Eligibility quiz
Were you born in Portugal to parents who were both citizens of another country when you were born?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Portuguese passport and ID
A Portuguese passport proves identity and citizenship for international travel.
The citizen card is generally enough for travel in the EU and Schengen area.
The card combines civil, tax, health and social-security numbers and is compulsory from age 20 days, or earlier if needed for a public service.
Live in Portugal for life
Portuguese citizens can live in Portugal indefinitely without a residence permit.
Living abroad does not take away that right.
Study in Portugal
Portuguese citizens can use public education in Portugal on the same basis as other Portuguese citizens.
A grant or tuition-free study is not automatic.
Work in Portugal
Portuguese citizens can work in Portugal, including in public administration.
Some jobs have their own requirements.
Get help abroad
Portugal has a 24/7 emergency consular office for serious emergencies involving Portuguese citizens abroad.
Outside the EU, if Portugal has no embassy or consulate, Portuguese citizens can seek protection from another EU country on the same terms as its citizens.
Vote and run for office
Portuguese citizens can vote from age 18 and stand for political office under election rules.
Registration is automatic with a citizen card, and citizens abroad can vote in some elections under special rules.
Portuguese citizens can also vote and stand in European Parliament elections, but can vote only once.
Use public healthcare
Portuguese citizens can use public healthcare when registered and eligible in the Portuguese health system.
Charges depend on the care and the applicable rules, and the citizen card includes the health-user number.
Get social support
Social-security benefits can include pensions, unemployment payments and family allowances if the relevant conditions are met.
These can depend on contributions, residence, income, family or disability.
When living elsewhere in the EU, the country responsible for healthcare and social security normally depends on residence and work.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find an application office
Find a Nationality Desk or another listed office where you can hand in your application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I apply for Portuguese nationality at a Nationality Desk near your city Portugal?”
Download the application form
Download Model 1F for an adult or, if you are applying for your child, Model 1F for someone under 18.
Download the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download the Portugal Model 1F nationality application form for an adult or a child?”
Fill in the form
Fill in and sign the form in Portuguese. If you are applying for your child, complete the representative section as applicable.
Get form helpSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete and sign Portugal's Model 1F nationality application form for myself or my child?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the application office.
See required documentsPay the fee
Pay the applicable fee using a method accepted for your form, and keep proof of payment.
Find payment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the fee for Portugal's Model 1F nationality application at a Nationality Desk?”
Book an appointment
Book an appointment for the office you chose using SIGA. You may also be able to attend without an appointment if a daily ticket is available.
Book an appointmentGo to your appointment
Bring your completed form, required documents and proof of payment to the office. Hand in the application for yourself or your child.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I hand in a Portuguese nationality application at a Nationality Desk near your city Portugal?”
Wait for the decision
Use the process code from the registry to follow your application online. Respond if the registry asks you for more information or documents.
Track your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I track my Portuguese nationality application in Portugal using my process code?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Parent's residence record
Get a record from the Portuguese immigration service showing that at least one of your parents had lived legally in Portugal for at least five years when you were born. Include a document showing that parent's residence permit or other valid residence status.
Parent's identity document
Show the identity document of the parent whose residence in Portugal you are using for your application. Include it with their residence record.
Parents' service status
Provide proof that neither of your parents was in Portugal working for their own country's government when you were born. Check with the office handling your application which documents it accepts for each parent.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Military obligations
Military duties apply to all Portuguese citizens from the first day of the year they turn 18 through the last day of the year they turn 35.
Registration is automatic at 17, but citizens must attend the Dia da Defesa Nacional and appear if called.
Peacetime service is voluntary, but people in the recruitment reserve can be called in a national emergency.
Citizenship can be lost
A person with another citizenship can give up Portuguese citizenship by making a declaration.
This route is not allowed if it would leave the person without any citizenship.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
AIMA e Nacionalidade Portuguesa - Grupo de Apoio
Portuguese Facebook group for people interested in Portuguese citizenship and visas
Request to joinImigração e Nacionalidade 🇵🇹
Portuguese Facebook group for people interested in Portuguese citizenship and visas
Join on FacebookCidadania portuguesa - apenas fases do processo
Portuguese Facebook group for people interested in Portuguese citizenship
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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