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Citizenship · Macau

Portuguese Citizenship for Macau Residents & Descendants.

Born in Macau before 1981? You may already be a Portuguese citizen. Claim your EU passport and unlock freedom to live, work, and travel across Europe.

Key dates

Two routes to Portuguese nationality.

i

Born before 21 Nov 1981

Automatic Portuguese nationality by jus soli (right of soil).

ii

Born 1981-1999 with Portuguese parent

Citizenship by jus sanguinis (right of blood).

Historical context

Macau's Portuguese heritage.

Portugal extended its nationality laws to Macau throughout its administration. Understanding the key dates is essential to determining your eligibility for Portuguese citizenship.

i

Portuguese territory until 1999

Macau was administered by Portugal from 1557 until December 20, 1999, when sovereignty was transferred to China.

ii

1981 nationality law change

The Portuguese Nationality Act took effect in Macau on November 21, 1981, changing citizenship from jus soli to jus sanguinis.

iii

Continuing rights

Those born before 1981 and their descendants retain Portuguese citizenship rights. Over 100,000 Macau residents hold Portuguese passports.

Eligibility

Who qualifies for Portuguese citizenship?

  • iBorn in Macau before 21 November 1981 — automatic Portuguese nationality regardless of parentage. You simply need to register your birth with Portuguese authorities.
  • iiBorn in Macau 1981-1999 to Portuguese parents — if at least one parent was Portuguese at the time of your birth, you are Portuguese by descent.
  • iiiBorn after 1999 to Portuguese parents — children of Portuguese citizens from Macau are eligible regardless of where they were born.
  • ivGrandchildren of Portuguese citizens — if your grandparents were born in Macau before 1981 (making them Portuguese), you may claim citizenship through your parents.

Documents

Required documentation from Macau.

i

Birth certificate

Certidao de Nascimento from the Macau Civil Registry (Conservatoria do Registo Civil de Macau).

ii

Identity documents

Bilhete de Identidade de Residente (BIR), Cedula Pessoal, or old Portuguese identity card.

iii

Parents' documents

Birth certificates and identity documents of Portuguese parents (if claiming by descent).

iv

Old Portuguese passport

If you or your parents ever held a Portuguese passport, this provides strong evidence of nationality.

v

Marriage certificates

If applicable, to establish family lineage and relationships.

vi

Criminal record

Criminal record certificate from your country of residence (for adults).

How we help

Citizenship application process.

  1. Eligibility assessment. We analyze your birth date, birthplace, and family history to determine the strongest route to citizenship.
  2. Document collection. Obtain certificates from Macau Civil Registry, DSI (Identification Services), and Portuguese archives as needed.
  3. Birth registration check. Verify if your birth was already registered in Portugal. If not, we prepare a late registration request.
  4. Application preparation. Compile all documents, prepare translations, and ensure proper authentication.
  5. Submission. Submit your application to the Central Registry Office (Conservatoria dos Registos Centrais) in Lisbon.
  6. Passport application. Once nationality is confirmed, assist with Portuguese passport and Citizen Card applications.

Dual nationality

About dual nationality: China & Portugal.

China's official position: China does not recognize dual nationality. However, for Macau residents, the Chinese government has maintained a practical approach of tolerance.

In practice: Many Macau residents hold both a Portuguese passport and Chinese documentation (BIR, Home Return Permit). This arrangement has been tacitly accepted since the 1999 handover.

Important: When entering mainland China, you should use your Chinese documentation. When traveling to Europe or other countries, you can use your Portuguese passport.

Benefits

Why claim your Portuguese citizenship?

i

EU freedom of movement

Live, work, and study in any of the 27 European Union countries without restrictions.

ii

Visa-free travel

Portuguese passport holders can travel visa-free to 188 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Japan.

iii

Political stability

EU citizenship provides a secure alternative during times of geopolitical uncertainty.

iv

Pass to future generations

Your children and grandchildren can inherit Portuguese citizenship.

v

EU healthcare & education

Access to European healthcare systems and educational institutions.

vi

Business opportunities

Establish businesses and invest across the European single market.

Related services

Common questions

Macau citizenship FAQs.

Yes. Anyone born in Macau before November 21, 1981 is entitled to Portuguese nationality by jus soli. You need to register your birth with Portuguese authorities to obtain citizenship documents and passport.
Yes, if at least one parent was Portuguese at your birth. After November 1981, nationality follows jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning citizenship passes through parentage, not birthplace.
Yes. If your parents are Portuguese (automatically if born in Macau before 1981), you can claim citizenship by descent regardless of where you were born.
China officially does not recognize dual nationality. However, it maintains practical tolerance for Macau residents with Portuguese nationality. Many hold both documents without issue.
Key documents include: birth certificate from Macau Civil Registry, Bilhete de Identidade de Residente (BIR), Cedula Pessoal, or old Portuguese passport. Parents' documents are needed if claiming by descent.
No. For citizenship by birth or descent, Portuguese language is not required. Only naturalization requires A2 level proficiency.
Typically 12-24 months depending on document availability and whether your birth was already registered in Portugal. Late registrations may take longer.
Yes. Once you confirm your Portuguese citizenship, your children can claim citizenship by descent. This right passes through generations.

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Ready to claim your Portuguese heritage?

Whether you were born in Macau or are a descendant of Macau-born Portuguese, our team can guide you through the citizenship process.

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or call +351 222 084 267