Citizenship by birth in Portugal: how to prepare for childbirth and get a Portuguese passport for a newborn

Portugal follows a modified system that combines “jus soli”, right of the soil, and "jus sanguinis", right of blood. Below are the requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining Portuguese citizenship by birth.

A child automatically gets Portugal citizenship if at least one parent is a Portuguese citizen. This applies to children born abroad as well.

If both parents are foreigners, the child can also obtain Portugal citizenship by birth if one of the parents was born and lived in Portugal.

A child can also become a citizen of Portugal in the following cases:

1. Born in Portugal to stateless parents.

2. Nothing is known about the child’s parents.

3. The child completed primary school in Portugal.

4. A parent obtained Portugal citizenship after the child’s birth.

5. A parent lived in Portugal and did not work in their country of origin for 5 years before the child’s birth.

6. Lived in the country for 5 years, is registered with the tax authorities and the healthcare system of Portugal, and regularly attends an educational institution.

7. A grandmother or grandfather is a Portuguese citizen.

Children whose parents have lived in Portugal for a year with a residence permit are also eligible for citizenship. These pathways make Portugal an attractive option for families looking to establish a long-term presence in Europe.

Foreigners can become residents by investment, as financially independent individuals or digital nomads.

How to obtain Portugal residency and citizenship for children

1. Modern clinics and experienced staff. Portuguese doctors annually confirm their qualifications through special exams and courses.

Maternity hospitals use telemedicine, high-precision ultrasound machines, and robotic systems for complex surgeries. Thanks to quality equipment, the country has a low infant mortality rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents.

In public clinics, services are free for citizens and residents with an insurance number. In private clinics, all services before, during, and after childbirth are covered by health insurance.

Foreigners with a Portugal residence permit by investment purchase insurance in advance. It provides 70—80% discounts on services in private clinics. For example, a doctor’s appointment for pregnant women costs €15 instead of €70. The cost of health insurance starts at €400 per year.

2. Maternity care. Regular free check-ups, including all tests, are provided for expectant mothers in Portugal. The first doctor’s visit is scheduled as early as the 6th to 8th week of pregnancy.

Doctors aim to minimise the number of caesarean sections and encourage natural births, where women recover faster, face fewer complications with their babies, and have a lower chance of requiring a caesarean in the future.

3. Safety. According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Portugal ranks 7th among the safest countries to live in. In the Rule of Law Index 2023, it ranks 28th out of 142 countries, reflecting its efforts to maintain law and order and ensure citizens' safety.

With low crime rates and effective police work, children can safely play in the yards. Schools have security staff. Portugal has strict gun laws and one of the lowest rates of violent crime in Europe — 1.5 cases per 1,000 residents.

4. European education. Education in Portugal includes preschool, primary, secondary, and higher education. Schools are free and mandatory for all Portugal citizens up to the age of 15. Public and international schools, such as St Julian’s School in Lisbon, offer British or American curricula.

Five universities in Portugal are ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.

5. Mediterranean climate. Portugal enjoys 300 sunny days a year. Depending on the region, winter temperatures range from +3…15°C, and summer temperatures range +20…35°C. Families can enjoy fresh sea air, scenic views, and various sports all year round, such as surfing, hiking, diving, and horseback riding.

In the southern region of Algarve, the climate is especially mild — even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below +15°C. The north is cooler and wetter, but the climate remains comfortable, so children don’t get sick often.

6. Entertainment. Portugal offers family-friendly entertainment: beaches, water parks, museums, amusement parks, zoos, historic castles, and palaces. Festivals take place year-round, such as Festa dos Tabuleiros in Tomar and Carnaval de Torres Vedras, where children participate in colourful parades and entertainment programs.

Lisbon is home to the Oceanário de Lisboa, the 3rd largest aquarium in Europe.

7. Friendly locals. The Portuguese are known for their hospitality. Locals are respectful toward foreigners and show special care for children, making it easier for them to adapt.

Mothers with children find support and exchange experiences in international communities. For example, Lisbon For Parents has over 2,300 members and offers regular meetups, playgroups, and various family events. The International Women in Portugal organisation provides a platform for women from different countries living in Portugal.

1. Automatic сitizenship for children of Portuguese citizens can be granted according two scenarios:

1. Children born in Portugal. If at least one parent is a Portuguese citizen, the child automatically acquires Portuguese citizenship, regardless of where they are born.

2. Children born abroad. Children born outside of Portugal to at least one Portuguese parent can also acquire citizenship. The parent must register the child’s birth with the Portuguese civil registry.

2. Citizenship for children of foreign parents. Children born in Portugal to foreign parents may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship if at least one parent has legally resided in Portugal for a minimum of one year at the time of the child’s birth.

3. Citizenship by birth for stateless children. If a child is born in Portugal and would otherwise be stateless, i.e., they cannot acquire the nationality of their parents' home country, they are entitled to Portuguese citizenship. This ensures that no child born in Portugal remains without a nationality.

If a child is born in Portugal to parents who are Golden Visa holders and have legally resided in the country for at least one year, the child may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship at birth. This provides a more direct route to a Portuguese passport for the child.

To obtain a residence permit in Portugal through the Golden Visa program, you need to make a qualifying investment, such as:

• supporting cultural heritage — €250,000.

• purchasing investment fund units — €500,000;

• investing in scientific researches — €500,000;

• investing in a Portuguese company and creating at least 5 jobs;

• opening a company in Portugal and creating at least 10 jobs.

A Golden Visa holder must spend at least 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain residency. After five years, they can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

The cost for passports with extra pages is €100—160.

The application fees and processing times for Portuguese citizenship by birth depend on how fast the parents want to get a passport for their children. The fastest path is the same-day urgent application at the Lisbon Airport, which costs €100.

Children born abroad acquire Portuguese citizenship if at least one parent is a Portugal citizen. The procedure depends on the child’s age.

For children under one year old, parents can apply online through the Justice Portal. This registration is available for those residing in the European Union or countries where Portuguese is an official language.

After submitting the application, parents receive automatic emails to track the registration process. Once the application is processed, a copy of the birth certificate is sent by email.

To obtain a resident card for the child, the parent indicates this in the registration application. The fee for delivery abroad is €10. The card will be delivered within 9 days in Europe and 11 days to other countries.

For children over one year old, parents must personally visit the Portuguese consulate. There, they submit an application for the birth certificate and resident card. The documents will be mailed to the provided address.

To register the child online or at the consulate, the following documents are required:

1. Birth certificate from the hospital.

2. Full names of parents and grandparents.

3. Details of the birth and child.

4. Name of the maternity hospital.

5. Photo of the child — for online registration.

6. Local birth certificate — if available.

Documents for children born abroad must be in French, English, or Spanish. In other cases, the local birth certificate should be accompanied by a multilingual standard form or a certified Portuguese translation of the documents.

Citizenship for children who do not automatically become citizens of Portugal is applied for in person at the relevant office, by mail, or online.

Online applications can only be submitted by a lawyer through the Nacionalidade Online service. The lawyer authenticates using a personal digital certificate.

Applications can be submitted in person at:

• the Institute of Registration and Notary Office at the National Support Centre for Migrant Integration (CNAIM) in Lisbon and Porto;

• the Central Civil Registry in Lisbon;

• one of the National citizenship departments;

• the Citizen Centre in Odivelas;

• civil registry offices;

• the Portuguese consulate in the place of residence.

If parents submit the application by mail, it must be sent to Conservatória dos Registos Centrais, Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 202, 1099‑033 Lisbon. A completed form must be attached to the document package.

The application for Portugal citizenship must be signed by the child’s legal representatives — parents or a lawyer.

Depending on the basis for the citizenship application, the following documents may be required:

1. Child’s birth certificate.

2. Parents’ and grandparents’ birth certificates.

3. Parents’ identification documents.

4. Documents proving the child’s residence in Portugal, such as a residence permit.

5. Proof of parents’ legal residence in Portugal.

6. Certificate of primary school completion.

7. Proof of foreign citizenship.

8. Criminal record certificate.

Young people over 18 who were born in Portugal may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship under specific conditions. If their parents were foreign residents who had legally resided in Portugal for a year, they could apply for citizenship.

Also, if they did not qualify for citizenship at birth, they may still apply after living in Portugal for a continuous period, usually 5 years. The process involves proving legal residency, language proficiency, and integration into Portuguese society.

Exceptional paths for Portuguese citizenship by birth and ancestry include:

1. Citizenship through grandparents. If you have a Portuguese grandparent, you may be eligible for citizenship through descent. You must demonstrate a connection to the Portuguese community, which often includes showing cultural ties, language proficiency, or living in Portugal.

2. Citizenship by birth. Children born in Portugal to foreign parents may acquire citizenship if their parents have resided in Portugal for a year.

Dual and second citizenship are different concepts. Countries with dual citizenship recognise each other’s rights and obligations and have an agreement in place. For example, Portugal has such agreements with Brazil, Cape Verde, Mozambique, and Angola.

Second citizenship means that a person holds a passport from another country. In this case, each country considers the person solely as its own citizen. However, they can enjoy social benefits from both countries.

Portugal recognises second citizenship, so there is no need to renounce your first citizenship. With a Portugal passport, you can travel visa-free to 175 countries and live, study, and work in any EU country.

In Portugal, children under 18 are issued several documents: a birth certificate, a citizen card, and a passport.

The birth certificate is the child’s first official document. It is issued for free within 20 days after birth. The certificate can be obtained at the civil registry office or at the maternity hospital if there is a Nascer Cidadão window. When registering, parents provide the child’s name and place of birth.

To obtain a birth certificate for a child, the following are required:

• a birth certificate from the hospital;

• full names of parents and grandparents;

• details of the birth and child;

• the name of the maternity hospital;

• a photo of the child — for online registration.

The citizen card (Cartão de Cidadão) is mandatory for all individuals with Portugal citizenship. If a child automatically becomes a citizen of Portugal by birth, the card must be obtained within 20 days.

An application for a citizen card can be submitted online for children under one year old who automatically received Portugal citizenship. In other cases, personal presence at the relevant offices is required.

When applying, the child is assigned:

1. Civil identification number (NIC).

2. Tax identification number (NIF).

3. Social security number (NISS).

4. National health service user number.

Foreigners under 25 must renew their citizen card every 5 years. Citizens over 25 renew it every 10 years.

The fee for a citizen card is €7.50 when issued in Portugal and €10 for delivery abroad.

A passport is not a mandatory document for Portugal citizens. It is only required for travel outside the EU and Schengen Area.

Depending on urgency, there are regular, urgent, and express passports, with express passports issued at the airport. The waiting time for a document is 1 to 5 days. The fee ranges between €65 to 160, depending on urgency and place of issuance.

Passports are renewed every 5 years.

Future parents can obtain Portugal citizenship by naturalisation if 5 years have passed since they applied for a temporary residence permit.

Portugal offers several ways to obtain a residence permit for non-EU citizens: residence permits for financially independent individuals, investors, and digital nomads.

The Portugal D7 Visa for financially independent individuals is suitable for retirees and foreigners with passive income. The D7 visa allows you to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for 2 years, subject to renewal. After 5 years of living in the country, you can apply for citizenship.

The applicant must prove a passive income of at least €820 per month and purchase or rent property in Portugal.

Family members can get residence permits along with the main applicant. This includes a spouse, children up to 21, parents, and siblings under 18.

Individual cost calculation for the Portugal Passive Income D7 Visa

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The Portugal Golden Visa allows for obtaining a residence permit by investment for 2 years, with the option to renew every 2 years. After that, foreigners can apply for citizenship.

The applicant chooses one of the investment options:

1. Support for culture and arts — €250,000+.

2. Purchase of investment fund units — €500,000+.

3. Investment in scientific projects — €500,000+.

4. Investment in business — €500,000+.

5. Opening a company that creates 10 jobs.

The purchase of investment fund shares is a popular option among investors. From 2019 to 2023, the number of applicants increased from 9 to 350. The advantage of this option is that the investment can be returned in 6—10 years.

Foreigners can include family members in the residence permit application — a spouse, children up to 26, and parents.

Immigrant Invest’s lawyers guide applicants through the entire process of obtaining a residence permit in Portugal: they select the appropriate investment option, help open a bank account, obtain tax residency, and assist with getting and renewing residence permit cards.

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Practical Guide

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The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is issued for 2 years with the possibility of renewal. After 5 years of living in Portugal, one can obtain citizenship.

This type of residence permit is granted to remote workers with an income of at least €3,280 per month. The applicant must also rent or buy property in Portugal and prove savings of at least €9,840.

Family members of the digital nomad can also obtain a residence permit. This includes a spouse, children up to 30, and parents.

In Portugal, expectant mothers can choose between public and private clinics for childbirth. Clinics offer ultrasound scans, tests, and support from psychologists and nutritionists. Doctors provide consultations throughout pregnancy and prepare mothers for childbirth.

In public clinics, services are free for citizens and residents with an insurance number. Foreigners can obtain this number at a local health centre by presenting a residence permit and a tax number.

Each pregnant woman is assigned a family doctor who conducts regular check-ups and refers her to specialists if needed. For a normal pregnancy, a minimum of six consultations is recommended.

During consultations, physical and gynaecological exams are performed, and tests and ultrasounds are scheduled every three months. Doctors provide lifestyle recommendations and a special booklet, Boletim de Saúde da Grávida, where all pregnancy information is recorded.

Portugal faces a shortage of family doctors, and pregnant women may wait six months or longer to be assigned a doctor.

In private clinics, appointments with specialists are available more quickly. Appointments can be booked through a mobile app. The cost of pregnancy care in a private clinic starts from €800, and childbirth costs at least €2,400. Health insurance can reduce expenses by 70—80%.

Pregnant women receive individual care. They are personally attended by obstetricians, gynaecologists, neonatologists, nutritionists, and psychologists. Private rooms are also provided. After childbirth, doctors conduct regular check-ups for the mother and baby, offer breastfeeding advice, and give recovery recommendations.

In Lisbon, Porto, and other major cities, clinics offer private delivery rooms. Hospital CUF Descobertas provides water birth options.

Popular maternity hospitals include Hospital de Santa Maria and CUF Descobertas Hospital in Lisbon, Hospital da Luz in Lisbon and Porto, and Hospital de São João in Porto. Private clinics offer more comfortable rooms and additional services, such as alternative pain relief methods.

Portugal offers a range of social benefits and allowances to pregnant women, including foreign women with legal residence status.

The main maternity allowance is paid for 120 or 150 days. If a woman opts for 120 days, she receives 100% of her average salary, while for 150 days, she receives 80%. Fathers are also entitled to leave for 15 to 30 days.

Pregnant women can receive a one-time child allowance of €1,000. It is paid from the 13th week of pregnancy. The payment is made within 30 days after the application is approved.

To access social benefits and allowances, a pregnant foreign woman must obtain a social security number — Número de Identificação de Segurança Social (NISS). The following documents are required:

• a valid passport or ID card;

• a residence permit or another document confirming legal stay in Portugal;

• proof of residence, such as a utility bill;

• a tax number — Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF);

• a medical certificate with details of the pregnancy term and expected number of children.

To obtain NISS, documents must be submitted to a local branch of Segurança Social or Citizen Shops. After that, the application form for NISS must be filled out. Working foreigners provide an employment contract or confirmation from their employer. Unemployed individuals provide proof of unemployment status or registration with an employment centre.

NISS is issued immediately after submitting all the necessary documents. With this number, a pregnant foreign woman can apply for the social benefits and allowances provided by Portuguese law.

Postnatal allowance. After the child is born, parents may be eligible for a monthly child allowance. The amount of the payment depends on the family’s income and ranges between €30 to 150 per month.

1. A newborn automatically receives Portugal citizenship if at least one parent is a citizen of Portugal or was born and lived in Portugal.

2. A child is also eligible for Portugal citizenship in other cases, such as being born in Portugal to stateless parents or completing primary school in Portugal.

3. If the parents have lived in Portugal for a year with a residence permit, their child also gets Portugal citizenship, provided they were born in Portugal.

4. Parents can obtain a Portugal residence permit by investment, as digital nomads, or as financially independent foreigners.