Nationality for Minor Children: Should You Apply Before or After the Parents’ Process Is Completed?

For families already going through the Portuguese nationality process, a common question is whether it is better to wait until the father’s or mother’s application is completed before starting the process for minor children. The answer is that waiting is not required. It is possible to start the application for minor children even while the parent’s process is still pending, which may save time and provide greater predictability for family planning.

What this means for your process

The amendment to the Nationality Law approved in April of this year, which provides for the inclusion of new criteria for the transmission of nationality to minor children and spouses, includes proof of knowledge of Portuguese culture among the new requirements. However, this new framework still depends on the update of the Law’s regulations before these requirements can effectively be enforced.

Until then, the recommendation remains to assess the possibility of starting the process in advance, precisely to avoid the family being subject to a more complex procedure. It is important to note that Martins Castro has a legal strategy to handle each case according to the rules currently in force.

Waiting for the father’s or mother’s nationality process to be completed may seem simpler, but it is not always the best strategy. When there are minor children, especially teenagers approaching adulthood, time becomes a decisive factor.

If you would like to apply on behalf of your children or spouse, access and submit the form below:

Portuguese | Spanish | English | Hebrew

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Your Case on the IRN Website

To check the progress of a Portuguese nationality case on the IRN website, you must have an access key. This […]

Por Marketing Martins Castro em 9 de julho de 2026

Paso a paso: cómo consultar el proceso en el IRN

Para consultar el avance del proceso de nacionalidad portuguesa en el sitio web del IRN, es necesario contar con la […]

Por Marketing Martins Castro em 9 de julho de 2026

Legal Action in Nationality Cases: Which Types of Applications May Access This Resource?

For those already going through a Portuguese nationality process and facing delays, a common question is whether the administrative route […]

Por Marketing Martins Castro em 9 de julho de 2026