Portuguese Citizenship by Descent: Complete Guide 2025
Claim Portuguese citizenship through your Portuguese ancestors going back up to 3 generations. Get EU citizenship with one of the world's strongest passports.
Quick Eligibility Check
Answer these questions to see if you qualify for Portuguese citizenship by descent
What is Portuguese Citizenship by Descent?
Portuguese citizenship by descent allows individuals with Portuguese heritage to claim Portuguese citizenship through their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents. Unlike many other countries, Portugal recognizes up to 3 generations of descent, making it one of the most generous ancestry-based citizenship programs in Europe.
It's important to note that individuals born in Portugal automatically gain citizenship, regardless of their parents' nationalities. For those born abroad, citizenship can be claimed through Portuguese ancestry.
🇵🇹 Key Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship
- EU Citizenship: Live, work, and study in any of 27 EU countries
- World's 3rd Strongest Passport: Over 190 visa-free destinations
- No Residency Requirement: Never need to live in Portugal
- 3-Generation Eligibility: Parents, grandparents, great-grandparents count
- Pass to Children: Your children automatically become Portuguese citizens
- NHR Tax Regime: Special tax regime offering exemptions or reduced taxes on foreign-sourced income for ten years
Portuguese Citizenship Costs: Complete Breakdown
Detailed Cost Breakdown:
Government Application Fee
RequiredOfficial Portuguese nationality application fee
€250 standard fee for most applications. Free if applying through descent with Portuguese parent
Document Collection
RequiredBirth, marriage, and death certificates from various registries
Portuguese birth certificates €20 each. International certificates vary by country
Document Translations
RequiredCertified translations of non-Portuguese documents
All foreign documents must be translated into Portuguese by certified translators
Apostille Authentication
RequiredApostille stamps for international document authentication
Required for all foreign documents. Cost varies by country issuing the apostille
Portuguese Language Test (CIPLE)
RequiredA2 level Portuguese proficiency test
Required to demonstrate connection to Portuguese community. Test fee around €100-150
Legal Consultation
OptionalImmigration lawyer assistance with complex applications
Recommended for complex family situations or missing documents
Genealogy Research
OptionalProfessional help locating Portuguese ancestor records
Only needed if you can't locate Portuguese civil registry records yourself
Consular Services
OptionalAdditional consular fees if applying through Portuguese consulate abroad
May include document review, interview, and processing fees at consulates
Portuguese Passport
OptionalFirst Portuguese passport after citizenship approval
€65 for 5-year passport, €95 for 10-year passport. Highly recommended
Important Cost Considerations:
- Portugal allows up to 3 generations: parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent connections
- Processing times typically 18-24 months but can extend longer due to high demand
- Must demonstrate 'effective connection' to Portuguese community through language or cultural ties
- 2024 law change: 5-year residency period now starts from residence permit application date
- Free application if applying through Portuguese parent; €250 fee for grandparent applications
- Portuguese language test (A2 level) required to prove community connection
- Portugal allows dual citizenship - no need to renounce original nationality
- Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship after 5 years of investment
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- Order documents yourself instead of using agencies (save $200-500)
- Do translations through certified freelancers vs law firms (save $300-800)
- Apply directly to consulates rather than through services (save $1000+)
- Research your family tree yourself before hiring genealogists
Portuguese Citizenship by Descent Requirements
You Qualify If:
- You have a Portuguese parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent
- Your Portuguese ancestor retained their Portuguese citizenship
- You can prove the family lineage with official documents
- You can demonstrate A2 level Portuguese language proficiency
- You have an "effective connection" to the Portuguese community
You Don't Qualify If:
- Your Portuguese ancestor formally renounced their Portuguese citizenship
- You cannot obtain the required official documentation
- Your Portuguese ancestor is more than 3 generations back
- You have serious criminal convictions
Portugal's 3-Generation Advantage
Portugal allows citizenship through 3 generations:
- 1st Generation: If your parent is/was a Portuguese citizen
- 2nd Generation: If your grandparent is/was a Portuguese citizen
- 3rd Generation: If your great-grandparent is/was a Portuguese citizen
💡 Pro Tip: This makes Portugal more generous than Ireland (2 generations) and similar to Italy (no limit), but with faster processing times than Italy.
Portuguese Citizenship by Descent Process: Step-by-Step
Verify Portuguese Ancestry
Confirm you have Portuguese parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who retained citizenship
💡 Tip: Portugal allows up to 3 generations back, but must prove continuous citizenship line
Collect Required Documents
Gather all birth, marriage, and death certificates proving Portuguese lineage
💡 Tip: Documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese
Portuguese Language Test
Take CIPLE A2 Portuguese language test to demonstrate community connection
💡 Tip: A2 level required to prove effective connection to Portuguese community
Submit Citizenship Application
Apply at Portuguese consulate or CNAIM office in Portugal
💡 Tip: Can apply at consulate abroad or directly in Portugal at CNAIM offices
Application Review and Processing
Portuguese authorities review application and verify documents
💡 Tip: Processing times have increased due to high demand but 2024 reforms aim to improve efficiency
Receive Citizenship Certificate
Receive official Portuguese nationality certificate
💡 Tip: Certificate proves Portuguese citizenship and allows passport application
Apply for Portuguese Passport
Use citizenship certificate to obtain Portuguese passport
💡 Tip: €95 for 10-year passport, provides full EU travel and residence rights
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back can I trace Portuguese ancestry for citizenship?
Portugal allows citizenship by descent for up to 3 generations: parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. This makes it more generous than Ireland (2 generations) and comparable to Italy (no limit).
Do I need to speak Portuguese to get Portuguese citizenship by descent?
Yes, you need to demonstrate A2 level Portuguese proficiency through the CIPLE test. This requirement shows your 'effective connection' to the Portuguese community, which is mandatory for descent applications.
How much does Portuguese citizenship by descent cost?
Total costs range from €600-1,500, including the €250 application fee, document costs (€300-400), Portuguese language test (€125), and translations/apostilles (€200-500).
How long does the Portuguese citizenship process take?
The process typically takes 18-36 months from application submission to citizenship approval. Processing times have increased due to high demand, but 2024 reforms aim to improve efficiency.
What's the difference between Portuguese and Italian citizenship by descent?
Portugal allows 3 generations vs Italy's unlimited generations. Portugal requires A2 Portuguese language proficiency and typically processes faster (18-36 months vs 12-36+ months for Italy). Both provide EU citizenship.
Can I pass Portuguese citizenship to my children?
Yes, once you obtain Portuguese citizenship, your children automatically become Portuguese citizens if born after your citizenship approval. Children born before can apply through the descent process.
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