Portuguese nationality
Learn about the main ways to obtain Portuguese nationality and assess which eligibility framework applies to your case.
Portuguese nationality represents not only a legal connection to Portugal, but also access to European Union citizenship, with the rights and guarantees associated with free movement, residence, and integration within the European Union.
The application for Portuguese nationality is governed by the Nationality Law (Law No. 37/81 of 3 October) and the Portuguese Nationality Regulation (Decree-Law No. 237-A/2006 of 14 December). These legal frameworks establish a range of different legal grounds through which Portuguese nationality may be acquired, depending on the applicant’s personal, family, or residency circumstances.
Portuguese law provides for different ways of acquiring nationality, including through descent, marriage or a de facto union with a Portuguese citizen, legal residence in Portugal, and other situations specifically предусмотрed by law.
A legal assessment of the framework applicable to each situation is essential, as the requirements, necessary documentation, and legal criteria vary significantly depending on the basis of the application.
Benefits
The right to live and work in Portugal and throughout the European Union.
Access to a Portuguese passport.
International visa-free travel to a wide range of countries.
Direito de voto e participação cívica em Portugal
Possibility of
the transmission
of nationality to descendants
Elimination of the need to renew residence permits.
Ways to obtain Portuguese nationality.
Portuguese law provides for two main ways of acquiring nationality:
Nationality by attribution.
Also referred to as original nationality, it takes effect from birth and may be passed on to descendants without restrictions.
Nationality by acquisition.
Also referred to as derived nationality, it takes effect from the date of registration and may only be passed on to minor descendants.
Nacionalidade portuguesa por atribuição
The following individuals, among others, may be eligible for original Portuguese nationality:
- Children of a Portuguese mother or Portuguese father, born in Portugal or abroad.
- Grandchildren of original Portuguese citizens, subject to demonstrating an effective connection to the Portuguese community.
- Individuals born in Portugal to foreign parents, in the cases provided for by law.
- Persons born in Portugal who do not hold any other nationality.
Portuguese nationality by acquisition.
The following individuals, among others, may apply for Portuguese nationality by acquisition:
- Minors whose parents acquired Portuguese nationality after their birth.
- Spouses of Portuguese citizens for at least 3 years.
- Individuals in a de facto union with a Portuguese citizen for at least 3 years.
- Individuals who have been legally residing in Portugal for the period established under the applicable legislation.
- Individuals fully adopted by a Portuguese citizen.
- Persons born in Portugal under the conditions established by law.
- Parents of original Portuguese citizens, under the conditions established by law.
- Other specific cases provided for in the Nationality Law, subject to the legally applicable requirements.
Grounds for opposition.
The following individuals, among others, may apply for Portuguese nationality by acquisition:
- Minors whose parents acquired Portuguese nationality after their birth.
- Spouses of Portuguese citizens for at least 3 years.
- Individuals in a de facto union with a Portuguese citizen for at least 3 years.
- Individuals who have been legally residing in Portugal for the period established under the applicable legislation.
- Individuals fully adopted by a Portuguese citizen.
- Persons born in Portugal under the conditions established by law.
- Parents of original Portuguese citizens, under the conditions established by law.
- Other specific cases provided for in the Nationality Law, subject to the legally applicable requirements.
Process
- Assessment of the applicant’s legal framework.
- Collection and organisation of documentation.
- Translation and certification of documents, where necessary.
- Submission of the application before the IRN.
- Follow-up of the application process until the final decision.
Do you need legal assistance to apply for Portuguese nationality?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to obtain Portuguese nationality through residence?
Yes. In certain cases, foreign citizens with legal residence in Portugal may apply for nationality under the applicable legislation.
Can Portuguese nationality be passed on to children?
Yes, depending on the type of nationality acquired and the specific circumstances of the case.
Is it necessary to speak Portuguese?
In certain procedures, proof of proficiency in the Portuguese language may be required.
Do foreign documents need to be translated?
Yes, documents in a foreign language must be translated and certified.
