency (year 3 or 4), so that by the time you apply you already have the certificate. The certificate (from CAPLE or Instituto Camões, etc.) has no expiration for citizenship purposes. Many applicants scramble at the last minute for a test slot – avoid that by planning ahead. Also, practice Portuguese in daily life; attending the free Portuguese classes offered under the “Português para Todos” program can both help you integrate and provide a certificate of attendance that might be accepted as proof of language.
Follow up on your application: After you apply, you will eventually get a process number (if applying in person, ask for it; if via lawyer, they’ll give it to you). You can use the online consultation portal to check the statusjustica.gov.pt. If the application seems stuck beyond normal times, you (or your lawyer) can inquire with IRN. There is even an official email for nationality processes and a phone line, though responses can be slow. Persistence can sometimes help move things, especially if something is pending your action and you didn’t know (occasionally a letter may get lost; checking status can reveal if they issued a notification).
Avoid scams and shortcuts: The popularity of Portuguese citizenship, especially via the Sephardic route and the grandparent route, has led to some unscrupulous agents promising guaranteed passports or selling fake documents. Always be wary of anyone offering a “100% guarantee in 3 months” – that is not realistic. All legitimate applications go through the government’s process; you cannot bribe or bypass it. Using a reputable lawyer or doing it yourself with diligence is the way to go. If using an attorney, ensure they are registered in Portugal. The Portuguese Bar Association number (they call lawyers advogado with a registration number) or solicitors’ chamber can be checked.
Stay updated on law changes: As mentioned, there were significant changes in 2020 (grandchildren, jus soli expanded) and even in 2022/2024 (Sephardic rules tightened, residency count clarified)irn.justica.gov.ptccsllegal.com. Laws can change again. For instance, there is talk in 2024-25 about potentially modifying the Sephardic program further or adjusting golden visa rules. Before you apply, double-check the current requirements on an official source or through a legal advisor. What was true a few years ago may have evolved.
Dual citizenship considerations: While Portugal allows dual nationality freelyjustica.gov.pt, remember to check your home country’s stance. For example, if you are originally from India or China, those countries do not recognize dual citizenship – obtaining Portuguese would trigger loss of your original citizenship. If you’re from a country like Germany or Ukraine, there are restrictions on dual citizenship which might require permissions or might not allow keeping the original nationality. Brazilians, as of a 2023 constitutional amendment, no longer lose Brazilian citizenship upon acquiring anothergov.br. Each case is personal – make sure you make an informed decision. If you do need to renounce one citizenship to keep another, plan for that accordingly (Portugal doesn’t require any renunciation paperwork, but your country might).
After becoming Portuguese – integrate! You’ll now be an EU citizen, which comes with many benefits. You can live/work anywhere in the EU freely, participate in local elections, etc. If you were a resident foreigner in Portugal, update SEF (actually you won’t need a residence card anymore; you’ll register as a citizen in the local council). You can also register to vote in Portugal. It’s a good idea to learn more of the language and culture – not because you have to for the law, but to truly enjoy and exercise your new citizenship rights. Many new citizens from Brazil or elsewhere end up moving to other EU countries – which is fine, the passport gives that mobility – but also consider engaging with Portugal itself (you might find unexpected opportunities now that you’re a citizen).
Community support: There are online forums and communities (e.g. on Reddit, Facebook groups like “Portuguese Citizenship” etc.) where people share experiences. While these are unofficial, they can provide peer guidance and up-to-date anecdotes on processing times, which Conservatórias are faster, etc. For example, some people file at certain local conservatories that historically had faster processing. (IRN has tried to standardize this by centralizing work, but some differences remain.)
Professional help vs DIY: Simple cases (child of Portuguese, etc.) you can often handle yourself. Complex cases (Sephardic, colonial claims, major document recovery needed) might benefit from a lawyer who knows the system. Lawyers can also track and push things more effectively. That said, plenty of people succeed without one. Just weigh the complexity and your comfort with bureaucracy. All official interactions can be done in Portuguese, so if you’re not fluent, having someone who is (friend or lawyer) is useful.
In conclusion, acquiring Portuguese citizenship can be a multi-step journey, but it is highly rewarding. Portugal’s nationality law is relatively inclusive and, as we’ve seen, offers a rich variety of pathways – from birthright and ancestry to marriage and residency. By carefully identifying which route applies to you and following the guidelines (backed by the actual legal provisions and recent updates we’ve discussed), you can confidently navigate the process. Boa sorte – good luck – on becoming a Portuguese citizen!
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