9 de December, 2025
“What’s the waiting time for Portuguese citizenship? How long does the process really take?” These are, without a doubt, the questions we hear most often from those who come to Atlantic Bridge to begin an application.
With the increase in demand for dual nationality, especially from 2023 onward, processing times have become longer and vary significantly depending on the type of eligibility. Below, we present the updated processing times for 2025/2026.
*Updated on December 10, 2025.
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.
| Situation / eligibility for citizenship | Average estimated processing time* |
| Newborn born in Portugal | Granted automatically at registration, as long as the parents are Portuguese or legally resident foreigners. In the case of undocumented foreign parents, at least one must have been living in Portugal for at least one year. See the requirements in our article about children born in Portugal. |
| Newborn born outside Portugal | Can be requested through a consulate. It is also issued on the spot (immediately), provided the parents can secure an appointment. |
| Minor child (not a newborn) | Portuguese citizenship for children may be requested at a consulate or directly at a Conservatória. This is another fast process: 6 to 9 months. |
| Child of a Portuguese citizen (adults) | The waiting time varies depending on where the application is submitted. Through the Porto Conservatória, the waiting time has been 12 to 18 months. Through the Lisbon Conservatórias, 24 to 36 months. Those applying through a Consulate generally wait even longer. |
| Grandchildren of a Portuguese citizen (adults) | Portuguese citizenship for adult grandchildren has one of the longest timelines, taking between 36 and 48 months. |
| Grandchildren of a Portuguese citizen (minors) | Faster than adult grandchildren: 12 to 18 months. |
| Spouse or partners | The timeline for citizenship applications through marriage or stable union is similar to that of grandchildren: 36 to 48 months. |
| Naturalization based on legal residence | For those who have been legally residing in Portugal for 5 years, citizenship by residence is usually requested through a Conservatória, and may take 24 to 36 months. |
*Except for newborns, all items above are considered as born outside Portugal.
“Why My Portuguese Citizenship Application is Taking so long???”
Delays usually occur for three main reasons:
Yes. However, expediting is only considered when the applicant provides a consistent justification supported by documents proving real harm caused by delays in the process.
In practice, this request is usually made when the applicant is of advanced age or faces serious health conditions, with a real risk that citizenship transmission may not occur if there is death before approval. Other reasons that may be taken into account include urgent medical treatments, professional opportunities involving significant financial loss, or academic commitments in which citizenship is essential.
It is important to emphasize that the decision is entirely discretionary — it is up to the registrar to assess whether the reasons presented justify bypassing the normal order of processing.
With citizenship and residency processes in Portugal becoming increasingly competitive, having specialized guidance makes all the difference.
At Atlantic Bridge, we have helped more than 10,000 clients achieve their dream of Portuguese citizenship and legal residency, ensuring that no document is missing and that your application proceeds without unnecessary delays.
Don’t waste time or take risks: speak with our specialists and receive full support from start to finish.
Author:
Atlantic Bridge
