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Citizenship for Grandchildren of Portuguese Citizens: Clarifications Introduced in 2020
Law 2/2020 clarified citizenship rules for grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, requiring demonstration of effective connection through verifiable ties to Portugal.
On 11 November 2020, Portugal implemented amendments to the Nationality Law (Law no. 37/81) affecting citizenship applications by grandchildren of Portuguese citizens. These changes, enacted through Law no. 2/2020 and related regulation updates, clarified how applicants can demonstrate an effective connection to the Portuguese community.
Under the revised rules, applicants must show objective signs of connection, such as regular visits to Portugal, property ownership, participation in Portuguese cultural associations, language proficiency, or other verifiable ties. The reform also strengthened documentary standards for proving the Portuguese origin of the grandparent.
For applicants from Brazil, the United States, Israel, the UK and Canada, these changes added predictability to a route that had previously been uncertain and highly discretionary. Families with multigenerational ties to Portugal now have clearer guidance on building a successful application.
The reform reflects Portugal’s intention to preserve genuine historic connections while preventing misuse of the nationality system.
Official source: Diário da República, amendments to Law no. 37/81, 11 November 2020 (https://dre.pt)