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.