Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
APPLYING FOR PORTUGAL CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT (USA / PORTUGAL)
Who is eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent?
Portuguese citizenship by descent is based on the principal of jus sanguinis—the idea that citizenship passes through the bloodline.
While this route is offered by a few other European Union countries, many people still use it to become a citizen of Portugal today. If you do not have Portuguese ancestry but still want to become a citizen of Portugal, you can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa program.
For information on other routes how to get Portuguese citizenship please see our complete guide here.
If you have Portuguese parents, grandparents or great grandparents then you might qualify to become a citizen of Portugal.
Portuguese citizenship by descent is based on the principal of jus sanguinis—the idea that citizenship passes through the bloodline.
While this route is offered by a few other European Union countries, many people still use it to become a citizen of Portugal today. If you do not have Portuguese ancestry but still want to become a citizen of Portugal, you can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa program.
For information on other routes how to get Portuguese citizenship please see our complete guide here.
Portugal Citizenship by Descent at a Glance
Eligibility
| Qualifying Ancestor | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent | Automatically eligible if one parent was a Portuguese citizen at the time of your birth. |
| Grandparent | Eligible if one grandparent was Portuguese, with proof of lineage and evidence of strong ties to Portugal. |
| Great Grandparent | Eligible, but requires extensive documentation proving lineage across generations and evidence of strong ties to Portugal. |
Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Completed citizenship application form. |
| Valid ID/Passport | Current, government-issued ID or passport. |
| Birth Certificate | Official certificate proving your lineage to a Portuguese ancestor. |
| Ancestor’s Documentation | ID or proof of Portuguese citizenship for the qualifying parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. |
| Marriage Certificate | If qualifying through a grandparent or great-grandparent, must provide marriage certificates to establish lineage continuity. |
| Language Proficiency | Certified proof of Portuguese language ability (e.g., test results or diplomas). |
| Proof of Ties to Portugal | Evidence like property ownership, involvement in Portuguese traditions, or participation in cultural activities. |
Portuguese Citizenship by Descent Application
| Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Select Route | Choose to apply through one of the following: ● Institute of Registries and Notaries (CNAIM) in Lisbon or Porto ● Online application via lawyer or solicitor ● Portuguese Consulate in your country of residence |
| Submit Documents | Provide all required forms and ensure they are certified, translated into Portuguese (if necessary), and apostilled. |
| Processing Time | Applications take 6 months to 2 years, depending on complexity and the generation you are qualifying through. |
What is Portuguese Citizenship by Descent?
According to Portugal’s Nationality Act (first passed in 1981), you can claim citizenship by descent if one of your parents was a Portuguese national or resident at your birth.
That Portuguese nationality law is extended to those with a Portuguese grandparent as long as they are willing to make strong connections to the country.
Essentially, this makes you eligible for Portugal citizenship by descent if you have a parent or grandparent who was a citizen at your birth. It means you don’t need to meet the residency requirements of naturalization (which takes 5 years) or be married to a Portuguese citizen. This tends to be one of the easiest paths to obtain Portuguese citizenship if you qualify.
Requirements for Portugal Citizenship by Descent
So, what are the exact requirements to apply for Portuguese citizenship through descent?
You must have one of the following:
- Portuguese parent: Children born to a Portuguese parent are automatically entitled to citizenship themselves. Technically, if you qualify through a parent, you are only making official what is already your rightful citizenship by registering your birth in Portugal.
- Portuguese grandparent: You’ll need to prove the lineage and marriage of your grandparent, linking them to you. But they will qualify you.
- Portuguese great grandparent: Portugal is one of the countries that allows great grandparents to qualify you—but you will need evidence for each generation drawing the lineage from you back to your Portuguese ancestors.
If you have one of the above, you may qualify. However, if you qualify through a grandparent or great grandparent, Portugal has additional requirements, including:
- Proficiency in the Portuguese language
- A criminal record containing no prison sentences for crimes that would have a prison sentence lasting longer than 3 years if prosecuted in Portugal
- Clearance as a safe member of society by the government
- Strong ties to Portugal (i.e., connections to the culture or owning property)
Documents Needed for Portugal Citizenship by Descent
- Completed application
- Valid Passport or other ID
- Birth certificate
- Proof of ties to Portugal (this is important, as most countries do not require this for citizenship by descent)
- Copy of Portuguese ancestor’s ID
- Copy of grandparent’s marriage certificate (if qualifying through a grandparent)
- Proof of language proficiency (diploma for a class, certified results from a Portuguese Evaluation Center, certified results from the Center of Evaluation of Portuguese Language, etc.)
Preparing these documents ahead of time is the single biggest advantage you can give yourself throughout this process. Give yourself ample time to have the documents certified, translated into Portuguese by an approved translator, and apostilled. For more information on documentation requirements for Portuguese citizenship please click here.
Portuguese Citizenship by Descent Application Process
- Go to the Institute of Registries and Notires of the National Center for Migrant Integration (CNAIM)
or
Fill out an application online through a lawyer or solicitor
or
Go to a Portuguese Consulate in your country of residence - Submit the application with the necessary documentation (see above)
- Wait for application to process (a few months if qualifying through parents, but multiple generations can take much more time)
Citizenship by Descent for Sephardic Jews
Portugal offers a unique pathway to citizenship for Sephardic Jews who can trace their ancestry to the Jewish communities expelled from the Iberian Peninsula during the 15th century.
This initiative, introduced in 2015, recognizes the historical injustices of the Inquisition and seeks to reconnect descendants of Sephardic Jews with their Portuguese heritage.
To qualify for Portuguese citizenship as a Sephardic Jew, applicants must:
- Demonstrate Sephardic Jewish Heritage: Provide evidence of lineage to a Sephardic Jewish community with ties to Portugal. This can include family records, surnames, language, traditions, or documented histories.
- Obtain a Certificate of Sephardic Jewish Descent: This certificate must be issued by a recognized Jewish community in Portugal, such as the Lisbon or Porto Jewish Community.
- Prove Connection to Sephardic Heritage: Applicants must show cultural, familial, or historical ties to Portugal, such as shared traditions, Ladino language use, or genealogical documentation.
While this opens up the chance for Portuguese citizenship for many, it is still a difficult process. It’s highly encouraged that you seek professional help when taking this path.
Professional Support for Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
If you have Portuguese ancestors, this could be your pathway to citizenship.
However, with the documentation requirements and shifting legal framework (including many major changes in the past few years), it is advisable to obtain support from a professional.
To see if PDC’s expert team can help you, schedule a FREE consultation call. We’ll review your details to see if you have a good claim for citizenship by descent. We can even answer any questions you might have about the process ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does it cost to apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent?
On average, government application fees range from €175 to €250, while legal assistance or translation services may add to the overall expense.
How do I get Portuguese citizenship by descent?
You’ll need to gather the appropriate documents, submit your application, and then wait for approval.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship through ancestry?
Yes, Portuguese citizenship is available to individuals with Portuguese parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. The eligibility criteria require proof of direct descent and may involve demonstrating a connection to Portugal—especially if you are qualifying through a grandparent.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship through my great grandparents?
Yes, but the burden of proof becomes much higher. This is because you’ll need to trace your lineage through each generation using proper documentation.
How to get Portuguese citizenship through descent?
If you have a qualifying ancestor who was Portuguese, you qualify. Next is a matter of proving it through documentation and sending it along through the right application. PDC can help with our in-house Portugal citizenship legal services.
How long does it take to get citizenship in Portugal?
It generally takes between 6 months and 2 years. We’ve seen a lot of factors change the processing time—with the complexity of the case being the most important variable.
This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian
Contact Us
There are different ancestral generations that make it possible to qualify for Portuguese citizenship by descent. Not sure if you qualify? Contact us at (213) 654-2133 to help confirm your eligibility free of charge.
