5 de May, 2026
In recent years, the process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship for children born in Portugal (children of foreign parents) has undergone significant changes. However, with the amendments to the Nationality Law in 2026, enacted on May 3rd, this framework has become more demanding. In this article, we explain how Portuguese citizenship for those born in Portugal works, the new requirements for children of immigrants, what has changed in the law, as well as the required documents and other important details.
If you would like to speak with a Portuguese citizenship specialist, click here.
Depends. Currently, a child born in Portugal can acquire Portuguese citizenship provided that at least one parent has been legally residing in the country for at least 5 years, or already holds Portuguese nationality, even if obtained by naturalization.
In this sense, Portugal adopts both the jus sanguinis principle (citizenship by descent) and jus soli (citizenship by birth in the territory) to determine eligibility for Portuguese nationality.
Note: The rules below only apply if foreigners are not in Portugal in service of their home country.
Realizing your goal of living in Europe or obtaining European citizenship can be simpler than you think. We offer personalized support to make the immigration process more accessible and uncomplicated.
The jus sanguinis criterion (kinship criterion) grants an individual the right to nationality of a particular country based on their ancestry (from the nationality of their parents or grandparents, for example).
On the other hand, jus soli (territorial criterion) grants an individual the right to nationality of a particular country by birth in that place or prolonged stay there.
Regarding the laws in force in 2026, a child born in Portugal may qualify under one of the following conditions:
This is the simplest and fastest scenario: Portuguese citizenship by origin may be granted if at least one parent is Portuguese, even if they obtained nationality by naturalization.
See more details in our full article on Portuguese citizenship by descent.
In this case, it is sufficient that one parent has been legally residing in Portugal for at least 5 years at the time of the child’s birth. Citizenship granted in this case is also considered original.
Important: the parent must already hold a valid residence permit. If the residence permit has not yet been issued, the application must follow a different route.
This applies to so-called stateless individuals, meaning those who do not have any nationality.
For example, this may apply to children born in Portugal whose parents’ country does not grant citizenship to children born abroad. It may also apply if the parents fail to register the child’s birth with their consulate, resulting in the child being considered stateless.
Note: Only one parent needs to meet the requirements.
Citizenship by attribution (original) is one in which the citizen is born Portuguese, meaning the validity of citizenship goes back to their birth.
Derived nationality is one where the individual expresses their desire to become a citizen, and it becomes effective only after the approval of their naturalization request.
And why is original citizenship more valued than derived? Basically because original citizenship can be more easily transmitted to descendants, even in adulthood.
The legal framework for Portuguese citizenship for children born in Portugal has evolved significantly over the years — initially making access easier, and more recently, in 2026, becoming more restrictive.
This means irregular immigrants can no longer obtain original Portuguese citizenship for children born in Portugal.
These citizenship requests can be made at any Civil Registry Office in Portugal, as well as at Portuguese consular services or embassies.
Regarding the necessary documentation, this can vary depending on the type of citizenship scenario mentioned above. As a rule, the following is usually required:
In the vast majority of cases mentioned here, the application is free of charge.
For children born in Portugal, if one parent meets the legal residence requirement, citizenship is usually granted automatically at the time of birth registration.
However, delays may occur due to:
We’ve already discussed what it’s like to live with young children in Portugal. Obtaining Portuguese citizenship brings a series of advantages: more security, freedom, and opportunities for the child’s life, undoubtedly.
Therefore, if your child fits into any of the scenarios described above, don’t miss the chance to secure a better present and future for them!
If you wish to speak with a specialist, click here.
Author:
Atlantic Bridge
