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Nationality · Citizenship by descent

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.

i

For children of Portuguese citizens

If you have a Portuguese parent, you may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship by descent.

ii

For grandchildren

Grandchildren of Portuguese citizens may also qualify under specific conditions.

iii

Full EU citizenship

Obtain a Portuguese passport and full European Union citizenship rights.

Benefits

Benefits of Portuguese citizenship.

i

EU passport

Hold a Portuguese passport with visa-free travel to 188 countries worldwide.

ii

Live & work in EU

Live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union without restrictions.

iii

Dual citizenship

Portugal allows dual citizenship — no need to renounce your current nationality.

iv

Pass to descendants

Your children can inherit Portuguese citizenship and pass it to future generations.

v

Healthcare & education

Access Portugal's public healthcare and education systems.

vi

Investment access

Access to EU markets and investment opportunities across Europe.

Eligibility

Who qualifies?

Portugal's citizenship by descent laws let you reclaim your heritage through your Portuguese parent or grandparent, wherever you were born.

  • iChildren of Portuguese citizens — direct children of Portuguese citizens are generally eligible, regardless of where they were born.
  • iiGrandchildren requirements — must prove connection to Portuguese community and demonstrate ties to Portugal (may require basic Portuguese language).
  • iiiDocument requirements — birth certificates, parent/grandparent Portuguese documents, criminal records, and other supporting documentation.
  • ivNo residency required — you don't need to live in Portugal to apply for citizenship by descent.

How we help

Citizenship application process.

  1. Eligibility assessment. We review your family history and documents to confirm your eligibility for Portuguese citizenship.
  2. Document collection. Gather birth certificates, parent/grandparent documents, and other required documentation from Portugal and your country.
  3. Authentication & translation. Authenticate all documents with apostille and prepare certified Portuguese translations.
  4. Application submission. Submit your citizenship application to the Portuguese Civil Registry Office (Conservatória).
  5. Approval & passport. Receive your Portuguese nationality certificate and apply for your Portuguese passport.

Related services

Common questions

Citizenship FAQs.

Processing times vary from 6 months to 2 years depending on the complexity and location of document sources.
For children, no. For grandchildren, basic Portuguese proficiency (A2 level) may be required.
Yes, as long as your parent or grandparent was a Portuguese citizen (even if they never claimed it), you may be eligible.
No, Portugal allows dual citizenship. You can maintain your current nationality.
Yes, once you obtain Portuguese citizenship, your children can also claim it through descent.
No residency requirement for citizenship by descent. You can apply from anywhere in the world.

This information is general and does not replace individual legal advice. It does not constitute a guarantee of any outcome. The applicable framework depends on the law in force and the specific circumstances of each case.

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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.

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or call +351 222 084 267