When it comes to obtaining nationality in a country, the most frequently invoked legal principles are jus soli, or right of soil, and jus sanguinis, or right of blood. The question regarding the nationality of Portuguese grandchildren relates to the latter concept.
According to jus sanguinis, nationality is attributed to a person based on the nationality of their parents, regardless of the place of birth. In the case we are discussing, children of Portuguese fathers or mothers are Portuguese.
In 2015, Portugal approved a legal reform that allows grandchildren of Portuguese citizens to also have the right to nationality, provided that the individual has a Portuguese grandfather or grandmother of origin who has not lost their Portuguese nationality.
Additionally, the person must demonstrate a connection to the Portuguese community, which is considered to exist if they have knowledge of the Portuguese language. It is important to note that fluency in Portuguese is not necessary, but rather demonstrating knowledge at an appropriate level. According to current legislation, level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe is the minimum level required to obtain Portuguese nationality. This is a basic level, sufficient for interacting in certain common communication situations in everyday life.
There are also negative conditions: the applicant must not have been sentenced to a custodial sentence, meaning 3 or more years of imprisonment, for an offense punishable in Portugal. And they must not be related to terrorist activities.
To prove all of this, including criminal records, a series of legalized documents must be submitted (birth certificate, birth certificate of the father or mother who is the child of the Portuguese grandmother or grandfather, among others). A comprehensive list is available on the website of the Embassy of Portugal in Chile.
It is also necessary to take a language exam to prove the connection with the Portuguese community. This exam must be taken at an entity accredited by the Center for the Evaluation of Portuguese as a Foreign Language (CAPLE) in the applicant’s country of residence.
Why obtain Portuguese nationality?
The Portuguese passport is among the top 5 in the Henley Passport Index 2024, allowing visa-free entry to 191 countries, including all Schengen Area (European Union) countries, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
Additionally, Portugal is considered the 7th safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index 2023. This study includes the presence of internal and external conflicts, citizen security, and societal stability.
According to the European Economic Forecast, Portugal is the second least vulnerable country in the European Union to the effects of the war in Ukraine.
If you have a Portuguese grandfather or grandmother and are interested in obtaining Portuguese nationality, do not hesitate to schedule a meeting with us. We are experts in international mobility, and our mission is to help you realize your projects.
Don’t delay that meeting any longer; request it now! We help you become a citizen of the world.
