Giving birth in Portugal in 2025: the pros and cons of one of the most popular destinations

Portugal is a country of rich culture, stunning natural landscapes and a high quality of life. Many families choose it as the place to bring their child into the world. Let's weigh the pros and cons of giving birth in Portugal.

The advantages of giving birth in Portugal

Citizenship for the child

A child born on Portuguese soil can automatically apply for citizenship. There is, however, one condition: at least one of the parents must have lived legally in Portugal for a minimum of one year before the birth. If every requirement is met, the child will eventually enjoy all the benefits of a Portuguese passport:

• life in a developed country;
• visa-free access to more than 170 countries, including the Schengen Area, Japan, Singapore and others;
• free secondary and higher education;
• the chance to build a future in Portugal and across the EU, whether by starting a business or landing a prestigious job;
• a favourable tax regime;
• an affordable, high-quality healthcare system.

Dual citizenship is permitted

Portugal allows dual citizenship, so the child will not have to renounce the nationality of another country.

A high standard of medical care

Portugal takes pride in a healthcare system that consistently ranks among the best in the world. Expectant mothers receive skilled and attentive care. What is more, every resident of the country - including foreign nationals with resident status - is entitled to free medical care, childbirth and postnatal care included.

Climate and natural surroundings

A mild climate, clean air and proximity to the sea all have a positive effect on a mother's health and her child's development.

The drawbacks of giving birth in Portugal

Bureaucratic procedures

Obtaining the resident status required to secure citizenship for the child can prove a trial, thanks to red tape and additional costs.

The cost of living and medical care for non-residents

For foreigners without resident status, medical services in Portugal can be quite expensive. On top of that, the high cost of living in major cities such as Lisbon and Porto can push up the overall expense of staying in the country during pregnancy and childbirth.

No fast-track citizenship for the parents

Having a child in Portugal does not entitle the parents to a simplified path to citizenship.

Giving birth in Portugal can be an unforgettable and joyful experience for parents-to-be, thanks to the quality of its medical care, its beautiful climate and its welcoming atmosphere. Even so, it pays to weigh the pros and cons carefully, to prepare and to gather all the information you need. A thorough look at the question will help you choose the best place for the birth - whether that turns out to be Portugal or somewhere else entirely.

What changed in 2026

On 18 May 2026 Portugal published a new version of its nationality law, which took effect on 19 May. The condition for children of foreigners born in Portugal became much stricter. Previously one year of a parent's legal residence was enough; now the child becomes Portuguese by declaration only if, on the date of birth, one parent has lived legally in Portugal for at least five years. Residence is proved with the parent's identity document and a valid residence permit or other lawful status.

Applications filed before 19 May 2026 are decided under the previous wording. For families planning a birth now, the one-year condition in the article above no longer applies.

If the parents do not have five years

A child born in Portugal can obtain citizenship later through naturalisation. On the application date the following must hold:

• one parent has lived legally in Portugal for at least five years;
• the child is enrolled in and regularly attends school, if of compulsory school age;
• a teenager over the age of criminal responsibility has no bar due to convictions or security threats.

Naturalisation for these children is free. A family that gives birth in Portugal and stays can therefore get the child's passport once a parent reaches five years of residence.

What changed for parents

The residence period for adult naturalisation has increased. Nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and EU citizens now need seven years of legal residence, everyone else, including Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian nationals, ten years. Besides the period, the applicant must:

• prove knowledge of Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols by test or certificate;
• know the basic rights and duties of a citizen and how the state is organised;
• solemnly declare adherence to the principles of the rule of law;
• show they can support themselves;
• have no sentence of more than three years' actual imprisonment for serious crimes.

Naturalisation is decided by the Minister of Justice.

Getting the child's documents

The birth is registered with the civil registry, and many maternity hospitals have a registry desk on site. If the child does not get citizenship at birth, a residence permit based on the parents' status is issued by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum. To avoid losing years, parents must renew their own permits on time: only legal residence counts towards the five years.

An example

A family moved to Portugal and received residence permits in 2024. If a child is born in 2027, the parents will have about three years of legal residence, and the child will not get citizenship at birth. The child's naturalisation can be filed once one parent reaches five years of legal residence, around 2029, provided the permits were renewed without gaps. The parents themselves can apply for citizenship only after ten years.

Parental leave

A parent working in Portugal and paying social security contributions receives paid leave after the birth: 120 days at full pay or 150 days at 80%. If the child also has Russian citizenship, register it at a consulate before travelling to Russia; see why a child under 14 may be stopped from leaving Russia.

Where birthright citizenship is simpler

If the main goal is the child's passport right after birth, consider countries with unconditional birthright citizenship, where the child becomes a citizen regardless of the parents' residence: for example Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. In Chile, since April 2026, a tourist's baby does not get citizenship by birth: the parents need residence before the birth. More on Portugal: Portuguese citizenship by birth.

How we help

We calculate the family's legal residence periods, tell you when the child becomes eligible, and handle residence permits for parents and child and the citizenship application. If the birth is coming soon, we choose a country where the child gets a passport immediately. Write in the chat and a manager will calculate the cost of our support.

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