Were you, your grandparents, or your parents born in Macau in 1981 or before?
Are your parents or grandparents Portuguese Nationals?
Are you married to, or live in a common-law marital regime with, a Portuguese National?
If so, you and your family may qualify to obtain Portuguese Nationality.
Nationality by Birth
According to Portuguese Law, if one of your parents is a Portuguese national, you will be automatically entitled to Portuguese nationality.
In addition, persons born in Macau may obtain Portuguese nationality if they meet the following criteria*:
Having been born in Macau on or before 7 October 1981, in which case they will acquire Portuguese nationality by birth; or if born from 8 October 1981 onwards, have at least one Portuguese parent.
* Notes: It is important that the birth records of those born in Macau on or before 7 October 1981 are in proper form and thus, it is always important to seek legal advice before proceeding with an application.
Nationality by Adoption
Those adopted by Portuguese nationals are also eligible for Portuguese nationality.
The acquisition of Portuguese nationality by adopted persons, if adopted in a foreign country, is subject to confirmation of the foreign court’s adoption decision by a Portuguese court.
Nationality through 2nd Degree Ascendants
You may also be entitled to Portuguese nationality if:
One of your grandparents is a Portuguese national; and
You have sufficient connection with the Portuguese community.
Connection with the Portuguese community will be evidenced by the applicant’s sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language, and not having been convicted of a crime punishable under Portuguese law with imprisonment of three or more years.
Nationality by Marriage / Civil Union
Under Portuguese law, the following individuals are entitled to Portuguese nationality:
A foreign national married for more than three years to a Portuguese national; or
A foreign national living with a Portuguese national under the common-law marriage regime for more than three years.
The acquisition of Portuguese nationality in the above cases is subject to the foreign individual making a declaration of his / her will to acquire nationality and showing a significant connection with the Portuguese community*.
Connection with the Portuguese community may be assessed by a number of factors – such as sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language – and not having been convicted of a crime punishable under Portuguese law with imprisonment of three or more years.
* Notes: The requirement of sufficient connection with Portuguese culture does not apply if:
(a) the marriage / common-law marriage lasts for more than 3 years, and the couple has common children; or
(b) the marriage / common-law marriage lasts for more than 6 years.
If you do not qualify under any of the above cases, you may still be eligible for Portuguese Nationality / Residency through various investment / work programs.
CFB has significant experience in handling nationality acquisition cases, and we will happily assess your case and the best available solution for you and your family.
We also have solid partnerships with reputed Portuguese law firms, which will help us ensure that you and your family enjoy a streamlined process, duly guided by a legal team throughout all the relevant steps.
Feel free to contact us for more information.
