Path to citizenship
- Apply365-730 days
- Citizenshipgranted
Overview
- Country
- Portugal
- Program
- Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
- Local name
- Nacionalidade Portuguesa por Descendência
- Type
- Citizenship by Descent
- Status
- Active
- Processing time
- 365-730 days
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Visa-free countries
- 184 destinations
- Passport rank
- #5 (Henley Index)
Portuguese citizenship by descent through a Portuguese parent (automatic) or grandparent (requires proof of connection to Portugal). Children of Portuguese citizens born abroad must register the birth with Portuguese civil authorities. Grandchildren must demonstrate ties to Portugal (cultural connection, property ownership, or visits). Does not extend to great-grandparents directly.
Fees and costs
- Application fee
- $189
- Passport fee
- $70
Eligibility and requirements
- Police clearance required
- Medical exam not required
- Language A2 (CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira))
- Language exemptions Exempt if parent-based claim; nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) may be exempt
Ancestry requirements
- Generational limit
- 2 generation(s)
- Ancestor citizenship
- Must have been citizen
Family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Spouse
- Not included
- Max child age
- 18
Passport and mobility
- Passport rank
- #5 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 184 countries
- Passport validity
- 5 years
- EU citizenship
- Yes
- Schengen access
- Yes
- US E-2 treaty
- Yes — eligible for US investor visa
How to apply
- Method
- Both
- Apply from abroad
- Yes
- Application type
- Open
- Official website
- justica.gov.pt
- Legal basis
- Lei da Nacionalidade (Law 37/81, as amended)
Notes and caveats
Parent-based: automatic, no language test required. Grandparent-based: must demonstrate "ties to Portugal" (visits, property, cultural connection) and pass A2 Portuguese test (CIPLE). Does not extend to great-grandparents directly, but a chain approach works: grandparent acquires citizenship, then parent applies, then applicant applies. Portuguese passport valid only 5 years. Portugal became E-2 treaty country with US in March 2025.