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Citizenship by Adoption: 2020 Clarification Strengthens Child Protection
Law 2/2020 confirmed that full adoption automatically entitles children to Portuguese nationality, regardless of country of birth, ensuring equal treatment with biological children.
On 11 November 2020, Portugal published amendments to the Nationality Law (Law no. 37/81) clarifying the rules for granting citizenship to minors adopted by Portuguese citizens. The reform confirmed that full adoption automatically entitles the child to Portuguese nationality, regardless of the child’s country of birth, provided the adoption meets legal requirements recognised under Portuguese law.
The update also clarified documentation and procedural requirements for adoptions completed abroad, particularly in Brazil, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Authorities must verify authenticity and legal validity of adoption decrees issued in foreign jurisdictions.
For international families, the reform provides stability and equal treatment of adopted children and biological children concerning access to Portuguese citizenship.
Official source: Diário da República, amendments to Law no. 37/81, 11 November 2020 (https://dre.pt)