Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship by Descent: Ana’s Journey

For many, the process of obtaining citizenship in another country can seem daunting and filled with bureaucratic hurdles. However, Ana’s real life experience with obtaining Portuguese citizenship by descent offers a refreshing perspective on how straightforward the process can be under the right circumstances. Here is her testimonial: 

​Ana’s Journey to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship

Ana is a U.S. citizen who was born in California to Portuguese parents. Both of her parents were born and married in the Azores and had settled in the California Central Valley in the 70's. Ana had visited the Azores as a child, but after her parents both passed away in the 90's, she had never returned. 

She was initially apprehensive about applying for Portuguese citizenship, especially with both her parents being deceased. She had heard numerous stories about the difficulties others faced and was worried about the complexity of the process. However, her journey turned out to be surprisingly smooth, because she had saved all the important documents that would make the process easier.

Ana visited a local Portuguese club with a family member, her uncle João, where representatives from the Portuguese consulate were available to provide information and assistance. The Portuguese consulate will usually hold these type of local informational events at least once a year to help the Portuguese community.

Despite not having an appointment, Ana went in with her current U.S. passport, her birth certificate, and both of her parents’ (expired) Portuguese passports, and Portuguese birth certificates, which she had smartly retained after their deaths.

"My uncle told me about the event only the night before, at a family dinner. I told my uncle that I had been hoping to apply for my Portuguese citizenship for years, I just didn't know where to start. I begged my uncle to come with me, and he agreed. I didn't have an appointment, I was just hoping that someone might miss their appointment, allowing me to be seen."

To her relief, the consulate staff were incredibly accommodating. They managed to squeeze her in despite a full schedule. Ana was pleasantly surprised by how easy the process was. She presented all her documents, paid the required fee by credit card, and signed the application. The consulate staff assured her that she was all set and that she would receive a confirmation of her Portuguese citizenship in about 18-24 months. 

Turnaround Time

It wasn't a fast process, but Ana was patient. Ana applied in December, 2022, and received a verification email from the consulate in October 2024, confirming that her application was complete, and her Portuguese birth certificate had been issued. Although it took years for the application process to complete, she was amazed at how simple the entire experience had been, especially given her initial fears.

"I just tried to be patient throughout the whole thing. Which paid off, because now have my Portuguese birth certificate, and the embassy told me my next step was to apply for the Cartão de Cidadão (Portuguese Citizen Card), and then a passport."

Portuguese Identity Card

​Steps to Obtain a Portuguese Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card)

Once you have obtained Portuguese citizenship, the next step is to apply for a Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card). You can apply in Portugal or at your nearest Portuguese consulate.

1. When applying for a Cartão de Cidadão for the first time, you'll need to bring at least one valid Portuguese or identification document (such as a another passport). 
2. If you are requesting from abroad you should make an appointment at the nearest Portuguese Consulate. 
3. Once the card has been issued, you can collect your Cartão de Cidadão in person or have it delivered to your home address. If you have a minor, you can authorize a third party to collect the card on your behalf. 

Applying is Not as Hard as You Think! 

Ana’s story highlights several important points for those considering applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent:

1. Preparation is Key: Ana had all the necessary documents, including her birth certificate and her parents’ expired Portuguese passports. Having all these documents ready can significantly streamline the process.
2. Flexibility and Patience: Even without an appointment, Ana’s willingness to wait and hope for an opening paid off. It’s important to be flexible and patient when dealing with consulate appointments.
3. Understanding Eligibility: Ana’s process was smoother because both of her parents were born in Portugal, were legal citizens, and had their marriage registered in Portugal. It is also possible to request citizenship if only one parent (or even one grandparent!) is Portuguese, but the process is more time consuming and requires some additional steps. Make sure you do the research to understand your eligibility and the specific requirements can make the process easier.
4. Consulate Support: Remember to be nice! The staff at the Portuguese consulate were helpful and accommodating, which made a significant difference in Ana’s experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out to consulate representatives for guidance and support.

You Can Do it, Too!

If you have Portuguese parents or Portuguese grandparents, you can do it, too! ​Ana’s testimonial is a testament to the fact that obtaining Portuguese citizenship by descent can be a straightforward process, but only when you are well-prepared and understand the requirements. Her experience serves as an encouraging example for others who might be considering this path.

If you’re thinking about applying for Portuguese citizenship by descent, take heart from Ana’s story. With the right preparation and a bit of patience, you too can navigate the process successfully. And once you have your Portuguese birth certificate, obtaining a Cartão de Cidadão and Portuguese Passport is the next step to fully enjoying your rights as a Portuguese citizen.