Portugal Citizenship By Descent

How to Acquire Portugal Citizenship By Descent

Acquiring Portugal Citizenship By Descent is a process that can be pursued if you have direct ties to Portugal through your ancestry. Below shows the primary ways you can obtain Portuguese citizenship by descent. It can be based on the criteria of being married to a Portuguese citizen, being the child of a Portuguese citizen, or being the grandchild of a Portuguese citizen.

1. As Children of a Portuguese Citizen

If one of your parents is a Portuguese citizen, you are entitled to Portuguese citizenship regardless of where you were born. This is known as jus sanguinis (right of blood). The process is relatively straightforward, involving the submission of documents such as your birth certificate, your parent's birth certificate and proof of their Portuguese citizenship. If you were born abroad, your birth must be registered with the Portuguese civil registry.

2. As Grandchildren of a Portuguese Citizen

If you are the grandchild of a Portuguese citizen, you can also apply for citizenship, though the process is slightly more complex than for children of Portuguese citizens. You will need to prove your direct descent from your Portuguese grandparents and demonstrate a connection to the Portuguese community. This could include proving knowledge of the Portuguese language, cultural ties, or a history of visits to Portugal. Documents required typically include your grandparent's birth certificate, your parent's birth certificate, and your birth certificate, along with proof of the grandparent's Portuguese nationality.

3. As Decendents of Portuguese Sephardic Jews

This law, specifically created for descendents of Sephardic Jewels, was introduced in 2015, as a measure of historical reparation for the persecutions and expulsions of the Jewels from the Iberian Peninsula during the Inquisition in the 15th century.

To acquire Portuguese nationality as a descendant of Portuguese Sephardic Jews, it is necessary to demonstrate this ancient blood connection, as well as to prove that you belong to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin. In addition to these main requirements, you must also have legally resided in Portuguese territory for at least three years, continuously or non-continuously.

Portugal Citizenship By Descent Benefits

Visa - free travelHolders of a Portuguese passport can visit more than 180 countries without a visa or with simplified visa procedures.
Freedom of movement in the EUPortuguese citizens can live, work and study freely in any European Union country.
Access to the European job marketPortuguese nationality opens up employment opportunities across EU member states without needing a work permit.
Access to high quality educationPortuguese nationals have access to affordable and high-quality education, both in Portugal and across the EU.
Healthcare benefitsAs a citizen you gain access to Portugal's healthcare system and through EU agreements, may benefit from healthcare across Europe.
Citizenship for family membersIt’s easier for direct family members to obtain Portuguese citizenship through family reunification laws.Enhanced business opportunities Portuguese citizens can freely conduct business within the EU, benefitting from the single European market.Political participationCitizenship allows you to vote and stand for elections in Portugal and EU Parliament elections.
Stable residency rightsPortuguese nationality provides permanent residency rights in Portugal and across the EU, even if you choose to live outside the country.

Portugal Citizenship by Descent Documentation

Documents needed:

The documents to be presented when applying for Portuguese nationality vary according to your conditions. Those are the main documents needed for all kinds of applications:

1. Birth certificate
2. A document proving that you know enough Portuguese (You don’t need to present documents to prove your knowledge of Portuguese if you were born in a Portuguese-speaking country and are a national of that country)
3. Criminal record
4. Nationality application form

In all cases, to apply for the Portuguese citizenship, one must not:

1. Have been sentenced to imprisonment for 3 years or more for a crime punishable in Portugal
2. Been involved in terrorism-related activities

Portuguese Citizenship by Descent: Application Process

The process of the Portugal Citizenship By Descent application is very clear and smooth. Below we will outline the whole process in detail. Those interested in applying for the program can reach out to our team for a complimentary consultation via the button below.

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Step 1: Gathering the necessary documents

The procedure begins with the collection of the necessary documentation to support the respective nationality application, which varies from case to case.

Step 2: Legalizing the necessary documents

Preparation of a duly notarized power of attorney with special powers.

Step 3: Submit application

Submission of documentation and respective application.

Step 4: Payment of the Consular fees

Payment of consular fees which can vary between 170-250€, depending on the case.

Step 5: Wait for the approval

After submitting the application and payment of the fee, the application will be analyzed by the competent services within the legal time frame of 90 working days. However, as it is common knowledge, the registry offices in Portugal are currently unable to respond to so many nationalities applications, so the analysis time has been 1 year or more.

Step 6: Notification of the issuance of the Portuguese birth certificate

After analysis, the competent services notify the applicant or his representative with the decision of approval and with the applicant's birth certificate already transcribed in Portugal.

Step 7: Scheduling of the appointment

Next, schedule a date and time to collect biometric data to obtain a citizen's card and passport.

Step 8: Receive ID Card

After scheduling, you will receive your identification documents within 2-5 business days.

Lincoln Global Partners: Citizenship by Descent consultants Apply with us today!

Lincoln Global Partners is an international immigration consultancy firm that specializes in Residency and Citizenship programs. Our team of Citizenship by Descent consultants will help you throughout the journey.

You can start with a complimentary consultation to set the ball rolling. Our team members are located across the world, which means we offer local and regional assistance in multiple countries to make your dream of a dual citizenship come true.

At Lincoln Global Partners, we assist clients from the US, the UK, South East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa keen on exploring investment migration programs and second citizenship programs offered by different countries across the world.

With us by your side, you will be assured of our best efforts in helping you have a great experience in quickly applying for your second citizenship from your home country.