HOW TO APPLY FOR PORTUGUESE NATIONALITY BY DESCENT?

Key Benefit of Acquiring Portuguese Nationality: obtain a passport from an EU country, granting access to numerous benefits across Europe. Access to the safest countries in the world, to live, work and study and visa free travel to Europe and so many countries around the world, anytime you want!

REVISITING YOUR PORTUGUESE ROOTS 

Portugal’s History of Emigration Portugal has a rich history of emigration, beginning as early as the 15th century during the Age of Discoveries, when the Portuguese spread across the globe. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Portuguese emigrated, particularly to Brazil, seeking better living conditions. Economic challenges, such as agricultural crises and limited opportunities in rural areas, drove many families to leave their homeland.

The 1960s and 1970s saw another major wave of emigration, fueled by the Estado Novo dictatorship, colonial wars in African colonies (Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau), and widespread poverty. Many Portuguese settled in countries like France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the United States, and Canada.

Today, this history has led to large Portuguese communities around the world, especially in countries like the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S. alone, there are approximately 1.4 million people of Portuguese descent, with 30% to 40% being second-generation. Key states with high concentrations of Portuguese communities include Massachusetts, California, Rhode Island, and New Jersey.

APPLYING FOR PORTUGUESE NATIONALITY BY DESCENT: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

For individuals with Portuguese grandparents, acquiring Portuguese nationality is possible if certain legal conditions are met. Here is what you need to know:

Key Requirements for Obtaining Portuguese Nationality by Descent:

1. Portuguese Grandparent: The applicant must have a grandparent who is or was a Portuguese citizen, provided they did not lose their nationality.
2. Proof of Effective Ties to Portugal: The applicant must demonstrate regular and effective connections to Portugal, which can include:
   1. Frequent visits to Portugal
   2. Ownership or connection to a residence in the country
   3. Participation in Portuguese cultural or social activities
   4. Other forms of engagement proving ties to Portuguese society
3. Grandparents’ Marriage Registration: If the grandparents were married outside Portugal, their marriage must be registered with the Portuguese Civil Registry Office.

Application Submission Process

1. • The application can be submitted at a Civil Registry Office in Portugal or through a Portuguese Consulate abroad.
   • Since 2023, Portuguese lawyers and solicitors are also authorized to submit citizenship applications on behalf of clients, helping to expedite the process and overcome current delays.

Important Notes on Processing Times:

• The Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN) reports fluctuating processing times due to a rise in nationality requests. Here are the general timelines:
  • Nationality by Descent: Applications typically take 1 to 2 years, depending on case complexity and document availability.
  • Other Forms of Nationality (e.g., by marriage or residence): Processing ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the volume of requests.
• These timeframes are estimates and can vary based on the accuracy and completeness of the submitted documents and the number of applications the IRN receives.
• Starting December 1, 2023, only lawyers and solicitors are allowed to submit nationality applications online.

Key Benefits of Acquiring Portuguese Nationality:

• Reconnect with your Portuguese heritage
• Obtain a passport from an EU country, granting access to numerous benefits across Europe.

Additional Advice for Applicants Planning to Relocate:

For those planning to move to Portugal soon, it is advisable to apply for a Residency Permit while your citizenship application is in progress. This ensures smoother relocation while waiting for nationality approval.

If you need help with your citizenship or residency permit applications, we are here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us for expert support.

Maria Matos de Almeida

Immigration and Nationality I RME Legal