TL;DR
Portuguese citizenship by descent allows individuals with Portuguese ancestors (parents or grandparents) to acquire Portuguese citizenship through family lineage also called “jus sanguinis”. The applications through a Portuguese parent (father or mother) are generally straightforward, while applications through a Portuguese grandparent (grandfather or grandmother) may be a bit more complex and can require demonstrating a substantial connection to Portugal by submitting supplementary documents that proves the lineage. The Portugues CBA program does not require a relocation in most cases, and Portuguese language proficiency is generally not mandatory. Once granted, Portuguese citizenship confers full EU rights and can be passed to the future generations.
Why Portuguese Citizenship by Descent Is an Attractive Option
Interest in holding a second passport continues to grow as high-net-worth-individuals look for greater long-term security, mobility, and flexibility for the future. For eligible applicants, Portugal citizenship by descent offers an appealing pathway to claiming Portuguese nationality through familial lineage rather than through residence or investment.
For many applicants, Portuguese citizenship by descent offers one of the most direct and legally established routes to obtaining nationality in Portugal.
Foreign nationals with a Portuguese parent or grandparent may already meet Portugal citizenship eligibility requirements without realising it. In particular, Portuguese citizenship through grandparents has become a common route for individuals whose family history traces back to Portugal.
Unlike naturalisation routes, Portuguese citizenship by descent typically does not necessitate relocation to Portugal or proficiency in the Portuguese language. This makes it a more accessible option for individuals seeking citizenship, as they can retain their current lifestyle while enjoying the benefits of Portuguese nationality.
Moreover, Portuguese citizenship by descent provides a valuable “Plan B” for many, granting full European Union (“EU”) citizenship rights that include the freedom to live, work, and study throughout Portugal and the wider EU.
Who Is Eligible for Portuguese Citizenship by Descent?
Typically, children born aboard to a Portuguese parent or grandchildren of a Portuguese grandparent who possesses effective ties to the Portuguese community may apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent.
In practice, the closer the generational link, the more straightforward the application process tends to be.
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Eligibility Through Portuguese Parents
Children of Portuguese citizens generally qualify for Portuguese citizenship regardless of where they were born. This is one of the most direct and straightforward pathways under Portugal citizenship requirements and there are also no language tests, residence requirements, or age limits. Portugal permits dual citizenship, allowing the applicant to maintain their citizenship of birth as well.
To qualify for Portuguese citizenship, at least one of your parents must have been a Portuguese citizen at the time of your birth. You must either have been born to married parents or have been legally recognised as their child by your Portuguese parent(s). The applicant will be required to provide clear documentation proving their parents are Portuguese citizens.
Eligibility Through Portuguese Grandparents
Applicants seeking Portuguese citizenship by descent through grandparents must meet additional requirements to establish effective ties to Portugal. Specifically, those with a Portuguese grandparent born in Portugal should attain A2 level proficiency in the Portuguese language to demonstrate these ties.
Because applicants are required to show a connection to Portugal, applications through grandparents require careful legal review. Professional assessment helps confirm whether you qualify for Portuguese citizenship under the rules applicable to each generation.
Portuguese Citizenship by Descent Application Process: Step-by-Step
The Portuguese citizenship by descent application process involves the applicant completing several formal stages and often takes between 18 and 24 months, from application submission to receiving application approval.
Applications are submitted either through a Portuguese consulate when applying from abroad, or directly with Portuguese civil or central registries when applying from within Portugal or by a Portuguese lawyer.
Step 1: Eligibility Assessment and Document Planning
The first step is to confirm the applicant’s eligibility by identifying the application pathway, whether through a Portuguese parent or grandparent. Harvey Law Group conducts detailed eligibility reviews and coordinates research in Portugal where key ancestral details are missing, helping avoid pursuing ineligible applications.
Once eligibility is confirmed, document preparation can begin. At this stage, applicants review which records they already hold and which still need to be obtained, including whether genealogical research is required to identify a Portuguese ancestor’s place of birth.This assessment usually takes one to four weeks, although genealogical research can extend to several months.
Before moving forward with the citizenship application, it may be necessary to proceed with the amendment of the ancestor’s own civil status in cases where previous foreign marriages, divorces, deaths or other relevant civil changes were not duly registered in Portugal. Harvey Law Group advises and assists with any procedures that may be necessary for that end.
Step 2: Document Gathering
The document collection stage is very important as the correct documents are the basis of the application. When applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent, applicants must provide evidence of their lineage and connection to a Portuguese citizen, through birth and marriage certificates of their parent(s) or grandparent(s).
Determining which documents are required is fairly straightforward; however, it is important to ensure that applicants are eligible and have the correct documents that have been sourced, formatted or prepared properly.
This is why it is advisable to have a lawyer who is an expert in immigration law, such as Harvey Law Group assist you in your application. Lawyers can help deal with the Portuguese authorities and help properly prepare everything that is needed for a successful application to obtain Portuguese citizenship.
Step 3: Document Authentication and Translation
All non-Portuguese documents must be properly authenticated for international purposes before submission. This involves obtaining an Apostille from the issuing country or state or the equivalent Portuguese Consulate certification, a process that can take one to two months depending on jurisdiction.
In addition, all documents not issued in Portuguese must be translated into Portuguese by a certified or sworn translator.
Step 4: Application Submission
Applications may be submitted, without the assistance of a lawyer, at a Portuguese embassy or consulate or directly at a local Conservatória do Registo Civil.
Most applicants apply through a Portuguese consulate in their country of residence, where an appointment is scheduled to submit the complete application package and pay the government fee. The consulate then forwards the file to the Portuguese Central Registry in Lisbon or to the Portuguese Central Archive in Porto.
Portuguese lawyers have access to an exclusive online platform directly connected to the Central registry, where applications are submitted. If an applicant is being accompanied by a Portuguese lawyer, in-person appointments at the consulate are typically not required, except to obtain the Portuguese national ID card and passport after the citizenship by descent procedure is completed.
Step 5: Processing by Portuguese Authorities
After submission, the application is reviewed by the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais in Lisbon or the Arquivo Central in Porto. During this stage the documents will be verified by the authorities and confirm that the applicant is eligible.
Most cases are processed without interviews and are reviewed solely on documentation.
Processing times generally range from 24 to 36 months. Applicants usually receive confirmation of submission but no regular updates until approval or a request for additional documents.
Harvey Law Group monitors progress and follows up with Portuguese authorities when necessary throughout this period.
Step 6: Birth Certificate Issuance
Once the application has been approved, the applicant will receive official notification confirming attribution of Portuguese citizenship. A Portuguese birth certificate is then made available or issued by the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais, usually within two to four weeks. This certificate is the formal proof of citizenship and is required before applying for any Portuguese identity documents, including the national ID card and passport.
Step 7: Portuguese ID Card and Passport
Once the Portuguese birth certificate has been received the applicant may apply for their Portuguese identity documents such as the Cartão de Cidadão, the mandatory Portuguese ID card. They may also apply for a Portuguese passport.
Applications for the Cartão de Cidadão (Portuguese ID Card) and passport can be made at a Portuguese consulate abroad or at an IRN office in Portugal. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks.
Portuguese Citizenship Rights and Benefits
Portuguese citizenship by descent provides full Portuguese nationality and offers a wide range of legal rights and benefits. In addition to Portuguese citizenship, applicants also obtain EU citizenship. EU citizenship provides the freedom to live, work, and move across the EU, along with access to one of the world’s strongest passports for international travel.
European Union Citizenship
Portuguese citizens automatically hold EU citizenship, which grants the following legal rights across all 27 European Union member states, including the right to live in any EU country without visas or residence permits, and to work without employer sponsorship.
EU citizenship also provides freedom of movement within the Schengen Area, allowing travel across most of Europe without border controls. In addition, Portuguese citizens may study at universities throughout the EU, often at reduced tuition rates available to EU nationals, access public healthcare systems when resident, establish businesses across the EU, and vote in European Parliament elections as well as local elections in their country of residence.
Portuguese Passport
The Portuguese passport is consistently ranked among the world’s strongest travel documents. It offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 173 countries and territories.
This includes major destinations such as the United States (with ESTA authorization), Canada (with ETA), the United Kingdom (with ETA), Japan, Brazil, Mexico, and all Schengen Area countries.
Dual Citizenship
Portugal permits dual citizenship without restriction, allowing Portuguese citizens to hold one or more additional nationalities at the same time. There is no requirement to renounce an existing citizenship when acquiring Portuguese nationality.
While Portugal fully recognises dual citizenship, applicants should confirm whether their current country of citizenship imposes any limitations. Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and most EU member states generally allow dual citizenship, but countries such as China, Japan and Singapore do not.
Rights in Portugal
Portuguese citizenship grants full legal rights within Portugal. Citizens may live in Portugal permanently without immigration permits and work without restrictions. Portuguese citizens may purchase property without foreign ownership limitations and have full voting rights in national and local elections.
Citizenship also provides access to Portugal’s public healthcare system and education system, as well as full Portuguese consular and diplomatic protection when living or travelling abroad.
Harvey Law Group: Portuguese Citizenship by Descent Services
Harvey Law Group is an international immigration law firm with over 30 years of experience, founded in 1992, offering full-service legal support for Portuguese citizenship by descent, from initial eligibility assessment through to passport application. Our experts are also available to coordinate professional genealogical research in Portugal for applicants who do not know their Portuguese ancestor’s exact place of birth or are unable to locate the required civil registry records. Many applicants have only limited family information, such as a general reference to a region rather than a specific village, making targeted research essential to identify the correct ancestral location and obtain the relevant civil documents.
Portuguese Document Procurement
Harvey Law Group can also provide assistance with the requests for certified copies of Portuguese civil registry documents directly from the appropriate Conservatórias do Registo Civil in Portugal. This includes birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as verification of Portuguese citizenship records where applicable.
In particularly complex cases where key ancestral details are missing and extensive genealogical research is required, Harvey Law Group maintains close partnerships with specialized genealogy companies that can assist in procuring certain missing documents.Our experts also manage Portuguese-language correspondence with civil registries and prepare document requests according to registry-specific requirements, which helps reduce delays and rejected requests. Applications require precise formatting and supporting information that differs by location. Harvey Law Group’s familiarity with these procedures allows documents to be sourced efficiently and in compliance with current Portuguese standards.
Application Preparation and Submission
Harvey Law Group prepares complete Portuguese citizenship application packages and coordinates the submission online by licensed Portuguese lawyers. This includes completing application forms in Portuguese, compiling and reviewing supporting documentation, and confirming that each file meets current procedural requirements.
With experience working across multiple Portuguese consulates and Portuguese Registry Offices, Harvey Law Group understands variations in local procedures and submission practices, helping reduce delays caused by administrative inconsistencies or form errors.
Process Monitoring and Portuguese Authority Communication
During the Portuguese government processing period, which typically lasts between 24 and 36 months, Harvey Law Group monitors application progress and acts as a point of contact with Portuguese authorities. This includes communication with the Portuguese Central Registry, responding to requests for additional documentation, and following up on processing delays.
Ongoing monitoring is particularly important given the length of the processing period and the possibility of additional documentation being requested.
Post-Approval Guidance
Following approval of Portuguese citizenship, Harvey Law Group provides guidance on the final administrative steps. This includes assistance with obtaining the Portuguese birth certificate, applying for the Cartão de Cidadão, and submitting passport applications.
This post-approval guidance helps applicants complete the process smoothly and begin enjoying their Portuguese citizenship as quickly as possible.
For Portuguese citizenship by descent applications, Harvey Law Group’s comprehensive approach addresses the main challenges applicants face. Each case is assessed individually, with transparent scope and pricing discussed during the initial consultation.
To begin the process, Harvey Law Group offers consultations to assess eligibility and outline the application steps based on each applicant’s circumstances.
Contact Harvey Law Group to schedule a Portuguese citizenship eligibility consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
Q1: Can I get Portuguese citizenship if my grandfather was Portuguese?
Yes, potentially. Grandchildren of Portuguese citizens may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship by descent, but must meet additional requirements beyond direct lineage.
Requirements for grandchildren:
- Your grandparent was born in Portugal as a Portuguese citizen, and has not lost their citizenship
- You can document the family lineage with birth certificates
- You demonstrate a “connection to Portugal”, typically satisfied if you have sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level, minimum) and a clean criminal record.
Portuguese nationality law requires grandchildren to show a maintained connection to Portugal through the parent generation. This requirement is assessed case-by-case.
Harvey Law Group reviews your specific family history to determine if you meet the grandchild eligibility requirements under Portuguese nationality law.
Q2: Do I need to speak Portuguese to get citizenship by descent if I have a Portuguese parent?
No. Portugal does not have a language requirement for citizenship by descent applications for those applying through a Portuguese parent. You do not need to speak, read, or write Portuguese, and no language tests are required.
On another hand, those applying through a Portuguese grandparent will need to achieve a minimum of A2 level in Portuguese language to qualify for Portuguese citizenship by descent.
All application documents will be translated into Portuguese by certified translators, and legal counsel handles Portuguese-language communication with Portuguese authorities.
Q3: How long does the Portuguese citizenship by descent process take?
Typically processing time from application submission is 24 to 36 months, but processing time may vary by case based on:
- Document availability and proper preparation
- Whether genealogical research is required
- Portuguese civil registry response times
- Portuguese Central Registry availability and workload
Q4: Do I have to travel to Portugal during the application?
No. If you are applying for citizenship by descent with the assistance of Harvey Law Group, the entire process takes place online via an exclusive platform available to Portuguese lawyers, directly connected to the Portuguese authorities.
You will only be required to have one or two in-person appearances at a Portuguese Registry Office or Consulate in your country of residence after approval, for fingerprints and photo (for ID card and passport).
You do not need to travel to Portugal itself unless you prefer to request and collect your ID card and passport there.
Q5: What if I don’t know where my Portuguese ancestor was born?
This is a common situation. Many Portuguese descendants know their ancestor was from Portugal but don’t know the specific village or city.
Professional genealogical research can locate your ancestor’s birthplace by:
- Searching Portuguese immigration records
- Reviewing US/Canadian naturalization records that may list Portuguese birthplace
- Searches of Portuguese civil registries based on surname patterns
- Church records and municipal archives
Harvey Law Group coordinates with Portuguese genealogical researchers who conduct archive searches in Portugal to locate ancestral villages and birth records.
Timeline: Genealogical research can take 1-6 months depending on information available.
Q6: Do I have to give up my current citizenship?
No. Portugal permits dual citizenship and does not require renunciation of other nationalities. However, it is important to verify your current country’s dual citizenship policies. While Portugal allows you to keep other citizenships, your home country may have restrictions.
Countries that generally permit dual citizenship with Portugal:
- United States
- Canada
- Brazil
- United Kingdom
- Most EU countries
- Australia
- Many others
Some countries do not permit dual citizenship. It is highly recommended to check your country’s specific requirements.
Q7: What if my application is rejected?
Rejections occur when applicants do not meet eligibility requirements or submit incomplete/incorrect documentation.
If rejected:
- Portuguese authorities provide written explanation
- You may be able to submit additional documentation and reapply
- Appeal may be possible depending on rejection reason
- Government fees are not refundable
Before submitting an application, it is advised to complete an eligibility assessment and thorough document review to minimize rejection risk.
Harvey Law Group conducts eligibility assessments before accepting cases to verify clients meet Portuguese nationality law requirements.
Q8: Can I work anywhere in the EU with Portuguese citizenship?
Yes. Portuguese citizenship provides EU citizenship rights, including the right to work in any of the 27 EU member states without work permits or employer sponsorship requirements.
As an EU citizen, you have:
- Right to seek employment throughout EU
- Right to self-employment and business establishment
- Equal treatment with nationals regarding employment conditions
- Access to public sector employment (some positions restricted to nationals)
Q11: Will I be taxed by Portugal if I become a citizen?
Portuguese taxation is based on whether the individual has tax residency in Portugal or if the individual has received income in Portugal
Portuguese tax residency is based on physical residence:
- Spending 183+ days per year in Portugal typically creates Portuguese tax residency
- Tax residency triggers Portuguese tax obligations
If you do not live in Portugal nor receive any kind of income from Portugal, you generally do not have Portuguese tax obligations solely due to citizenship.
Please however note that certain countries, including the United States, impose taxes on global income, irrespective of where the taxpayer resides.
We recommend consulting with international tax advisors to understand tax implications specific to your situation before relocating to Portugal after securing the Portuguese citizenship by descent.
Q12: What happens after I receive Portuguese citizenship?
After receiving your Portuguese birth certificate:
- Apply for Cartão de Cidadão (Portuguese ID card) – Required for all Portuguese citizens
- Apply for Portuguese passport
- Both applications require biometric data (photo, fingerprints) collected at Portuguese consulate or in Portugal
Timeline: 4-8 weeks after applying
Final Considerations on Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
Portugal citizenship by descent is a lineage-based route, allowing eligible applicants to obtain Portuguese and EU citizenship through a Portuguese parent or grandparent, without residence or investment requirements.
- Applications through grandparents also require proof of a real connection to Portugal.
- The application is document-intensive and strict, requiring lineage proof, official civil registry records, certified translations, and official document verification.
- Successful applicants gain full Portuguese and EU citizenship rights, including a strong passport, freedom to live and work across the EU, and the ability to hold dual citizenship under Portuguese law.
- Careful legal planning is highly recommended. Portuguese authorities apply strict documentation and eligibility checks, and changes in nationality practice mean mistakes can cause long delays or refusals.
Take the next step
With over three decades of experience advising on investment residency, citizenship, and citizenship-by-ancestry matters, Harvey Law Group provides jurisdiction-neutral legal guidance across a wide range of migration pathways. Whether your objectives involve investment-based options, ancestral citizenship claims, or long-term mobility planning, our team delivers solutions tailored to your personal, legal, and strategic goals.
