Portuguese Citizenship Through Parents

Do You Have Lusitanian Ancestry? Are you considering dual citizenship? If you are the child of Portuguese parents (one or both), you may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship through parents, even if you were born abroad and are over 18. This right is rooted in the Nationality Law, but there are specific rules you must follow.

In this guide, we’ll explain the steps to apply for Portuguese citizenship for the children of Portuguese parents, including eligibility criteria, required documents, and costs involved. Whether you’re aiming for Portuguese nationality or your Portuguese passport, knowing the process is key.

Act Quickly: Nationality laws can change over time, so don’t miss your chance to secure this opportunity while you can.

Also read our full article on Portuguese citizenship for minor children.

Portuguese Citizenship for Adult Children: Is It Possible?

Yes, adult children can obtain Portuguese citizenship as descendants of Portuguese nationals. However, specific rules must be followed regarding the declarant and the date of the birth registration, as we will explain below.

Is every child of a Portuguese citizen entitled to Portuguese citizenship?

Generally speaking, anyone who is the child of a Portuguese citizen is entitled to Portuguese citizenship. It can be obtained at birth or as an adult.

It is important to say that for the child of a father and/or mother Portuguese even born outside Portugal the attribution is considered original. It is retroactive to the moment of the individual’s birth, in other words: once the process has been completed, the applicant is considered Portuguese from the date of their birth. This type of citizenship can be passed down through the generations.

For children of Portuguese origin, the right applies to both children over the age of 18 and minors.

The following are considered to be native Portuguese:

• Children of a Portuguese mother or father who were born in Portugal.
• Children of a Portuguese mother or father who were born outside Portugal, provided that one of the parents was in the service of Portugal.
• Children of a Portuguese mother or father born outside Portugal, if they expressly declare their wish to obtain Portuguese nationality, using the declaration form for the acquisition of Portuguese citizenship

What is the difference between original and derived nationality?

There are two ways of obtaining Portuguese nationality: original (granted by origin, from birth) and derived (acquired by purchase, after birth). This small detail will influence the viability of the application, as well as the requirements that the applicant must meet.

What is original nationality?

A Originating nationality is that which is attributed to a person from the moment they are born. In other words, it is the nationality that a person acquires automatically at birth.

What is derived nationality?

A Derivative nationality is one that is not automatic, it results from the voluntary expression of will of the individual who wishes to acquire nationality. It is a right that the law establishes for those who meet a set of requirements. It only takes effect from the date on which the record of the acquisition of nationality is drawn up at the Central Registry Office. This is the case for those who obtain citizenship through length of residence or marriage.

Original and derived citizenship: what changes in the application?

The transmission of nationality to Portuguese descendants born on foreign soil follows different criteria depending on the situation:

For children of Portuguese nationals with nationality , it is not necessary to comply with bond requirements only the regular legal requirements.

For children of Portuguese citizens who have nationality, they can only receive nationality if they are minors and have proof of ties with Portugal. In this case, there are two possible situations:

Please note: in the case of child born in Portugal even if their parents do not have Portuguese nationality, they are entitled to Portuguese citizenship. To do so, one of their parents must be living legally in Portugal or even living there without a residence permit, as long as they can prove that they have been in the country for at least a year. The rule became valid in 2020, according to the amendment to the Nationality Law.

Declarant of birth and unfeasibility of the request

Pay attention to a detail that could make it impossible to apply for Portuguese citizenship for your children!

Who is the Portuguese ancestor in your family? Who was the declarant of your birth on your birth certificate?

Read also: : Is the great-grandson of a Portuguese citizen entitled to apply for dual citizenship?

Birth registration at the age of majority

Another very important aspect to check is when your birth was registered. Nowadays, babies are registered at birth, but this wasn’t always the case. And for your case to be viable, your birth registration must have taken place during your minority. Check the law in your country to see at what age you reach the age of majority. If you were registered after the age of majority, your case is not viable.

Citizenship for children of naturalized Portuguese foreigners

As explained above, foreigners who have become naturalized Portuguese can only pass on Portuguese citizenship to their minor children.

Documents for Portuguese citizenship through parents

Now that you know the criteria you need to analyze to see if you can apply for Portuguese nationality, here are the documents that are required:

• Declaration of birth completed and signed in the presence of an official of the Consulate General of Portugal (or power of attorney)
• Identification document of the applicant
• Applicant’s birth certificate
• Portuguese birth certificate of the Portuguese parent
• If the Portuguese parent is deceased, it will be necessary to have the death certificate transcribed so that this record can be registered in Portugal.
• Parents’ Portuguese marriage certificate
• If the parents are married: a transcript of the marriage certificate (or marriage registration in Portugal) of the applicant’s parents,
• Documents proving parentage as a minor (if the mother is Portuguese, is not the declarant of the birth and the parents were not married at the time of the birth)
• Proof of life if the applicant is over 70 years old
• If the applicant is a married woman and has changed her name as a result of marriage, she must also present her marriage certificate
• If one of the parents comes from a country where Portuguese is not the official language, you will need to arrange for a sworn translation of the documents relating to that party.

Where can I apply for Portuguese citizenship for my son?

The application for Portuguese nationality can be made online, if it is done through a lawyer. It can also be done at the Portuguese consulate in the area where the applicant lives, or in Portugal, at a Civil Registry Office, at the counter of the Institute of Registries and Notaries, at the National Support Center for the Integration of Migrants, and at the Nationality Counter.

Talk to our consultants!

What are the stages of the nationality process?

The nationality process consists of seven phases:

1. Nationality application protocol
2. Order registration
3. Consultation with external entities, if necessary
4. Checking the documentation submitted
5. Analysis of compliance with the legal requirements for granting nationality
6. Decision on whether or not to grant nationality
7. Registration as a Portuguese citizen or filing of the case.

If citizenship is granted, the birth certificate will be issued. From then on, the applicant will be able to obtain their Portuguese identification document (called a citizen’s card) and their passport. This application can be made at any Portuguese Consulate or Embassy, or in Portugal, at any Citizen’s Bureau or Civil Registry Office.

How much does Portuguese Citizenship Through Parents cost?

For minors, the application is free of charge at the Civil Registry Offices.

For individuals of legal age, the cost of processing the application is 175€.

It is important to remember that there will still be costs related to issuing the necessary documents, as well as copies and apostilles.

In addition, you may need the support of a historian to locate historical data and documents. Finally, if you want the assistance of a consultancy, you will have to pay an additional fee for the service.

How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship through parents

The time can vary depending on the Civil Registry Office you choose, but on average the wait is between 9 and 12 months.

Portuguese Citizenship for Adopted Children: Is It Possible?

Yes, adopted children can obtain Portuguese citizenship. Nationality is granted in cases of full adoption, which must be irrevocable and grant the adoptee the status of a legitimate child for all legal purposes. Additionally, the adoption must have taken place during the adoptee’s minority.

The requirements vary depending on when the adoption occurred:

After the Nationality Law Came into Force (from October 8, 1981):

• Adoption by a Portuguese citizen before the adoptee turns 18 years old.
• Proof of connection to the Portuguese community.
• Finalized judicial decision, with recognition by a Portuguese court if required.
• Absence of a serious criminal conviction and no involvement in terrorism.
• Restrictions on holding public office and performing military service in another country.

Before the Nationality Law Came into Force (prior to October 8, 1981):

• Adoption carried out before the adoptee turned 18 and before the specified date.
• Judicial decision finalized before October 8, 1981.
• Declaration of intent to acquire Portuguese nationality.
• Compliance with the same restrictions regarding community connection, criminal record, and public office.

In both cases, the adoptee must provide the required documents, such as the judicial decision, proof of connection to the Portuguese community, and other documents mandated by current legislation.

Living in Portugal without Portuguese citizenship

If your family citizenship process is not viable, it’s important to know that not all hope is lost!!!

If you really want to become a Portuguese citizen, you can obtain your citizenship through your length of residence in the country. In this case, you will need to obtain a residence visa that suits your profile and allows you to legally live in Portugal for at least 5 years.

But don’t forget! Never move without a visa that allows you to live legally in the country!

Applying for Portuguese Citizenship with Expert Assistance

Applying for Portuguese citizenship can be a complex process, involving specific legal requirements and the need to gather detailed documentation. Having the support of experts can make all the difference, ensuring that each step is completed correctly and without unnecessary delays. At Atlantic Bridge, we offer specialized consulting services to help you secure your Portuguese nationality safely and efficiently. Contact us today and start realizing your dream of obtaining Portuguese citizenship with guidance from professionals who truly understand the process!

Need assistance? Speak with our specialists!