Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
Being a Portuguese citizen by descent means you may be entitled to Portuguese nationality through a parent, grandparent, or other qualifying ancestor, even if you were born and live outside Portugal. In many cases, individuals are already considered Portuguese citizens under the law but have never formally registered their status.
Our immigration lawyers at Total Law can provide tailored advice and practical support throughout the process. To speak with our team, contact us online or call us on +44 (0) 333 305 9375.
Understand the Citizenship by Descent in Portugal
Portuguese citizenship by descent is governed by the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), allowing individuals with Portuguese ancestors to claim nationality based on their familial lineage rather than place of birth. This pathway, known as nationality by origin, is primarily available to the children and grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, whether those ancestors were born in Portugal or later acquired Portuguese nationality.
Individuals who obtain Portuguese citizenship through descent gain the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and across the European Union, as well as the ability to pass Portuguese nationality on to their own descendants, subject to the law in force at the time.
For children of Portuguese citizens, citizenship is generally straightforward and considered automatic, provided that the parent was Portuguese at the time of the child’s birth or subsequently registered the birth with Portuguese civil authorities. In these cases, the individual is recognised as Portuguese from birth, enjoying full rights equivalent to those born in Portugal.
For grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, the process involves additional legal requirements. Applicants must demonstrate an effective connection to the Portuguese community. Grandchildren are not automatically considered Portuguese at birth, and so citizenship is granted upon successful completion of the legal process and approval by the Portuguese authorities.
Nationality by origin is distinct from gaining citizenship by naturalisation or marriage, as it recognises a pre-existing legal bond with Portugal and is not subject to residency requirements and other criteria that must be met when applying for citizenship through other routes.
Page Contents
- Understand the Citizenship by Descent in Portugal
- Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship
- Eligibility Requirements for Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
- Required Documents for Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
- Descendants of Sephardic Jews
- How to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship by Descent?
- How Long Does it Take to Apply for Citizenship by Descent in Portugal?
- Cost of Portuguese Citizenship by Descent Application
- Other Routes to Portugal Citizenship
- How Total Law Can Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship
Gaining Portuguese citizenship can be a life-changing moment for nationals who wish to live, work and be a citizen of Portugal and the wider European Union.
Portuguese citizenship provides excellent global mobility, including visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 190 destinations worldwide. As an EU citizen, you gain the right to live, work, and study across all 27 European Union member states, benefiting from seamless borders, diverse employment opportunities, and access to EU social services, healthcare, and education systems. It also allows participation in European elections, simplified business operations across member states, and easier family reunification processes, making it a highly strategic passport for professional, personal, and educational advancement throughout Europe and beyond.
- Healthcare and Education: Citizens have access to Portugal’s robust National Health Service (SNS) and reputable educational institutions. These rights to high-quality healthcare and education also extend to other EU member states.
- Civic Rights: You gain the right to vote in elections and are entitled to consular protection from Portuguese embassies and consulates while visiting other countries.
- Identification: Holders receive a Citizen Card, a mandatory ID that integrates your fiscal, social security, and national health service numbers into a single document.
- Dual Citizenship: Portugal permits dual nationality, allowing you to retain your original citizenship while enjoying the benefits of being Portuguese. This is advantageous compared to neighbouring Spain, which generally restricts dual citizenship, as it enables greater flexibility for travel, work, property ownership, and inheritance across multiple countries.
- Tax Benefits: Under the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime, new residents may qualify for tax exemptions or reduced taxes on foreign-sourced income for a ten-year period, potentially including pensions, dividends, royalties, and certain professional earnings.
- Family Legacy: Obtaining citizenship creates a lasting familial legacy, as the status can be passed down to future generations. Once you have acquired citizenship, your children and dependents also become eligible to apply, securing their future mobility and rights within the EU.
- Cultural Legacy: Gaining citizenship by descent establishes a formal cultural connection, a sense of belonging, and strengthens ties to your Portuguese heritage, language, traditions, and family history across generations.
Eligibility Requirements for Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
Portuguese citizenship by descent is primarily based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning nationality is transmitted through family lineage rather than solely by place of birth. This legal framework allows descendants of Portuguese citizens to claim nationality, with eligibility varying depending on the generational link and specific legal conditions.
Children of Portuguese Parents
Citizenship by descent for children of Portuguese parents is the most direct pathway in this citizenship route. Individuals born in Portugal to at least one Portuguese parent automatically acquire Portuguese citizenship at birth.
For those born abroad, eligibility for citizenship will be recognised provided the Portuguese parent registers the birth with the Portuguese civil registry, or the individual formally declares their intention to be Portuguese.
Citizenship is automatically granted to children born abroad in conditions where the Portuguese parent was serving the Portuguese State at the time of birth, such as in diplomatic, consular, or military roles.
Grandchildren of Portuguese Citizens
Grandchildren of Portuguese citizens are often eligible for citizenship provided they are able to meet all the requirements of the application. The application process for grandchildren is not as quick as the application for children of Portuguese citizens.
Applicants must demonstrate that at least one grandparent held Portuguese nationality and did not lose it. A key requirement is proving “effective ties” to the Portuguese community. This typically includes:
- Demonstrating Portuguese language proficiency at a minimum A2 level
- Providing evidence of cultural or social connection, such as regular visits to Portugal, property ownership, or involvement in Portuguese cultural or community organisations.
Descendants of Sephardic Jews
In 2015, Portugal enacted the Alhambra Decree legislation to grant Portuguese citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century. This law was introduced to acknowledge Portugal’s historical ties to the Sephardic Jewish community and to help remedy the injustices caused by the Alhambra Edict of 1492, which led to widespread persecution and expulsion. Please note that recent changes in law could mean that this citizenship route is revoked in the near future.
Applicants must demonstrate Sephardic Jewish ancestry through credible evidence. This may include possession of a traditionally Portuguese Sephardic surname, knowledge of Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), genealogical records, or other documented proof of Sephardic heritage. A key requirement is obtaining a Certificate of Sephardic Jewish Descent issued by a recognised Jewish community in Portugal.
If approved, the applicant receives a resolution confirming Portuguese citizenship as a Sephardic Jew, which must be formally registered at a local Portuguese registry office within six months. This pathway reflects Portugal’s ongoing commitment to historical reconciliation and its global diaspora.
If you are applying for citizenship via the Descendants of Sephardic Jews route but are concerned about the potential revocation of this citizenship route, we can help. Speak to an expert immigration advisor today by calling +44 (0) 333 305 9375, or you can get in touch online.
Who Is Not Eligible for Citizenship by Descent?
The criteria for Portuguese citizenship by descent is limited in nature and only applies to specific family ties and connections to Portugal.
- Great-grandchildren and further descendants: Great-grandchildren are not eligible to apply directly for citizenship by descent. Portuguese nationality law requires a sequential transmission of citizenship, meaning an intermediate generation, such as a parent or grandparent, must first acquire Portuguese nationality before it can be passed down.
Even if ancestral ties are proven, certain individuals are barred from obtaining Portuguese nationality:
- Individuals with a Criminal Record: Anyone convicted of a crime that carries a maximum prison sentence of three years or more under Portuguese law is ineligible regardless of heritage and familial ties.
- Security Risks: Individuals linked to or involved in terrorist activities are disqualified.
- Loss of Ancestral Nationality: If the qualifying ancestor (parent or grandparent) lost or renounced their Portuguese citizenship before the applicant’s claim, the lineage is broken and their descendants are not eligible to apply.
- Failure to Establish Parentage: For applicants born to unmarried parents, parentage must have been legally established while the applicant was a minor. If a Portuguese father was declared by a foreign informant and parentage was not confirmed during the applicant’s childhood, they may be ineligible.
- Lack of Effective Ties: Grandchildren who cannot provide certified proof of language proficiency (such as a diploma or CIPLE exam results) or fail to prove cultural connections will have their applications rejected.
- Unverifiable Documentation: Eligibility depends on traceable, verifiable evidence. If a line of descent cannot be proven due to lost certificates or lack of registration in the Portuguese civil registry, the claim cannot be processed.
Required Documents for Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
The documentation required for Portuguese citizenship by descent varies depending on the applicant’s generational link. However, certain documents are required in all cases, alongside additional evidence specific to each category.
Documents Required for All Applicants
All applicants must submit core identification and civil status documents:
- Official Application Form: Fully completed and signed in person before a Portuguese consulate or legal representative.
- Valid Identification: Copy of a valid passport or government-issued ID (mandatory for applicants aged 13 and over).
- Birth Certificate: Original long-form or full-transcript birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
- Proof of Address: Driver’s licence, utility bill, or bank statement.
- Criminal Record Certificates: Required for applicants aged 16 or older from the country of birth, nationality, and any country of residence.
All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised, officially translated into Portuguese, and submitted as photocopies.
Children of Portuguese Citizens
In addition to the general requirements, children of Portuguese citizens will be required to include the following documents in their application:
- Proof of Parent’s Portuguese Citizenship: Portuguese Citizen Card, passport, or birth registration.
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable): Required when parents were married at the time of birth. If the marriage occurred abroad, it must be registered in Portugal prior to application.
- Birth Registration: Birth must be registered with Portuguese civil authorities or accompanied by a declaration of intent to acquire Portuguese nationality.
Grandchildren of Portuguese Citizens
Grandchildren must provide enhanced lineage and integration evidence in order to be approved for their citizenship by descent application:
- Proof of Grandparent’s Portuguese Citizenship: Citizen Card, passport, or Portuguese birth certificate.
- Marriage Certificates: To establish an unbroken lineage; foreign marriages must be registered in Portugal.
- Portuguese Language Proficiency: Certified A2 level (e.g., CIPLE exam or recognised diploma).
- Proof of Effective Ties: Evidence such as property ownership, frequent visits to Portugal, or participation in Portuguese cultural associations.
Descendants of Sephardic Jews
Applicants of Sephardic Jewish descent must submit:
- Certificate of Sephardic Jewish Descent: Issued by a recognised Jewish community in Portugal.
- Proof of Sephardic Ancestry: Genealogical records, Sephardic surnames, Ladino language evidence, or historical documentation relevant to prove the applicant’s ties to the Portuguese Sephardic Jewish community.
It is critical to note that as of January 2026, potential law changes may revoke the citizenship by descent route for Sephardic Jews in the near future.
How to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship by Descent?
Overview
The application process for Portuguese citizenship by descent begins with identifying the correct eligibility route, depending on whether the qualifying ancestor is a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent.
For grandchildren, this initial stage also involves confirming their compliance with additional requirements, such as demonstrating effective ties to the Portuguese community, including Portuguese language proficiency. These additional requirements may take a few years to establish in order to be considered eligible for citizenship by descent, so it is important to factor in the time it may take to learn the language proficiently or establish stronger ties to Portugal before applying.
Depending on your personal circumstances, other routes to citizenship such as citizenship by naturalisation or by marriage may prove to be an easier route and should be considered before moving forward with the application.
Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants must choose their preferred method of submission.
Submission Methods
There are three main ways to lodge an application:
- In Person: Applications may be submitted at the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN) in Lisbon or Porto, at local Civil Registry offices, or through Portuguese Consulates in the applicant’s country of residence. Some consulates—such as Newark—require appointments to be booked online in advance.
- Online: Online submissions are available through the Justice Portal for children under one year of age. For adults and older children, applications must be filed online by a qualified legal representative, such as a lawyer or solicitor.
- By Mail: Applicants may also send completed forms and supporting documents by post to the Central Registers Conservatory in Lisbon.
How Long Does it Take to Apply for Citizenship by Descent in Portugal?
Applying for citizenship can be a long process, and there is no guarantee on the length of processing time for your application.
Applications through a Portuguese parent may be completed within a few months, while multi-generational cases often take six months to over two years. Once approved and registered in the Portuguese civil registry, the applicant becomes a Portuguese citizen and may apply for a Citizen Card and passport.
Looking for the fastest way to become a Portuguese citizen? Our team can help. Speak to an expert immigration advisor today by getting in touch online or calling on +44 (0) 333 305 9375.
Cost of Portuguese Citizenship by Descent Application
The cost of applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent varies depending on the applicant’s age and the method of submission. In most cases, the application fee is €175.
These fees are payable at the time of application and are typically non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved or refused.
Applications for children under one year old are free of charge when submitted online through the Justice Portal. For other minors up to the age of 17, reduced or specific fees may apply in accordance with Article 103 of the Table of Consular Fees.
Accepted payment methods depend on how and where the application is submitted. In-person applications at registries or consulates typically allow payment by debit card. Applications submitted by mail may require payment by cheque, postal order, or a Portuguese bank cheque issued in euros. Some consulates have specific requirements – for example, the Consulate General in Newark requires payment by money order.
Beyond the government fee, applicants should budget for additional indirect costs. These include obtaining official long-form birth and marriage certificates, notarisation and apostille or consular legalisation of foreign documents, and certified translations into Portuguese. Applicants who engage immigration lawyers or solicitors will incur professional fees.
After citizenship is granted, separate fees apply for issuing a Portuguese Citizen Card and passport.
Other Routes to Portugal Citizenship
Beyond citizenship by descent, Portugal provides several alternative pathways to acquiring Portuguese nationality. These routes are designed for individuals who have built a connection to Portugal through residence, family life, historical ties, or specific legal circumstances.
Citizenship through Naturalisation
Citizenship by Naturalisation through residency is one of the most common routes to obtaining Portuguese citizenship. As of January 2026, Foreign nationals may apply for citizenship after legally residing in Portugal for at least five years, though potential new legislation may increase this to 7 years for EU citizens or 10 years for non-EU citizens in the near future.
Applicants must demonstrate integration into Portuguese society, basic knowledge of the Portuguese language, and a clean criminal record. I
Residency can be established through several visa categories, including:
- Golden Visa: this allows qualifying investors to obtain residency with limited physical presence requirements
- D7 Visa: for retirees or individuals with stable passive income
- D8 Digital Nomad Visa: aimed at remote workers who meet minimum income thresholds.
Citizenship through Marriage or Civil Union
Being a spouse or civil partner of Portuguese citizens also provides a pathway to nationality. Individuals who are legally married to or are in a recognised civil union with a Portuguese national may apply for citizenship without completing the standard five-year residency requirement, provided the relationship is formally registered in Portugal and is proven to be genuine and ongoing.
Citizenship by Birth
Although Portugal primarily follows a jus sanguinis system, citizenship by birth (jus soli) may be granted in certain circumstances. Individuals born in Portuguese territory may acquire citizenship automatically if their parents meet specific legal residency requirements at the time of birth.
Additional special categories include nationality through adoption by Portuguese citizens, eligibility for individuals connected to former Portuguese territories under specific transitional laws, and automatic citizenship for children born abroad to Portuguese parents serving the State, such as diplomats or military personnel.
Notes on Changes to Portuguese Citizenship
As of late 2025, Portuguese nationality law is in a period of uncertainty following a significant but incomplete legislative reform. Although Parliament approved a new Citizenship Law on 28 October 2025, the Constitutional Court ruled several key provisions unconstitutional on 15 December 2025. As a result, the law cannot enter into force and must be revised or partially withdrawn before reconsideration, meaning the current legal framework remains in effect.
If a revised version of the law is eventually adopted, it would introduce substantial changes:
- Extended Residency Requirement: the naturalisation period would increase from 5 to 10 years for most applicants. EU nationals and citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) would have a reduced period of 7 years.
- Residency Counting: The qualifying period would start from the date the first residence card is issued, not the initial application date.
- Mandatory Civic Knowledge Test: Applicants would need to pass a test covering Portuguese culture, history, rights, and duties, in addition to the existing A2-level Portuguese language requirement.
- Stricter Criminal Record Rules: The exclusion threshold would be lowered from 3 years to 2 years’ imprisonment.
- Sephardic Jewish Ancestry Route: The draft law proposes to end this pathway for citizenship.
Until any revised law is passed, the five-year residency rule remains the governing standard.
Administratively, the former SEF has been replaced by the Agency for Migration and Asylum (AIMA). While backlogs are slowly easing, citizenship applications still commonly take one to two years to process, depending on case complexity.
How Total Law Can Help
The process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship by descent can sometimes be complex, particularly when it comes to gathering the necessary certificates and documentation to prove your ancestral link to Portugal. This can be especially challenging where records are incomplete, held abroad, or difficult to access due to historical migration or displacement. For applicants of Sephardic Jewish descent, establishing lineage and obtaining the required certification can also be a detailed and demanding process.
We understand that the eligibility criteria under Portuguese nationality law can be nuanced, and many applicants are unsure whether they qualify or which legal route applies to their circumstances.
That’s where Total Law can help. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers specialises in Portuguese nationality law and can guide you through every stage of the citizenship by descent process, from assessing eligibility and gathering evidence to preparing and submitting your application. To speak with a member of our team today, contact us online or call us on +44 (0) 333 305 9375.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The typical processing time for Portuguese citizenship by descent applications varies depending on the applicant’s generational link and the complexity of the case. For children of Portuguese citizens, applications are often resolved more quickly, sometimes within a few months, as documentation and lineage verification are straightforward. Grandchildren or more distant descendants generally face longer timelines due to the need to demonstrate effective ties to Portugal and gather ancestral records, which can take six months to over two years. Processing times can also be affected by administrative backlogs, missing documentation, or the need for document legalisation and translation.
When considering which EU country offers the easiest path to citizenship by descent, Ireland, Germany, Italy and France are often highlighted alongside Portugal. All countries provide relatively accessible ancestry routes, and these descent-based pathways generally do not mandate physical relocation, lengthy residency, or extensive civic examinations, making them simpler for applicants with verifiable ancestral ties.
A new Citizenship Law was approved in October 2025 in Portugal, though its implementation is currently delayed following a December 2025 Constitutional Court ruling that declared several provisions outlined in the law unconstitutional.
Key proposed provisions include extending the residency requirement for naturalisation from five to ten years for most applicants, or seven years for EU and CPLP (Portuguese-speaking) nationals. Furthermore, the qualifying period would begin only once the first residence card is issued, rather than from the date the initial application was filed.
New integration requirements include a civic knowledge test on Portuguese history and culture, alongside the existing language test and proof of sufficient means of subsistence. The law also proposes terminating the Sephardic Jewish ancestry route. Regarding legal conduct, it suggests lowering the criminal record bar to a two-year sentence and introduces the possibility of losing nationality for serious crimes.
However, the Constitutional Court struck down the “automatic bar” for certain criminal thresholds and rules affecting how pending applications are assessed. Consequently, the law must return to Parliament for revision. Until a final version is decided upon, the existing five-year residency rule remains in effect.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Total Law before making any decisions based on the content provided.