Portuguese nationality is a topic of great interest, whether for those with Portuguese ancestry or those looking to acquire citizenship through other means. In this article, we will explain the main ways to obtain Portuguese nationality in simple terms.
1. The Difference Between Nationality by Attribution and Acquisition
Before determining whether you are eligible for Portuguese nationality, it is important to understand that there are two main ways to obtain it: by attribution and by acquisition.
✅ Nationality by Attribution (Innate)
Granted to people who are born with the right to Portuguese nationality, meaning those who directly descend from Portuguese citizens. Attribution occurs from birth and can be passed down through generations.
Examples:
- Children of Portuguese parents born abroad.
- Grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, provided they can prove an effective connection to the national community.
🏆 Nationality by Acquisition (Derived)
Granted to individuals who were not born with Portuguese nationality but can obtain it through a legal process.
Examples:
- Individuals married to or in a de facto union with a Portuguese citizen for at least three years.
- Foreigners who have legally resided in Portugal for at least five years.
- People who have provided relevant services to the Portuguese State or community.
Now that we understand the difference, let’s detail each possibility!👇
2. Who Can Obtain Portuguese Nationality?
Portuguese law provides several situations in which nationality can be obtained.
📍 If you were born in Portugal
- Children of foreigners: They can acquire nationality if, at the time of birth, one of the parents (who is not serving their home country) legally resides in Portuguese territory or has lived there for at least one year, regardless of their residence status.
📍 If you were born abroad
You can apply for Portuguese nationality if:
✅ You are the child of a Portuguese citizen 🇵🇹
- If one of your parents was already Portuguese at the time of your birth, you can request nationality by attribution, regardless of where you were born.
✅ You are the grandchild of a Portuguese citizen 👴👵
- If your grandfather or grandmother is Portuguese, you can request nationality by attribution, but you must prove an effective connection with Portugal.
✅ You have legally lived in Portugal for at least five years
- Foreigners who have legally resided in Portugal for at least five years can apply for nationality by naturalization, provided they demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language.
✅ You have been married to a Portuguese citizen for more than three years 💍
- If you have been married or in a de facto union with a Portuguese citizen for more than three years, you can apply for nationality, provided you prove an effective connection with Portugal.
✅ A Portuguese citizen adopted you before the age of 18
- If the adoption took place before October 8, 1981, nationality can be granted automatically.
✅ You belong to a Portuguese community abroad 🌎
- Some groups abroad with strong ties to Portugal may also be eligible for nationality.
📍 Want to recover Portuguese nationality?
If you lost your Portuguese nationality, there are situations where you can recover it:
🔄 If you ceased being Portuguese and never obtained another nationality.
🔄 If you chose another nationality but wish to regain Portuguese nationality.
🔄 If you lost nationality due to a decision made by your parents when you were a minor.
🔄 If you married a foreigner before 1981 and lost nationality.
📍 Other situations:
- You are under 18 or legally incapacitated, and at the time of your birth, your mother or father had not yet obtained Portuguese nationality.
- You have provided relevant services to the Portuguese State or the Portuguese community
- You are a descendant of Portuguese Sephardic Jews
Portugal offers various paths to nationality, whether through direct descent, marriage, de facto union, or legal residence in the country. Each case has specific requirements that should be carefully analyzed.
Do you have questions about a specific case? Leave a comment! 📩🇵🇹