Birth, adoption and surrogancy in Portugal
In this page you will find information on:
It is mandatory to register the birth of a child in Portugal, even if the parents are foreigners. This must be done up to 20 days after the birth.
Find out how to register a birth.
If the parents are not married, the father must be present at the time of registration in order to claim paternity of the child. If the father is not present, registration of voluntary recognition of paternity must be done later.
Right to Portuguese nationality
Children born in Portugal to foreign parents are entitled to Portuguese nationality if, at the time of birth, the mother or father is legally resident in Portugal.
Find out how to apply for Portuguese nationality.
Portuguese Citizen Card
Children registered in Portugal and granted Portuguese nationality are entitled to a Portuguese Citizen Card.
The Citizen Card is a physical document with digital functionalities that makes it possible to identify the holder before any public or private entity.
Find out how to apply for the first Citizen Card.
Birth certificate
It is possible to apply for a certificate for children whose birth has been registered in Portugal.
The birth certificate is a document that confirms the facts set out in the birth register.
Find out how to apply for a birth certificate in paper or electronic form.
Assistance services
For more information or if you need help, please contact Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN):
- phone: 211 950 500
Adopting a child is a life decision that needs to be carefully considered. It is a process that requires several steps until completion.
If you live in Portugal and want to adopt a child in Portugal, find out where and how you can apply.
If you live in Portugal and want to adopt a child abroad, find out where and how you can apply.
Assistance services
For more information or if you need help, please contact Instituto da Segurança Social (ISS):
- phone: 300 502 502
For more information or if you need help, please contact Conselho Nacional de Procriação Medicamente Assistida (CNPMA):
- phone: 213 919 303
- e-mail: cnpma.correio@ar.parlamento.pt
- fax: 213 917 502