Acquiring a Portuguese Passport for Family Members — Questions and Answers

Proof of eligibility for Portuguese citizenship — this article answers questions such as: how to receive Portuguese citizenship, what is the wife’s and children’s status in Portugal, etc. In this article we will answer commonly asked questions and explain what you as someone who has received a Portuguese citizenship and is interested in obtaining a Portuguese Passport for family members.

Our law office which handles all matters related to Portuguese citizenship eligibility, will answer the various questions about Portuguese passport holders. Our office is the leading law office for receipt of Portuguese citizenship for descendants of Jews expelled from Spain.

Acquiring a Portuguese Passport for Family Members — Questions and Answers

• Our congratulations on acquiring Portuguese citizenship, you are now officially a Portuguese citizen.
• There are a few important issues that we wish to clarify
• After receiving Portuguese citizenship, many clients ask us if it is possible to obtain Portuguese citizenship for their husbands or wives by themselves.

Yes, it is possible!

How is the process done?

We will answer!

Acquiring Citizenship for Spouses

How long should a couple be married before the spouse can also receive citizenship?

• You must be married for at least 3 years and have children together.
• If you don’t have children, you must have been married for at least 6 years

We were not married in Portugal, do I need to register my marriage there?

• Yes, the marriage must be registered in the population registry in Portugal.

What is required in order to register my marriage in Portugal?

• Power of attorney document
• Marriage certificate translated into Portuguese and authenticated by an Apostille.
• Birth certificate translated into Portuguese and authenticated by an Apostille.
  

How long does the process take?

• The process takes about 3 months

What are the prices?

• Each case will be taken into account individually, however there are € 120 in government fees.

For Common Law Married Couples

I am not legally married. We live in a common law relationship. Is my partner eligible?

• Yes, this is possible if you have been common law for at least 3 years. However, before we submit the request for citizenship we will need to ensure your status in Portugal.

What is required in order for common law to be recognized in Portugal?

• We will need to submit an approval from the Portuguese court.

What are the necessary forms?

• Power of attorney document
• Copy of spouse’s original passport
• Legal certificate verifying common law status, issued by the authorized department of the country in which you live

What is the length of this process?

• Between 6-12 months.

What are the costs?

• Each case will be taken into account individually, however there are € 306 in government fees / court + € 20 for expenses.

What are the Necessary Documents for Submitting Citizenship Request for a Spouse?

If you live together under a civil marriage:

• Portuguese marriage certificate (which you will receive after completion of Step 2)
• Spouse’s birth certificate translated in Portuguese and authenticated with an Apostille
• Spouse’s criminal background check certificate from the country in which they were born, lived, as well as any other countries in which they hold citizenship
• Original copy of spouse’s passport
• Certified copy in Portuguese for joint child
• Power of attorney

If you live together with a common law marriage status:

• Portuguese court ruling (which you will receive after completion of Step 3)
• Spouse’s birth certificate translated in Portuguese and authenticated with an Apostille
• Spouse’s criminal background check report from the country in which they were born, lived, as well as any other countries in which they hold citizenship
• Original copy of partner’s passport
• Certified copy in Portuguese for joint child
• Declaration made by the partner who holds the Portuguese passport, stating that the couple still lives together as common law
• Power of attorney

Acquiring Portuguese Citizenship for Children and Spouses

Our children that we had together do not have Portuguese citizenship, what do we need to do?

• If your joint children are Portuguese citizens, this is very important because this is proof of a connection to the Portuguese community. This connection is absolutely necessary in order to submit a request for the spouse’s approval. Therefore, we suggest you follow up the question with – “Are my children eligible for Portuguese citizenship if I have it already?”

We do not have children together.

• In this case, the application will only be approved if you live in Portugal.

How long does it take for my spouse to receive citizenship?

• The process takes about 18 months.

What are the costs?

• Each case will be taken into account individually, however there are € 250 in government fees.

Are my children eligible for Portuguese citizenship if I have it already?

• Yes!
• See information below!

What Must I Do in Order for My Children to Receive Portuguese Citizenship?

If the child was born after obtaining Portuguese citizenship:

• In this case, the child is eligible for Portuguese citizenship at birth. All you have to do is register him/her officially.

What are the required documents?

• Power of attorney document signed by his mother or father
• Child’s passport authenticated by an Apostille
• Child’s birth certificate translated in Portuguese and authenticated with an Apostille

How long does the process take?

• Around 3 months.

What are the prices?

• Each case will be taken into account individually, however there are no additional government fees.

If the child is over 18 years of age:

• The way to receive citizenship is identical to that of the parent, that is, through the law concerning descendants of Jews expelled from Spain.

With a minor child, although born prior to acquisition of citizenship:

• The child is eligible.

What are the required documents?

• Power of attorney signed by the father or mother of the child.
• Child’s passport authenticated with an Apostille.
• Child’s birth certificate translated in Portuguese and authenticated with an Apostille

If the child is over 16, he will need to submit a criminal background check report from the country in which he was born. It is important to explain that in these cases it is absolutely necessary to prove a connection to the Portuguese community. The child’s age is a deciding factor as to the level of connection required. Therefore, please come to us about this matter so that we may advise you on a case by case basis.

How long does the process take?

• Around 18 months.

What are the costs?

• Each case will be taken into account individually + € 200 in government fees.

For a comprehensive article on Portuguese citizenship and all that it entails (documents, family proof, and additional questions) click here.

Special thanks to Mr. Jonathan Gavrielov for writing this article.

Contact Us About a Portuguese Passport for family members of Descendants of Spanish Jews

Our office assists in acquiring Portuguese passports for descendants of Jews expelled from Spain. If you are descendants, or unsure about it, contact us and we can help you learn about your heritage. Our office has specific expertise in genealogical research for proving connection to those expelled from Spain. We are happy to help you.