Portuguese Citizenship for Minors: Complete Guide (2026)

Who Is Eligible for Portuguese Citizenship as a Minor?

A minor may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship if at least one parent is a Portuguese citizen, either by birth or by naturalization.

Eligibility depends on when the child was born in relation to the parent’s acquisition of Portuguese citizenship:

1. Minors born after a parent became Portuguese

2. Minors born before a parent became Portuguese

In both cases, nationality is acquired by declaration, not automatically. Citizenship becomes legally effective only after registration with the Portuguese Civil Registry.

Minors Born After a Parent Obtains Portuguese Citizenship

‍Legal Basis

Under the Portuguese Nationality Law (Law No. 37/81), a child born to a Portuguese citizen is entitled to Portuguese nationality from birth, even if born outside Portugal.

Process

For minors born after a parent already holds Portuguese citizenship, the procedure is administrative and straightforward:

1. Register the child’s birth with the Portuguese Civil Registry

2. Submit the nationality declaration on behalf of the minor

3. Once registered, the child is recognized as Portuguese by origin

Documents

Portuguese parent’s birth certificate

Child’s birth certificate (apostilled)

Passports of the child and Portuguese parent

Fees

No government fee is charged for minors born after the parent acquired Portuguese citizenship

Timeline

Average processing time: 3 to 6 months

Important Note

While not legally mandatory, registering the parents’ marriage in Portugal before applying is strongly recommended. It helps prevent delays and requests for additional documentation.

Minors Born Before a Parent Becomes Portuguese

Legal Basis

Minors born before a parent’s naturalization may still acquire Portuguese citizenship by declaration, provided the legal and civil requirements are met.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Register the parents’ marriage with the Portuguese Civil Registry (mandatory)

2. Register the child’s birth with the Portuguese Civil Registry

3. Submit the minor’s nationality declaration

4. Await review and approval by the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais (CRC)

Mandatory Marriage Transcription

If the parents are married, marriage transcription in Portugal is required before the child’s nationality application. Applications submitted without this step are commonly suspended or rejected.

Consent Rules

1. Consent from both parents is required

2. If one parent is absent, deceased, or unavailable, additional legal documentation or a court decision may be required

Fees

Government fee: €175 per minor

Timeline

1. Marriage transcription: 2–6 months

2. Birth registration: 2–4 months

3. Nationality application: 6–12 months

4. Total average time: 12–18 months

Required Documents for Portuguese Citizenship for Minors

The application must include the following:

1. Portuguese parent’s birth certificate

2. Non-Portuguese parent’s birth certificate with apostille

3. Marriage certificate with apostille

4. Minor’s birth certificate with apostille

5. Passports of both parents and the minor

All foreign documents must be apostilled and, when required, translated into Portuguese.

We are glad to review your case and examine the documents you already have. You may scan and email existing documents to facilitate the preliminary assessment.

Do Minors Need a Criminal Record for Portuguese Citizenship?

No.

Minors are not required to submit a criminal record certificate as part of the Portuguese citizenship process.

This requirement applies only to adult applicants under specific nationality routes.

Common Reasons for Delays or Rejection

Delays usually occur due to procedural issues, not eligibility. The most common reasons include:

1. Marriage not registered in Portugal

2. Missing or invalid apostilles

3. Inconsistent names across documents

4. Incomplete parental consent

5. Incorrect civil registry sequence

Proper document review before submission significantly reduces processing time.

How Long Does Portuguese Citizenship for Minors Take?

Estimated timelines:

1. Born after parent’s citizenship: 3–6 months
2. Born before parent’s citizenship: 12–18 months

Timelines vary depending on registry workload and document accuracy.

Can a Minor Apply Without One Parent?

Yes, but only in specific circumstances.

If one parent cannot provide consent, the application may still proceed with:

1. Legal proof of sole custody
2. Death certificate
3. Court order authorizing the application

Each case requires individual legal assessment.

Why Work With a Portuguese Citizenship Specialist?

Portuguese nationality law is document-driven and procedural. Even eligible minors can face delays due to small technical errors.

Working with an experienced professional helps ensure:

1. Correct civil registry sequencing
2. Proper apostille and translation compliance
3. Faster processing with fewer registry objections

If you require legal support, consult a qualified citizenship lawyer In Portugal to guide you through the process from start to finish.

Reviewed By

Clara da Costa, Degree in Law
Portuguese Bar Association No. 45229L