Portuguese Citizenship Through Ancestry
Portugal is a country of wide horizons, famous for its golden coastlines, Gothic cathedrals, and storied maritime past. For centuries, Portuguese citizens ventured across the world, forming communities in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Today, many descendants of those families are rediscovering their roots. Whether your lineage traces back to a parent born in Portugal, a grandparent from a former territory, or Sephardic Jewish ancestors expelled during the Inquisition, you may be eligible to reclaim your Portuguese citizenship.
Eligible Generations
Up to grandparents
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
4 ways
Language requirement?
No
Citizenship that reopens doors across Europe—and history.
Portuguese citizenship gives you more than a legal status. It’s a connection to a global story and access to live, work, and thrive in any of the 27 EU countries.
Why Does Portugal Offer Citizenship by Descent?
Portugal’s history is deeply intertwined with migration. Over the centuries, political change, colonization, and diaspora scattered Portuguese citizens across the globe. Many settled abroad, raised families, and lost their citizenship through changing laws or the passage of time.
In response, Portugal has created several legal pathways to help those with Portuguese ancestry reconnect with the country. These include descendants of Portuguese citizens, those born in former territories, individuals whose families were displaced by colonial transitions, and people of Sephardic Jewish descent whose ancestors were forced to flee during the 15th-century expulsions.
This effort reflects Portugal’s commitment to honoring its global community and repairing broken ties – offering a renewed legal identity to those whose families never stopped being Portuguese in spirit.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify for Portuguese citizenship if you can answer yes to one of these questions:
- Was one of your parents a Portuguese citizen when you were born?
- Were you or your parents born in a former Portuguese overseas territory (such as Angola, Mozambique, or Goa)?
- Can you prove your ancestry links to Sephardic Jews of Portuguese origin?
- Did you previously hold Portuguese citizenship and later lose it?
If you’re unsure which path fits your family, we’ll help you figure it out. Take the assessment to confirm your eligibility.
Want to find if you are eligible for Portuguese Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
Share your family details. Enter them yourself or connect with a genealogist for help.
2. We analyze with AI + experts
AI processes fast. Experts ensure your case is as accurate as possible.
3. Receive your report
Get your eligibility analysis. Follow the steps. Start your path to citizenship.
What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
Your guide to Portuguese Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
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Chicago, USA
"My grandfather was born in Sicily, and I always dreamed of reclaiming that part of my identity. I had no idea where to start or whether I even qualified. Citizenship.EU made the process so much less intimidating".
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New Hampshire, USA
Get the Portuguese citizenship guide
Unlock detailed information on timelines, required documents, and legal pathways all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get Portuguese citizenship through descent?
You can obtain Portuguese citizenship by descent if one of your parents or grandparents was a Portuguese citizen and did not lose their nationality before your birth. The process involves gathering vital documents (birth, marriage, death certificates) to prove lineage and submitting them to the Portuguese authorities either in-country or through a consulate abroad. Citizenship.EU helps you confirm if your ancestry qualifies and refers you to professionals who can assist with document gathering and filing.
How to settle in Portugal if you have Portuguese ancestry?
Portugal grants citizenship based on jus sanguinis (right of blood). You may qualify if:
- You have a Portuguese parent – citizenship is automatic.
- You have a Portuguese grandparent – you must:
- Prove the grandparent retained their nationality
- Reside in Portugal for at least three years
- Demonstrate ties to the Portuguese community (e.g., speak Portuguese)
- An IRN office in Portugal
- A CNAIM center
- A Portuguese consulate or embassy
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Proof of lineage and residence
- Portuguese language proficiency
How do I get Portuguese citizenship through my parents?
If one or both of your parents were Portuguese citizens at the time of your birth, you are typically eligible for citizenship by descent. The process involves registering your birth in the Portuguese civil registry and providing documents that verify your parent’s citizenship status. Citizenship.EU can confirm your parent-child connection and direct you to professionals who can assist with registry filings.
Can I obtain Portuguese citizenship through my great-grandparent?
In most cases, you cannot apply directly through a great-grandparent unless your parent or grandparent already obtained Portuguese citizenship. Portugal does not allow “skipped-generation” claims unless the citizenship chain was legally preserved. However, in some limited situations—such as for Sephardic Jews or those with cultural ties—you may qualify under different rules. Citizenship.EU can help review your ancestry to see if any exceptions apply.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship by descent?
Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship. If you acquire Portuguese citizenship by descent, you do not need to give up your original nationality, assuming your country of origin also allows dual citizenship. This makes Portuguese citizenship particularly attractive for applicants in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and the UK. Citizenship.EU can assess your situation and refer you to legal experts if needed to manage cross-border nationality issues.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship without a language test?
Yes, in some cases. The Portuguese language test (A2 level) is waived for:
- Those over 60
- Applicants who are illiterate, disabled, or seriously ill
- Citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries
- Children under 10
- Individuals with documented learning difficulties
- Applicants married to a Portuguese national or who have lived in Portugal for 5+ years
What is the cost of applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent?
Citizenship.EU offers a full eligibility check for $80. Our AI-powered system, reviewed by experts, analyzes your ancestry against Portuguese citizenship laws—saving you time and costly legal fees.
If you're eligible, we’ll outline what comes next. Additional government or document fees may apply.
How can Citizenship.EU help me with my Portuguese citizenship by descent?
Citizenship.EU helps you take the first step by verifying your eligibility based on your ancestry. While we do not offer legal services, we assess your family history, explain your possible pathways, and connect you with trusted professionals—such as genealogists, translators, and legal specialists—who can assist with document collection and the application process from start to finish.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
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Still have questions? Let’s talk
Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
