189

visa-free countries

1-2+

generations removed

12-24

months processing time

Portuguese citizenship by descent simply requires the applicant to be the child or grandchild of a Portuguese citizen. However, there are also opportunities for the descendants of Portuguese Jews expelled during the Portuguese Inquisition, as well as for individuals from former Portuguese colonies.

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With applications processed in as little as 24 months, you could begin enjoying the benefits of visa-free travel to 189 countries, as well as access to affordable healthcare, education, and investment vehicles only open to European citizens.

Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship by Descent

Once you have your citizenship approved, you will have visa-free access to 189 countries and be able to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations.

Portuguese citizenship by descent, once acquired, can be passed on to children and spouses.

As a coastal nation with a rich history, Portuguese citizens enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, vibrant culture, and low crime rates.

Who Can Get Portuguese Citizenship by Descent

  • Over 18 years old
  • Child or grandchild of a Portuguese citizen
  • Or of Portuguese Sephardic Jewish ancestry
  • Or a citizen of a former Portuguese colony
  • Cannot be convicted of a crime carrying a prison sentence of three years or more
  • Cannot pose a danger or a threat to Portuguese national security or defence

  • Qualify as a descendent

  • Eligible via descent

Programme Requirements

You don’t have to donate, invest, or pay due diligence. There is no need to pass a Portuguese citizenship test either. All that’s required is proof, via civil documentation, to support your claim. These are the eligibility requirements:

REQUIREMENT #1

You must have a Portuguese parent or grandparent. Additionally, you must show ties to the Portuguese community such as sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language.

 

REQUIREMENT #2

Alternatively, you must demonstrate that you belong to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin. Your surname is important, and Portugal maintains a list of Sephardic last names. You need to show an effective and lasting connection to Portugal, which can be done by purchasing property in Portugal, a history of extended trips to Portugal, family still living in Portugal, buying shares in a Portuguese company, or similar.

REQUIREMENT #3

The third option is open to citizens of ex-Portuguese colonies. These include Goa in India, Angola in Africa, and Macau in Asia.

Speak to a global expert

The Latitude team has global experts in over 20 countries. We can advise in 14 languages. Let us help you find the perfect investment migration solution.

The Latitude team has global experts in over 20 countries. We can advise in 14 languages. Let us help you find the perfect investment migration solution.

Application Process

  • Month 1

    Client onboarding process

    We will send you our Portugal-specific genealogical intake form. Depending on your answers, we will be able to assess your eligibility immediately.

    Upon receiving the signed agreement and retainer payment, our legal team will complete all necessary government forms and supporting documents. We will liaise with your local Portuguese consulate or embassy on your behalf.

  • Months 1-2

    Application review and submission

    Before submitting your documents, we comprehensively review your application to ensure your file complies with the citizenship requirements. Our legal team will complete its final checks before submitting the relevant forms.

    Your nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy will undertake its own due diligence and reviews all the paperwork. We will continue to work closely with them throughout the process to ensure your application is timely and efficiently processed.

  • Months 12-24

    Citizenship certificate issued

    Your local consulate and embassy will assess your file, and upon application, you must pay any applicable government fees. We will then arrange for all relevant citizenship certificates to be sent to you. Following this, we can help you apply for a Portuguese passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll need to gather various vital records to recreate your family tree and establish a legal claim. When you’ve compiled this citizenship dossier, you’ll need to get it legalized, translated, and presented to the Portuguese government.

Yes, Brazilians who have at least one Portuguese parent or grandparent are eligible to apply for citizenship by descent under the standard rules rather than the former colony rules.

When you’ve submitted your application, it can take approximately two years for adults to be processed and for you to be granted Portuguese citizenship.

Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship.

Situated on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal basks in mild temperatures all year round. Being a coastal nation with a rich history of seafaring, Portugal is renowned for its delicious seafood. Its relaxed atmosphere, vibrant culture, and low crime rates also make it a prime European destination for tourists and expatriates alike.

Benefits include:

• Freedom of movement throughout the European Union (EU), and the ability to live, work and study anywhere in the EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein)

• Access to affordable healthcare, education, and investment vehicles only open to European citizens

• No citizenship-based taxation – unless you physically live and work in the country, you’re not subject to Portuguese income tax

• Portuguese citizenship by descent, once acquired, can be passed on to children and spouses.

• Vibrant economy – with political stability and low unemployment rates.

Speak to one of our global experts and begin your citizenship-by-descent journey today

Our team operates in over 20 countries worldwide, securing second citizenship or residency in desirable locations and unlocking a brighter future.

  • Visa-free travel to 189 countries
  • 12-24 months application processing time
  • Contact us to see if you qualify

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