How to apply for Portugal citizenship

A step-by-step guide to claiming Portugal citizenship by descent through IRN. Your exact documents and route are confirmed by the free eligibility check.

1
Gather vital records
Collect birth, marriage, and death certificates for each link from your Portuguese ancestor to you. US records need certified copies, state apostilles, and certified Portuguese translations.
2
Get your ancestor's Portuguese birth record
Order the certidão de nascimento from the ancestor's birth-town civil registry or via irn.justica.gov.pt; Portuguese records need no apostille or translation.
3
Pass the CIPLE A2 exam (grandparent path)
Register with the Camões Institute (camonescert.pt); sessions run in May, July, and November at US sites like Boston, Newark, and Washington, D.C. Allow 2–6 weeks for results.
4
Assemble effective-connection evidence (grandparent path)
Your A2 certificate is the primary proof; supplement with a used NIF, documented visits, cultural-organization membership, or Portuguese property.
5
Order your criminal-record certificate last
Get the FBI Identity History Summary plus state records; it's valid only about 3 months, so order it last, then apostille it.
6
Choose your route
Either retain a licensed Portuguese attorney to file via the faster IRN digital platform, or apply DIY at any of the six US consulates.
7
CRC Lisbon reviews and registers
The Conservatória dos Registos Centrais reviews your file and may request more documents; on approval you receive a Portuguese birth registration.
8
Apply for your passport
With citizenship registered, apply for a Portuguese (EU) passport at a consulate or in Portugal.

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Not affiliated with IRN or any government. A document-organization tool, not legal advice — always verify with the relevant authority.