Eligibility quiz
Will one of your parents have lived legally in Portugal for at least five years immediately before you apply?
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 your local office
Find a Portuguese nationality office where your child’s legal representative can hand in the application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Portuguese nationality office near your city accepts citizenship applications?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the nationality office.
See required documentsDownload the application form
Download the Model 6.2 naturalisation form for your child. The form may describe older rules; the five-year residence requirement applies to a parent.
Download the formFill in the form
Your child’s legal representative should fill in and sign the form for your child.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does a legal representative fill in Portugal's Model 6.2 naturalisation form for a child?”
Arrange your visit
Your child’s legal representative can visit the office without an appointment, or book an appointment or get a same-day ticket through SIGA where available.
Arrange your visitSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a SIGA appointment at a Portugal nationality office?”
Hand in the application
Your child’s legal representative should bring the signed form and required documents to the nationality office. This application is free; keep the process code to follow its progress.
Find submission detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does a legal representative submit a child's Portuguese nationality application at a nationality office?”
Wait for the decision
Use the process code to follow your child’s application online, and answer any requests from the nationality office.
Track the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I check the status of a Portuguese nationality application using the IRN process code?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Parent's residence record
Provide your parent's identity document and proof that they lived legally in Portugal for the five years immediately before your application. Proof can include a valid immigration document, visa, authorisation or document showing a recognised special status.
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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