Eligibility Quiz
Application Process
You can apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) if you have a parent or grandparent who was a Portuguese citizen. While the process is primarily handled through the Institute of Registries and Notaries (Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado or IRN), the steps vary depending on whether you are applying as a child or a grandchild.
Route 1: For Children of Portuguese Citizens (Article 1.1.c)
If your mother or father was born in Portugal or acquired Portuguese citizenship before you were born, you are eligible for "original" nationality.
- Locate the Birth Certificate: You must find your parent’s Portuguese birth certificate (Assento de Nascimento). If you don't have a copy, you can request one via the Civil Online portal.
- Prepare Your Documents: You will need your own full-form birth certificate, issued within the last 6 months, legalized with an Apostille, and translated into Portuguese by a certified translator.
- Complete Form 1C: Download and fill out Form 1C. Your signature must be witnessed in person at a Portuguese consulate or notarized and Apostilled.
- Submit the Application: You can mail your documents to the Central Registry Office (Conservatória dos Registos Centrais) in Lisbon or submit them in person at a Portuguese Consulate or a Citizen’s Shop (Loja do Cidadão).
Route 2: For Grandchildren of Portuguese Citizens (Article 1.1.d)
If your parent did not have Portuguese citizenship, but your grandparent did, you can apply directly. Note that you must prove a "relevant connection" to the Portuguese community.
- Gather Ancestry Records: You need the Portuguese birth certificate of your grandparent and the birth certificates of your parent (to prove the link).
- Prove Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (Level A2 or higher). This is usually proven by a certificate from a recognized school or the CAPLE exam. If you are from a Portuguese-speaking country, your birth certificate is usually sufficient proof.
- Criminal Record Checks: You must provide criminal record certificates from every country where you have lived since age 16. These must be Apostilled and translated.
- Complete Form 1D: Fill out Form 1D and have your signature legalized.
- Submit to the Central Registry: Grandchild applications are processed exclusively by the Central Registry Office in Lisbon. You can mail these or submit them via a consulate.
Route 3: For Great-Grandchildren
Portugal does not have a direct "great-grandparent" clause. To obtain citizenship, your parent or grandparent must first obtain theirs. Once they become Portuguese, you can then apply as the child or grandchild of a citizen.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult Application (Child of Portuguese Parent) | €175 |
| Adult Application (Grandchild of Portuguese Parent) | €175 |
| Minor Application (Under 18) | Free |
| Birth Certificate via Civil Online | €10 |
| Portuguese Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão) | €15 - €20 |
Total Estimate: Approximately €200 - €250 per adult, excluding document preparation. Does not include: Apostille fees in your home country, professional translation services, CAPLE exam fees (approx. €75), or postage costs.
Processing Time
The timeline for citizenship depends heavily on the volume of applications at the Central Registry.
- Children of Portuguese Citizens: Usually takes 6 to 12 months.
- Grandchildren of Portuguese Citizens: Usually takes 24 to 36 months due to the additional verification of language and community ties.
- Document Validity: Most foreign documents (like birth certificates and criminal records) are only considered valid by the Portuguese authorities for 6 months from the date of issuance. Ensure your timeline accounts for shipping and translation so documents do not expire before submission.