Birth registration declarations can now be submitted electronically or in person (orally).
2022/07/06
The Portuguese Nationality Regulation was amended by Decree‑Law No. 26/2022 of 18 March. The changes focus mainly on the attribution of original nationality, acquisition by adoption, naturalisation, and the opposition regime.
Key changes
- Birth registration: Declarations may be made electronically, in person, or orally at consular posts, the Central Registry Office (Conservatória dos Registos Centrais), or Civil Registry Offices.
- Born in Portugal: Original nationality is granted if at least one parent has been legally resident in Portugal for at least one year (and is not in the country in the service of their own State).
- Grandchildren of Portuguese nationals: Requires a declaration of intent and proof of effective ties to the Portuguese community.
- Acquisition by adoption: The adopter’s nationality must be expressly stated in the filiation record.
- Naturalisation: Generally requires 5 years of legal residence. For minors born in Portugal, the conditions vary according to age (under 16 or 16–17) and school attendance (pre‑school, primary, or secondary education).
- Sephardic descendants: Now must provide documentary evidence of links to Portugal, such as ownership of property or regular travel to the country.
Proof of language proficiency
Knowledge of Portuguese may be demonstrated by:
A qualification certificate from the National Qualifications Catalogue.
A certificate for a “Portuguese as a Host Language” course (minimum A2 level).
Rita Duarte | [email protected]