Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship

Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship

Legal Assistance from Oksana Sokolova-Maia

Portuguese citizenship: consultations, eligibility assessment, document preparation and application assistance

Planning to obtain Portuguese citizenship for yourself or your child? I can help you understand the current legal requirements, identify possible grounds for citizenship and prepare for the application process.

My name is Oksana Sokolova-Maia. I am a legal professional (Solicitadora) in Portugal, registered with the Ordem dos Solicitadores e dos Agentes de Execução (OSAE), No. 8637.

Legal practice: since 2016.

Portuguese citizenship legislation changed in 2026. Before submitting an application, it is therefore important to check not only the general requirements but also when your eligibility arose, your supporting documents and whether any transitional provisions may apply.

Consultation languages: Ukrainian, Portuguese and English.

Who Can Obtain Portuguese Citizenship?

Citizenship for Children Born in Portugal

Being born in Portugal does not always mean that a child automatically acquires Portuguese citizenship.

Under Article 1 of the Portuguese Nationality Law (Lei n.º 37/81), as amended with effect from 19 May 2026, a child born in Portugal to foreign parents may qualify for Portuguese citizenship by birth under the relevant legal provision if:

  • the child was born in Portugal;

  • at the time of the child's birth, at least one parent had been legally residing in Portugal for at least five years;

  • other statutory requirements are met, including those relating to proof of the parents' status and submission of the relevant application.

Other grounds for acquiring Portuguese citizenship by descent or birth also exist and must be considered separately.

Important: If the child was born before the legislative changes, it is necessary to determine individually which version of the law applies to their circumstances.

Naturalisation of Children Born in Portugal

Portuguese law provides a separate naturalisation procedure for minor children of foreign nationals born in Portugal.

Under the rules effective from 19 May 2026, the main requirements include:

  • at least one parent has been legally residing in Portugal for at least five years;

  • the child is enrolled in an educational institution and regularly attends compulsory education, where applicable to their age;

  • any other statutory conditions applicable to the individual circumstances are met.

During a consultation, we can identify the appropriate legal grounds and the documents required for the application.

Obtaining Citizenship Through Naturalisation

One of the common routes to Portuguese citizenship is naturalisation based on legal residence.

From 19 May 2026, the minimum residence periods are:

  • 7 years of legal residence — for citizens of European Union member states and countries where Portuguese is an official language.

  • 10 years of legal residence — for citizens of other countries, including Ukraine.

In addition to the required residence period, the law establishes further conditions, including knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture and history, an understanding of citizens' fundamental rights and duties, the absence of statutory grounds for refusal and the ability to support oneself financially.

Applications already under consideration as of 19 May 2026 are subject to the previous version of the law.

This is why the application submission date is particularly important.

Citizenship for Children Whose Parents Became Portuguese Citizens

If a mother or father acquired Portuguese citizenship after their child's birth, a separate citizenship acquisition procedure may be available to the minor child.

This legal basis is provided for under Article 2 of the Portuguese Nationality Law.

The procedure depends on the child's age, the parents' legal status, the supporting documents and compliance with the statutory requirements.

Citizenship Through Marriage or a De Facto Union

Foreign nationals who have been married to a Portuguese citizen for more than three years may be eligible to acquire Portuguese citizenship.

A similar possibility exists for individuals who have been in a de facto union (união de facto) with a Portuguese citizen for more than three years. This procedure requires judicial recognition of the union.

Marriage or cohabitation alone does not result in automatic acquisition of citizenship.

Depending on the circumstances, additional requirements and grounds for opposition to the acquisition of citizenship may apply.

What Documents May Be Required?

The list of required documents depends on the legal grounds for acquiring citizenship.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need:

  • a birth certificate;

  • identity documents;

  • proof of legal residence in Portugal;

  • a marriage certificate or documents relating to a de facto union;

  • the parents' documents if the application concerns a child;

  • evidence of the required knowledge and compliance with other statutory conditions;

  • criminal record certificates, where required for the relevant procedure;

  • translations, apostilles or other forms of appropriate document certification.

The exact list is determined after reviewing your circumstances and the legal grounds for your application.

Online Applications for Portuguese Citizenship

Portugal operates an electronic service for submitting citizenship applications.

Online applications are submitted through authorised lawyers (Advogados) or solicitors (Solicitadores) registered with the relevant professional bodies.

Depending on the circumstances, applications may also be submitted in person or by post through the relevant government authorities.

What our clients are saying

  • Хочу щиро подякувати пані Оксані за весь процес в отриманні візи D7 та посвідки на проживання в Португалії. Усе пройшло чітко й професійно. Якщо комусь потрібна надійна юридична підтримка в Португалії — щиро рекомендую!!!

How Can I Help?

Legal Consultation
Assessment of your circumstances and possible grounds for obtaining Portuguese citizenship.
Review of Current Requirements
Determining the applicable version of the legislation and any relevant transitional provisions.
Document Review
Reviewing your existing documents and identifying any additional documents that need to be prepared.
Application Preparation
Assistance with preparing the required documents in accordance with the chosen procedure.
Application Submission and Assistance
Legal assistance throughout the application process within the scope of professional authority.
Guidance on Next Steps
Information about the stages of the application process and possible additional requirements.

Why Choose Oksana Sokolova-Maia?

I have been working in Portugal's legal field since 2016 and hold professional registration with OSAE No. 8637.

I help clients navigate legal procedures, understand documentation requirements and avoid mistakes that could complicate the review of their applications.

Consultations are available in Ukrainian, Portuguese and English.

Book a consultation to identify possible grounds for citizenship, review your documents and plan your next steps.

Official Sources for Verification

Take the First Step Towards Portuguese Citizenship

Not sure whether you qualify for Portuguese citizenship? Want to obtain citizenship for your child or understand how the new rules affect your situation?

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