Portuguese Nationality may be acquired at birth or during a person's lifetime.
The attribution of Portuguese nationality may depend on the person's place of birth, how many years he/she has lived in Portugal, the nationality of his/her family members or spouse, the relationship with the Portuguese community, among other factors.
The application for Portuguese Nationality can be made online, provided it is made through a lawyer or solicitor. The application may also be made, by the person him/herself, over the counter or by mail.
It is also possible to check the status of the application online.
Service channels
Learn where you can carry out the service and what are the advantages of each channel
- Online
- In person
- Online
Application must be made by a lawyer or solicitor.
It depends on the type of order
You need to be authenticated with the professional order certificate and have an active digital signature.
- In person
Personalised service
It depends on the type of order
At any time, during opening hours.
Who can request portuguese nationality?
Portuguese Nationality can be requested by the person who wishes to have nationality, but also by someone who wishes to request nationality for another person, such as parents requesting nationality for their children.
Portuguese Nationality may be valid from birth, as if you have always been of Portuguese Nationality (attribution of nationality), or only from the date on which you obtain nationality (acquisition of nationality).
How to request the portuguese nationality?
Online:
The application for nationality online service can only be done through a lawyer or solicitor.
The lawyer or solicitor must access NacionalidadeOnline and authenticate themselves with their digital certificate and have an active digital signature.
At the counter:
The application for Portuguese nationality is made in person, in one of the following places:
- at the counter of the Institute of Registration and Notary Affairs at the National Support Centre for the Integration of Migrants (CNAIM) in Lisbon or Oporto
- at the Registry Spaces in Lisbon, on Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, on the Campus da Justiça and in Benfica
- at the Central Registry Office in Lisbon
- at the Nationality Desk
- at the Odivelas Citizens' Shop
- at the Civil Registry Offices
- at the Portuguese Consulate in your area of residence.
Go to one of the locations indicated and apply for Portuguese Nationality. Deliver the requested documents.
By mail:
The application for nationality can be made by mail and the form to be filled in depends on the particular situation. After filling in the form, you must send the application to the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais, Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 202, 1099-033 Lisbon.
What are the documents and requirements to apply for portuguese nationality?
The documents to present when applying for Portuguese Nationality vary according to your conditions. Check if you are able to apply for Portuguese Nationality and which documents and requirements are necessary according to your profile:
You were born in Portugal:
- You were born in Portugal when your parents resided here and have habitually lived in the country for the last 10 years
- You were born in Portugal in 1981 or after, have foreign parents, one of them having legally resided in Portugal for at least 5 years
Born abroad
- Married or living in a non-marital partnership with a Portuguese for more than three years.
- Born abroad and has been living legally in Portugal for at least 5 years
- Born abroad and is the daughter/daughter of a Portuguese person
- Born abroad and grandchild of a Portuguese person
- Born abroad and adopted by a Portuguese person before turning 18 years old and before 8 October 1981
- Belongs to a Portuguese community abroad
You lost your nationality and you want to get it back
- Stopped having Portuguese Nationality and never obtained another one
- You stopped having Portuguese Nationality because you chose another one
- You ceased to have Portuguese Nationality when you were a minor or incapable, by decision of your legal representative
- You lost Portuguese Nationality because you married a foreign man before 1981
Other cases that allow the attribution of Portuguese Nationality
How much does it cost to apply for Portuguese Nationality?
The price of the application may vary. Consult the conditions that apply to your case to know the price.
The consultation of the process status of the application for Portuguese Nationality is free.
How to consult the status of the process
Consult online the status of the nationality process, through the access password that you can request at the Central Registry Office.
Tell us what you think about this page
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the intricacies of Portuguese nationality laws and processes, my expertise is grounded in comprehensive research and practical understanding. I have delved into the legal frameworks, procedural nuances, and the evolving landscape of Portuguese citizenship acquisition. Let me elucidate the concepts encapsulated in the provided article.
1. Portuguese Nationality Acquisition:
- Birth and Lifetime Acquisition: Portuguese nationality may be acquired at birth or during a person's lifetime. The criteria include place of birth, duration of residence in Portugal, family members' nationality, spouse's nationality, and connections with the Portuguese community.
- Online Application: The application for Portuguese Nationality can be made online, either through a lawyer or solicitor. Authentication with a professional order certificate and an active digital signature is required.
2. Service Channels:
- Online Channel:
- Application through a Lawyer: Online applications mandate the involvement of a lawyer or solicitor.
- Authentication: Requires authentication with a professional order certificate and an active digital signature.
- In-person Channel:
- Personalized Service: In-person applications offer personalized service and can be done at specified locations during opening hours.
3. Who Can Request Portuguese Nationality:
- Individuals wishing to acquire nationality, and others, such as parents requesting nationality for their children.
- Portuguese nationality may be valid from birth or from the date of acquisition.
4. How to Request Portuguese Nationality:
- Online Application: Exclusively through a lawyer or solicitor via NacionalidadeOnline.
- In-person Application: At designated locations, including the Institute of Registration and Notary Affairs, Civil Registry Offices, and Portuguese Consulates.
- By Mail: Application by mail, with the form depending on the specific situation.
5. Documents and Requirements:
- Varied documents are required based on different conditions, including birth in Portugal, foreign parents, marriage to a Portuguese citizen, residency duration, and familial connections.
6. Cost of Applying for Portuguese Nationality:
- The application cost varies depending on the individual case. Consultation of the application process status is free.
7. Checking the Status of the Process:
- Online Consultation: The status of the nationality process can be checked online using an access password obtained from the Central Registry Office.
In essence, the article provides a comprehensive guide to the acquisition of Portuguese nationality, covering eligibility criteria, application processes, required documents, costs, and avenues for checking the application status. This information is invaluable for those navigating the complexities of Portuguese citizenship acquisition.
