NATIONALITY ACQUISITION

The adopted child by a Portuguese national acquires Portuguese Nationality.

Who is eligible?

It is applicable to foreigners adopted by Portuguese nationals, by decision dated after the Nationality Law n. 37/81, of 3rd October. In our opinion, there is no reason why we should exclude those who were adopted before that date. If the court decision of the adoption is from a foreign court, it must be confirmed by a Portuguese court first, before it can be used for acquisition of Portuguese nationality, except if there is an agreement between both countries exempting it.

What documents are required?

If the adopted individual was born outside Portugal, the following documents are required:

• Birth certificate of the applicant, if possible, fully detailed and issued by photocopy of the original book, attested and legalised, accompanied by translation if not written in Portuguese
• Birth certificate of the Portuguese parent who is adopting, integral copy and if possible by photocopy. Even though this birth certificate can be obtained by the Portuguese services, it is advisable that you provide a plain copy of the birth certificate of the Portuguese partner
• Certificate from the court confirming the adoption. If the decision was taken by a foreign court, it must be first reviewed and confirmed by a Portuguese court except if there is an agreement between both countries exempting it. The Portuguese court that confirms the adoption must issue a certificate so that the civil registry can endorse the decision of adoption in the birth certificate of the adopted
• If the adopted is older than 16 years old, Criminal record certificates obtained by the competent services of the country of original nationality, as well as from other countries where the applicant is known to have resided after 16 years old, accompanied by translation if not written in Portuguese. Although the applicant is not required to submit Portuguese criminal record, it is advisable that the applicant does submit it voluntarily
• Documents that explain the extent of the public functions or non compulsory military service exercised in a foreign country if the adopted is older than 16 years old.

If the adopted was born in Portugal, the following documents are required:

• Birth certificate of the Portuguese parent who is adopting, integral copy and if possible by photocopy. Even though this birth certificate can be obtained by the Portuguese services, it is advisable that you provide a plain copy of the birth certificate of the Portuguese partner
• Certificate from the court confirming the adoption. The Portuguese court that confirmed the adoption must issue a certificate so that the civil registry can endorse the decision of adoption in the birth certificate of the adopted
• If the adopted is older than 16 years old, Criminal record certificates obtained by the competent services of the country of original nationality, as well as from other countries where the applicant is known to have resided after 16 years old, accompanied by translation if not written in Portuguese. Although the applicant is not required to submit Portuguese criminal record, it is advisable that the applicant does submit it voluntarily
• Documents that explain the extent of the public functions or non compulsory military service exercised in a foreign country if the adopted is older than 16 years old.

Applications can be submitted in:

• Central Civil Registry office of Lisbon if the birth occurred outside Portugal
• Civil Registry Offices in Portugal
• Portuguese Consular Services.