How to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship
How can I apply for citizenship with Portugal?
After all the research and work gathering documents, obtaining certifications, translations, legalizations, and apostilles you may be ready to to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
It is critical to make sure all of your documentation is flawless and meets the current requirements of the Portuguese government prior to sending it off for submission.
We have made this guide to help you understand exactly where you need to go and how to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Check out these other guides for help along your journey:
Before You Start: How Do I Know I Qualify?
The first step is figuring out how you qualify. We have an entire guide to learn how to get Portuguese citizenship given your exact situation.
Once you identify the correct pathway for you, you will need to follow the documentation requirements specific to it. But first, you must identify the correct Portuguese citizenship application.
Which Portugal Citizenship Application Do I Fill Out?
The actual application changes depending on the route you take. Below is an easy-to-use reference list:
- Naturalization
- Through Descent
- Parent was Portuguese: Model 1C (Minor) or Model 1C (Adult)
- Grandparent or great-grandparent: Model 1D (Minor) or Model 1D (Adult)
- Through Sephardic Jewish Heritage
- Through Marriage or Long-Term Relationship (de facto Union)
For a full list of applications, including those for much more rare situations, check out the Portugal government website.
Where Do I Apply for Portuguese Citizenship?
You have three options: online, in-person, and by mail.
In all three cases, you’ll need to complete the proper application (as outlined in the section above).
Apply Online
Online applications are convenient but must be made through a lawyer or solicitor.
Your lawyer or solicitor will go to NacionalidadeOnline, log in using their digital certificate, and sign everything using their valid digital signature.
In-Person
In-person applications require you to bring your documentation to a physical location. There, you’ll pay your fees, fill out the application, and turn everything in before you leave. Because of the certainty of handing the physical documents to a real human being, many of our clients prefer this route—even if it isn’t the most convenient.
Where you apply in person depends on if you are in Portugal or abroad.
For those in Portugal, there are many options:
- Lisbon or Oporto: the Institute of Registration and Notary Affairs at the National Support Centre for the Integration of Migrants (CNAIM)
- Lisbon or Benfica: the Registry Spaces
- Lisbon: the Central Registry Office
- Odivelas: Citizens’ Shop
- the Nationality Desk
- the Civil Registry Offices
If you are abroad, you’ll need to seek out the Portuguese Consulate or embassy in your area.
By Mail
You can mail in your filled-out application and documents directly to the government in Portugal. For many clients, we find the convenience is outweighed by uncertainty around mailing highly sensitive documentation. Still, if you really can’t do it online or in-person, this is a great option.
Once you’ve filled out the form, you just need to submit it to:
Conservatória dos Registos Centrais, Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 202, 1099-033 Lisbon
Do Applications Cost Money?
Your application fee is €250. You must submit proof that you paid this fee along with your application.
Expect additional costs related to other eligibility requirements (e.g., language proficiency tests, translation of documents, lawyer fees).
Help to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship
Feeling overwhelmed? There’s no need to worry. PDC works with clients worldwide learning how to apply for Portuguese citizenship who are making their dreams of life in Portugal a reality, and that all starts with a 100% free call to our expert team.
We can answer any questions you have, and we can find out the exact support package you might need for ongoing help through the process.
This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian
Do You Qualify?
Want to learn more about applying for Portuguese citizenship? Contact us, we offer a free consultation to help confirm your eligibility.
