Portuguese citizenship by descent allows individuals to obtain Portuguese citizenship if they have a qualifying ancestor, such as a parent or grandparent, who is or was a Portuguese citizen. This option is particularly attractive for those with Portuguese heritage who wish to reconnect with their cultural roots, enjoy the benefits of EU citizenship, or seek greater global mobility.
Portugal offers several pathways to citizenship. Individuals born in Portugal automatically gain citizenship, regardless of their parents' nationalities. Those born abroad to at least one Portuguese parent, with their birth registered in the Portuguese civil registry, or those with a Portuguese grandparent who retained their citizenship, are eligible for Portuguese citizenship by descent.
A Portuguese passport provides freedom of movement and visa-free access to over 190 destinations. As an EU citizen, you have the right to live, work, and study within the European Union, benefiting from seamless borders and diverse opportunities across member states. Additionally, the special tax regime for non-habitual residents (NHR) offers tax exemptions or reduced taxes on foreign-sourced income for ten years. Portugal also permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Portuguese citizenship.
Since those born in Portugal are automatically granted Portuguese citizenship regardless of their parents' nationalities, there are two ways for individuals born outside of Portugal to claim citizenship by descent:
To apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent, applicants must gather and submit various official documents that verify their lineage and demonstrate their connection to the country.
The procedure for obtaining Portuguese citizenship by descent involves gathering the necessary documents and submitting the application to the relevant Portuguese authorities, either in Portugal or at a Portuguese consulate abroad. Authorities will verify the documents and the lineage claim, and upon successful verification, the applicant is granted Portuguese citizenship and can then apply for a Portuguese passport.
The entire process typically takes around two years.
For more information on how we can help you secure your future by connecting with your family’s legacy, please complete the Portuguese citizenship by descent enquiry form below.
Have one of our qualified advisors contact you today.
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