Portuguese Citizenship
For Children & Grandchildren
Claim your Portuguese heritage and obtain citizenship through your Portuguese parent or grandparent. Gain access to full EU citizenship rights.
Overview
Citizenship by Descent
Portugal's citizenship by descent laws allow children and grandchildren of Portuguese citizens to reclaim their heritage and obtain Portuguese nationality, even if they were born and live abroad.
For Children of Portuguese Citizens
If you have a Portuguese parent, you may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship by descent.
For Grandchildren
Grandchildren of Portuguese citizens may also qualify under specific conditions.
Full EU Citizenship
Obtain a Portuguese passport and full European Union citizenship rights.
Benefits
Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship
EU Passport
Hold a Portuguese passport with visa-free travel to 188 countries worldwide.
Live & Work in EU
Live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union without restrictions.
Dual Citizenship
Portugal allows dual citizenship - no need to renounce your current nationality.
Pass to Descendants
Your children can inherit Portuguese citizenship and pass it to future generations.
Healthcare & Education
Access Portugal's public healthcare and education systems.
Investment Access
Access to EU markets and investment opportunities across Europe.
Eligibility
Who Qualifies?
Children of Portuguese Citizens
Direct children of Portuguese citizens are generally eligible, regardless of where they were born.
Grandchildren Requirements
Must prove connection to Portuguese community and demonstrate ties to Portugal (may require basic Portuguese language).
Document Requirements
Birth certificates, parent/grandparent Portuguese documents, criminal records, and other supporting documentation.
No Residency Required
You don't need to live in Portugal to apply for citizenship by descent.
How We Help
Citizenship Application Process
Eligibility Assessment
We review your family history and documents to confirm your eligibility for Portuguese citizenship.
Document Collection
Gather birth certificates, parent/grandparent documents, and other required documentation from Portugal and your country.
Authentication & Translation
Authenticate all documents with apostille and prepare certified Portuguese translations.
Application Submission
Submit your citizenship application to the Portuguese Civil Registry Office (Conservatória).
Approval & Passport
Receive your Portuguese nationality certificate and apply for your Portuguese passport.
Common Questions
Citizenship FAQs
How long does the citizenship process take?
Processing times vary from 6 months to 2 years depending on the complexity and location of document sources.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
For children, no. For grandchildren, basic Portuguese proficiency (A2 level) may be required.
Can I apply if my parent never claimed citizenship?
Yes, as long as your parent or grandparent was a Portuguese citizen (even if they never claimed it), you may be eligible.
Will I need to renounce my current citizenship?
No, Portugal allows dual citizenship. You can maintain your current nationality.
Can my children also get Portuguese citizenship?
Yes, once you obtain Portuguese citizenship, your children can also claim it through descent.
Do I need to live in Portugal?
No residency requirement for citizenship by descent. You can apply from anywhere in the world.
Check Your Eligibility
Answer a few questions to see if you qualify for Portuguese citizenship by descent. Our team will review your information and contact you with next steps.
Portuguese Citizenship Eligibility Assessment
Complete this form and we'll evaluate your eligibility for Portuguese citizenship through family ties.
Ready to Claim Your Portuguese Heritage?
Contact us to evaluate your eligibility for Portuguese citizenship by descent. We'll guide you through the entire process.