We believe that planning and strategy turn challenges into pathways. Every legal decision begins with vision and responsibility.
We believe that planning and strategy turn challenges into pathways. Every legal decision begins with vision and responsibility.
Portuguese citizenship grants all the rights of a European Union citizen, including freedom of movement, residence, and work in any country within the European Economic Area. For descendants of Portuguese nationals, spouses of Portuguese citizens, or long-term residents, Portuguese law offers various pathways to acquire nationality.
Dr. Sandra Koelln is registered with Ordem dos Advogados de Portugal (Coimbra), which allows direct action before Portuguese authorities — Conservatórias, IRN (Institute of Registries and Notary) and courts — without the need to subcontract a local lawyer.
Portuguese law provides for different regimes depending on the degree of kinship:
Spouses of Portuguese citizens can acquire nationality after 3 years of marriage (or recognized de facto union). The process requires a joint declaration and proof of the bond.
Foreigners who have been legally resident in Portugal for at least 5 years and demonstrate sufficient command of Portuguese can apply for naturalization. The absence of serious convictions and effective ties to the community are also assessed.
Descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews can apply for citizenship under a special regime by demonstrating historical ties to the Portuguese Sephardic community. Following legislative changes in 2024, new requirements have been introduced, including the demonstration of effective ties to Portugal.
The documentation varies according to the route chosen, but generally includes:
Our office advises on all the documentation, checks the completeness of the dossiers and accompanies the applications to the IRN and the Registry Offices.
Children of Portuguese citizens have automatic entitlement. Grandchildren can acquire it by demonstrating effective ties with Portugal. Spouses of Portuguese nationals can apply for naturalization after 3 years of marriage. Residents for 5+ years can naturalize.
Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship without restrictions. This applies to Brazilians, Mozambicans, Angolans, Cape Verdeans and any other nationality. It is not necessary to renounce your original citizenship.
The timeframe varies depending on the type of application and the demand at the IRN. Applications for direct descendants (children) usually take between 6 and 12 months. Applications for grandchildren can take between 12 and 24 months, depending on proof of effective ties.
For naturalization (5 years of residency), yes — sufficient knowledge of the language is required. For citizenship by descent (children and grandchildren), fluency in Portuguese may be assessed as part of effective ties to the community, but it is not a mandatory formal requirement.
