Portuguese Citizenship by Adoption

Portuguese Citizenship by Adoption is a great opportunity for non-Portuguese citizens to gain Portuguese Citizenship after meeting certain program requirements.

The Portuguese Government, while staying true to their Portuguese culture and values, still recognises the importance of allowing Portuguese Citizenship by Adoption, as it encourages integration into Portuguese society for those wishing to adopt it.

Portuguese Citizenship can be acquired through adoption not only legally but socially, enabling adoptees to appreciate Portuguese life and culture, create family connections and participate in Portuguese laws and regulations.

With Portuguese Citizenship by Adoption, holders can experience the rights and privileges that regular Portuguese citizens enjoy, such as transport and healthcare subsidies and the added bonus of the freedom to work or study abroad in any of the EU countries without needing additional visa documentation.

Page Contents

• Portuguese Citizenship by Adoption
• Adoption of small children
• Who Is Eligible for Portuguese Citizenship by Adoption?
• How to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship Through Adoption
• What Documents are Required?
• Citizenship Test in Portugal
• Fee and Processing Time
• How Can You Lose It if You Have It Granted to You?
• Other Ways to Get Citizenship in Portugal
• The Benefits of Having Portuguese Citizenship
• How Can IAS Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

A child of age 0 to 18 years can be adopted by a Portuguese citizen and the adoptive parents may be granted Portuguese citizenship.

To adopt a child, the prospective parents must prove their identity, residence, marital status and stable financial standing.

The adoption process may take up to 18 months to complete and will involve attending a number of interviews and assessments.

Once the adoption is finalised, the child will automatically become a Portuguese citizen.

In order to be eligible for Portuguese Citizenship by Adoption, the applicant must meet a set of criteria.

• Applicants should have a legal residence permit in Portugal for at least 5 years or have a legal parent that was born and has Citizenship in Portugal.
• Applicants should also be able to demonstrate a reasonable knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture.
• Applicants must have proof of written consent from their parents or legal guardians if they are under 18 years old.
• Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in living and participate in Portuguese life and culture.
• Applicants must have a valid passport and provide proof of identity.
• Applicants must provide proof of a completed adoption procedure and a valid court order awarding them Portuguese Citizenship.
• The Portuguese Government requires applicants to undergo a medical examination and provide proof of vaccination records.

If the applicant meets all of these requirements, they may be eligible to receive Portuguese Citizenship.

Maximize the chances of obtaining a Portuguese citizenship by speaking to our team of legal experts today. Call us on: +44 (0)333 305 9375

If you meet all of the requirements specified above, you may apply for Portuguese Citizenship through Adoption. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Step 1: Contact your local Portuguese Embassy or Consulate

Contact your closest Portuguese embassy or consulate to discuss your application and get assistance in completing all of the necessary documents.

Step 2: Fill out an Adoption Application

Once you have contacted the embassy or consulate, you will need to fill out and submit an application form. This form will include questionnaires about your background and personal information.

The form is filled out by the adoptive parents and requires documentation such as a valid passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and proof of residence.

Step 3: Submit the Necessary Documentation

Along with the application form, you will need to submit additional supporting documents.

These documents will include proof of financial stability, proof of Portuguese Citizenship for parents or guardians, proof of completed adoption procedure and a valid court order awarding you Portuguese Citizenship, as well as any other documents that are necessary for the application process.

Step 4: Attend an Interview

Once you have submitted all of the required documents, you will need to attend an interview with the Consulate or Embassy. At this point, you will be asked about your background and any other relevant information that is needed for the application.

Step 5: Wait for the Results

After your application has been processed, you will receive a letter either approving or denying your request.

If your application is approved, you will be given information regarding the next steps that need to be taken in order to receive your Portuguese Citizenship.

The following documents are required when applying for Portuguese Citizenship by Adoption:

• A completed adoption application form: This form will include questionnaires about your background and personal information. It should be filled out by the adoptive parents and submitted with supporting documents.
• A valid passport: All applicants must provide a valid passport when applying for Portuguese Citizenship. Both the adoptive parents and the adoptee must provide valid passports.
• Proof of financial stability: This includes proof of income, bank statements, and other financial documents that demonstrate that the applicant is able to support themselves and their family.
• Proof of adoption procedure: This includes a valid court order awarding Portuguese Citizenship to the adoptee.
• Proof of identity: Both the adoptive parents and adoptee must provide proof of identities such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant documents.
• Proof of vaccination records: All applicants must provide proof that they have received all necessary vaccinations.
• Proof of fee payment: All applicants must pay a fee for the application process.

There is no citizenship test required for those applying for Portuguese Citizenship through adoption.

However, applicants may be asked to provide proof of their language proficiency in either Portuguese or English.

The Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira (CIPLE) test is often accepted as proof of language proficiency, with an A2 level being required.

The exam is administered by the Portuguese Ministry of Education and tests grammar, vocabulary and oral comprehension. Applicants are expected to have a minimum score of 55% to qualify.

Applying for Portuguese nationality costs 250 euros, and the payment can be made in two ways:

• with an ATM card or debit card issued by a Portuguese bank;
• or with a cheque or bank transfer.

The processing time for applications can vary depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances, but most applicants should receive a response within 6 to 8 months.

Once the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a certificate of naturalisation and a Portuguese ID card. They will then be eligible to apply for a Portuguese passport.

Applying for Portuguese Citizenship through adoption is not an easy process, but it is possible. It is important to ensure that all documents are completed correctly and that the necessary fees are paid in order for the application to be accepted.

Which is why getting help from a legal expert may be required. Speak to our legal team today by calling: +44 (0)333 305 9375

Once you have been granted Portuguese Citizenship, it is important to remember that this can be revoked if certain conditions are not met.

These include the failure to attend court hearings, providing false information or documents to the authorities, taking part in criminal activities, and not being present in Portugal for at least 180 days out of the year.

It is also important to remember that once you have been granted Portuguese Citizenship, you are obligated to follow all laws and regulations in Portugal. Not doing so can result in the loss of your Citizenship or even criminal punishment.

Having Portuguese Citizenship grants the holder many rights and privileges. These include the right to live, work, study and retire in Portugal without any restrictions or special permits.

Portuguese citizens are also able to travel freely in the EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as being granted access to certain benefits such as free healthcare and tax breaks.

In addition, Portuguese citizens are eligible to become members of the European Union and access its many benefits.

Specifically, Portuguese citizens are able to work and live in any other EU country without the need for a visa.

Finally, Portuguese citizens can pass on their Citizenship to their children and grandchildren, allowing them to enjoy the same rights and privileges.