GetEUCitizenship Portuguese citizenship by descent

To acquire Portuguese citizenship by descent, also known as citizenship by ancestry or citizenship by origin, you must have a direct family connection to a Portuguese citizen. The process typically involves proving your eligibility through documentation and applying for citizenship.

How to get citizenship by descent in Portugal

Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

Determine your eligibility. To qualify for Portuguese citizenship by descent, you usually need to have a parent, grandparent, or in some cases, great-grandparent who was a Portuguese citizen. The specific requirements may vary, so it’s essential to research and confirm your eligibility based on your family lineage.
Obtain necessary translations and apostilles. If your documents are not in Portuguese, you’ll generally need to have them translated into Portuguese by a certified translator. Additionally, you may need to obtain apostilles or similar forms of authentication for your documents, depending on the country’s requirements where the documents were issued.
Submit your application. You’ll need to submit your application for Portuguese citizenship by descent to the Portuguese authorities. It’s recommended to consult the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your country or visit the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) website for guidance.
Wait for processing. The processing time for Portuguese citizenship applications can vary. It’s advisable to check with the relevant authorities for an estimate of the processing time.
Attend an interview or provide additional information. In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview or provide additional information or documentation to support your application. This step will depend on the specific circumstances and requirements of your application.
Receive citizenship approval. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a certificate of Portuguese citizenship or another document confirming your new citizenship status.

Documentation and Application

You’ll need to gather relevant documents to support your claim to Portuguese citizenship. These may include:

birth certificates,
marriage certificates,
other legal documents establishing your family connection to the Portuguese citizen.

You may also need to provide proof of the Portuguese citizen’s citizenship, such as their Portuguese birth certificate or passport.

Dual Citizenship

Portugal generally allows dual citizenship, which means that you can retain your current citizenship while also becoming a Portuguese citizen.

FAQ

Who is eligible for Portuguese citizenship by descent?

Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship by descent typically depends on having a direct family connection to a Portuguese citizen. This can include being the child, grandchild, or, in some cases, great-grandchild of a Portuguese citizen. The specific requirements may vary, so it’s important to research and confirm your eligibility based on your family lineage.

Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent if my parents or grandparents are no longer alive?

Yes, it is still possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent if your parents or grandparents, who were Portuguese citizens, are deceased. You would need to provide the necessary documentation to prove your familial connection to the Portuguese citizen.

Is there a requirement to speak Portuguese to apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent?

There is no specific language requirement for acquiring Portuguese citizenship by descent. However, it’s important to note that some documentation, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates, may need to be translated into Portuguese. It can be beneficial to have a basic understanding of the Portuguese language for navigating the application process and for integration into Portuguese society.

Can I hold dual citizenship with Portugal if I acquire Portuguese citizenship by descent?

Yes, Portugal generally allows dual citizenship. This means that you can retain your current citizenship while also becoming a Portuguese citizen through descent.

Can I pass Portuguese citizenship by descent to my children?

Yes, if you acquire Portuguese citizenship by descent, you can generally pass it on to your children. They may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship based on their direct lineage to you as a Portuguese citizen.

Where do I apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent?

Applications for Portuguese citizenship by descent are typically submitted to the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence. They can provide you with the necessary application forms and guidance on the submission process.

Portuguese citizenship by descent