In Portuguese Nationality QA 2 we answer frequently asked questions from our customers. Know if you are eligible to acquire the Portuguese Passport.
I
Q: One of my parents is a Portuguese national. I was born abroad, I am over 18 years of age and my birth was registered only in the place of birth. Am I entitled to acquire Portuguese nationality? What are the procedures?
A: Yes, a child of a Portuguese national born abroad can be granted Portuguese nationality of origin, provided that the birth is registered with the Portuguese authorities. The procedure to obtain such a grant is basically to apply for registration of birth in Portugal attaching, amongst other documentation, the birth certificate translated and legalized. The applicant has also to submit evidence of the Portuguese nationality of the parent, and in some cases, it may be necessary to submit the marriage certificate of the parents transcribed in Portugal.
II
Q: I am a Portuguese national of origin (one of my parents is Portuguese). Is my spouse entitled to acquire Portuguese nationality by marriage? Are there any specific requirements, namely Portuguese language proficiency? What are the procedures and how long does it take?
A: Yes, nationality can be acquired by marriage provided that it has lasted for at least 3 years and the marriage is transcribed in Portugal. Requirements such as proficiency of the Portuguese language and connection with the Portuguese community are waived if the couple has children in common who are Portuguese nationals or, without children if the marriage has lasted for over 6 years. After transcription of marriage, the application can be made for acquisition of nationality by the foreign spouse attaching his/her birth certificate, certificate of non-criminal convictions (all places of residence after being 16 years old) declaration of the Portuguese spouse, current passport of the applicant and his/her statement of professional occupation. Procedures are presently taking 24 to 30 months to be completed.
III
Q: I acquired Portuguese nationality because my spouse is a Portuguese national. Do our children, born abroad, have the right to become Portuguese nationals as well? What are the documents needed? How long does it take?
A: Children of a Portuguese national are entitled to a grant of Portuguese nationality of origin, provided that birth is registered with ` the Portuguese authorities. If the children are under 18 years of age both parents must be the applicants and it is necessary to submit the responsive birth certificates translated and legalized. In these cases, the procedures are relatively faster and are likely to be completed within 6 to 12 months.
IV
Q: Is it necessary to go to Portugal to make the applications for the acquisition of nationality? How can it be done from abroad?
A: No. Applications can be done from abroad and the way to proceed is through a “power of attorney” granted to a legal representative of the applicants, namely a lawyer.
V
Q: Does Portuguese law allow dual nationality? Do I need to renounce my existing nationality if I become a Portuguese national?
A: Yes, Portuguese law allows dual nationality. You do not have to renounce your existing nationality if you apply for a grant or acquisition of Portuguese nationality.
You can find more resources in the links below:
Portuguese Consul General in Macau and Hong Kong
Portuguese Nationality Benefits
Portuguese Nationality Law Revision
