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Your guide to obtaining Portuguese citizenship by descent in Canada
For eligible Canadians, Portuguese citizenship opens the door to travel, work, and live in Portugal and across the European Union.
Whether you’re reclaiming your heritage or exploring options for future generations, this article helps you understand how to apply for Portuguese citizenship in Canada. We’ll discuss who’s eligible, how to apply, required documents, and how Wise can support the financial element with low fees and the mid-market exchange rate. ¡Vamos!
Who Can Apply for Portuguese Citizenship in Canada?
You can acquire Portuguese citizenship in several ways.
Eligibility Based on Descent, Marriage, Naturalization, and Other Paths
- By Marriage: If one parent is a Portuguese citizen and their marriage is registered in Portugal, the child may be eligible for Portuguese nationality¹.
- Former Portuguese State: If born in Goa, Daman, or Diu before December 20, 1961, or in Dadrá or Nagar Haveli before August 11, 1961, Portuguese citizenship is possible.1
- By Naturalization: Those legally residing in Portugal for five years—or three if born there—may be eligible.¹
- By Sephardic Jewish Heritage: Those with Portuguese Sephardic ancestry may qualify under special rules.1
- By Adoption: Children adopted by a Portuguese citizen may apply.1
- By Birth in Portugal: If born in Portugal to foreign parents under certain conditions.1
Applying for Portuguese Citizenship in Canada: Step-by-Step
You can apply from Canada through the local Portuguese consulate. The process varies depending on your eligibility.
How to Apply Through the Portuguese Consulate
- Step 1: Check your eligibility. Confirm your qualification based on descent, marriage, or residency.
- Step 2: Gather necessary documents. Collect all required paperwork (see detailed list below). Non-Portuguese documents must be translated and authenticated.
- Step 3: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate.
- Step 4: Complete and submit the application and pay applicable fees.
Only lawyers and solicitors can submit citizenship applications online
Required Documents and Processing Times
Required documents and processing times vary by eligibility, but you’ll likely need to submit:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | The full, photocopied version. If the certificate is not in Portuguese, it must be translated into Portuguese and certified.2 |
| Birth certificate of your Portuguese parent or grandparent | Full, photocopied version. If the certificate is foreign, legalization must be done through an apostille or visa from the Portuguese consulate. If the certificate is not in Portuguese, it must be translated and certified.2 |
| Criminal record certificates | Issued by the country of birth and nationality, and where the person has lived since the age of 16, and its certified translation into Portuguese.2 |
| Proof of marriage/partnership (if applicable) | Official marriage certificate, certified and translated into Portuguese. If in a de facto union, provide a court ruling confirming the relationship and that you’ve lived together for 3+ years in marriage-like conditions.² |
Where to Apply in Canada
Applications must be submitted in person or by mail. Only lawyers and solicitors can submit applications online.³
Contact Details for Portuguese Consulates in Canada
- Toronto: 438 University Ave, Suite 1400 Phone: (416) 217-09664
- Montreal: 2020 Boul. Robert-Bourassa, Suite 2425 Phone: (514) 499-03595
- Vancouver: 920-808 Nelson St, Phone: (604) 688-65146
Typical Processing Times
| Application Type | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|
| By descent | 6-12 months |
| By marriage | 12-18 months |
| By naturalization | Up to 24 months |
Fees and Currency Tips for Canadian Applicants
Understanding the costs involved helps you budget better and avoid surprises.
What Does It Cost?
Fees vary and must be paid in euros.
- By descent: €1757
- By marriage: €2507
- By naturalization: €2507
- Additional costs may include translation, apostille, courier fees, and travel.
How Wise Can Help During the Citizenship Process
The citizenship process comes with cross-border payments, which is where Wise can help. Wise offers fast, low-cost international transfers with transparent exchange rates. Use it to pay consular fees or order translated documents from Portugal without hidden costs or poor rates.It’s an easy way to manage your money securely while navigating the citizenship process from Canada.
Why Use Wise for Cross-Border Transactions
Wise has many benefits, including:
- Mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups.
- Low fees
- Pay application fees directly in euros from CAD
- Always see what you're paying for
- Holds 40+ currencies
Common questions about Portuguese citizenship applications in Canada
Q: Can I hold dual citizenship in Canada and Portugal? \
A: Yes, Portugal and Canada allow dual citizenship—you don’t have to give up your Canadian passport.⁸
Q: Do I need to live in Portugal to apply?
A: No, if you qualify, you can apply from abroad, including from Canada.
Q: Can I apply if my grandparent was Portuguese?
A: You may qualify if you have a Portuguese grandparent who retained their nationality, declare your intent to acquire citizenship, and show a connection to the Portuguese community.9
Conclusion
Obtaining Portuguese citizenship opens up countless opportunities for travel, work, and connection.
With strong planning and a little time, you can obtain this coveted status from Canada, especially with the help of tools like Wise. Discover the benefits of Wise today.
Sources:
- Portuguese Citizenship - Consular services
- Como obter a nacionalidade portuguesa
- Submeter pedido de nacionalidade | Justiça.gov.pt
- Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto
- Consulate General of Portugal in Montreal
- Consulate General of Portugal in Vancouver
- Consular Fee List
- Dual citizens - Travel.gc.ca
- Como obter a nacionalidade portuguesa
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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