Portuguese Citizenship by Descent Quiz 2026: Children, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren

7 questions ~3 min Last reviewed

Portuguese ancestry can be the fastest path to an EU passport, often without moving to Portugal at all. The 2026 nationality law also opened a new route for great-grandchildren. Test what you know.

  1. 1. How do children born abroad to a Portuguese parent usually acquire nationality?

    Children of a Portuguese citizen can acquire nationality by attribution, which recognises them as Portuguese by origin. The application mainly proves the family relationship and the parent's nationality.

    Source: Nationality by descent: children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren (LVP Advogados)

  2. 2. What must grandchildren of a Portuguese citizen prove, among other things?

    Grandchildren must prove an uninterrupted chain of descent from a Portuguese grandparent of origin and meet requirements on language, culture, criminal record and national security.

    Source: Nationality by descent: children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren (LVP Advogados)

  3. 3. What Portuguese language level must grandchildren usually demonstrate?

    Grandchildren must pass an A2 Portuguese exam, in practice the CIPLE. A 150-hour approved course is an alternative on paper but is usually not open to non-residents.

    Source: Citizenship through great-grandparents (Portugalist)

  4. 4. Do children and grandchildren have to live in Portugal to apply?

    Children and grandchildren can often complete the citizenship process while living abroad, unlike naturalisation routes that require years of residence.

    Source: Nationality by descent: children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren (LVP Advogados)

  5. 5. What does the new great-grandchildren route created by Lei Orgânica 1/2026 require?

    Great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens of origin can apply through naturalisation after at least five years of legal residence in Portugal, meeting the other naturalisation requirements.

    Source: Nationality by descent: children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren (LVP Advogados)

  6. 6. For the great-grandchildren route, which great-grandparent qualifies?

    The great-grandparent must have been Portuguese by origin. A great-grandparent who became Portuguese through naturalisation does not open this route.

    Source: Citizenship through great-grandparents (Portugalist)

  7. 7. Is citizenship under the great-grandchildren route granted automatically once conditions are met?

    The law says the government may grant citizenship under this provision, so approval is discretionary rather than an automatic right.

    Source: Citizenship through great-grandparents (Portugalist)

This quiz is general information based on Portuguese rules in force on the review date above, not legal advice. Immigration thresholds change every January with the minimum wage, and laws change often. Confirm your case with a lawyer before applying.