🌍 Nomad Watch The Nomad Research Database
guest Login
📋 visas 🛂 passports 🏛 embassies 💰 taxes
🔥 hubs 💼 jobs 📅 events 👥 groups 💬 forum
🔧 tools 🌤 best time 📈 studio
🔍 SEARCH
📊 SITE STATS
Cities:3,230
Countries:250
Avg Score:5.7
Avg Cost:$2,871/mo
Active Jobs:0
Members:117
Topics:1
🏆 OVERVIEW
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 & COSTS
Application Fee $189
Passport Fee $70
📋 ELIGIBILITY & 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 & 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 & 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.

🔗 ALSO IN PORTUGAL

Source