Portuguese Citizenship for Spouses and Minor Children: Requirements, Evidence, and Key Documents

Portuguese nationality through marriage and descent

Portugal offers a flexible legal framework for spouses of Portuguese citizens and minor children to obtain Portuguese nationality.
This process allows applicants to obtain the Portuguese passport and, with it, European Union citizenship, granting the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.

Requirements for spouses

• Legally registered marriage with a Portuguese citizen.
• Minimum of 3 years of marriage, unless there are children in common, in which case the time requirement is reduced.
• Proof of effective ties with the Portuguese community (e.g., residence, basic knowledge of the language, visits to Portugal, or family integration).

Requirements for minor children

• Registration of the birth in the Portuguese Civil Registry.
• Child of a Portuguese father or mother, even if born abroad.
• In the case of adoption, valid judicial resolutions must be presented.

Key documents

• Spouses: marriage certificate, copy of the Portuguese spouse’s ID, proof of residence, and criminal record certificate.
• Children: apostilled birth certificate, parents’ IDs, and proof of Portuguese nationality of the parent.

Costs and processing times

• Administrative fees: between €175 and €250.
• Average real processing times:
  • Spouses: between 24 and 36 months.
  • Minor children: between 36 and 48 months.
• Translations and legalizations: €100 to €300 depending on the documents.

Advantages of obtaining Portuguese nationality

• Access to EU citizenship.
• Right to live and work in any EU country.
• Educational opportunities and international mobility.
• Benefits for children and future generations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. How long must I be married to apply for Portuguese nationality?
At least 3 years, unless there are children in common.

2. Do minor children automatically acquire Portuguese nationality?
It depends:

• If the child is born after the father or mother already obtained Portuguese nationality (e.g., via Sephardic origin), nationality is automatic upon registration in the Portuguese Civil Registry.
• If the child was born before the parent obtained nationality, a formal application must be filed with the Ministry of Justice – Conservatória dos Registos Centrais.

3. What evidence is required for spouses?
Evidence of ties with the Portuguese community, such as language skills, visits to Portugal, cohabitation, or residence.

4. Can Portuguese nationality be lost?
No, once granted it is permanent, except in cases of fraud in the application.

5. Do I need to live in Portugal to obtain nationality?
Not always. In many cases it is enough to prove the family bond and meet the legal requirements.

Conclusion

Portuguese nationality for spouses and minor children is a unique opportunity to access European citizenship.
With the right legal guidance, the process can be faster and safer, avoiding unnecessary delays or rejections.

Consult with our Portuguese nationality experts and secure your European passport for you and your family.