After all, Portuguese citizenship is a highly sought-after privilege available only to those looking for double citizenship and the irreplaceable benefits that go with it. This is in addition of stem-rolling your with the potency its Portuguese passport that also have massive advantages. Among them are the right to travel and live freely across the European Union.
The ways of recording Portuguese citizenship are many. And in this complete guide, we will explore the different opportunities you have to make that happen. If you are looking to take advantage of new economic possibilities, dive deep in Portuguese culture or increase your borderless mobility — the journey to obtaining Portuguese citizenship has some exciting potential paths.
Moreover, the process is designed to be accessible and accommodating to individuals from various backgrounds and circumstances.
Portuguese Citizenship or Permanent Residence in Portugal?
Citizenship in Portugal presents an alternative to permanent residence. Although there are similarities between the two, obtaining Portuguese citizenship offers additional advantages, including the right to participate in all elections and the entitlement to a Portuguese passport and citizen card (referred to as “bilhete de identidade” in Portuguese).
However, becoming a citizen can be even more difficult and you may need to give up your current citizenship if your home country does not allow dual nationality. You might even need to satisfy a residency requirement based on your eligibility, which can go up to five years due to the naturalization track.
Check out our article about Portuguese Citizenship and Permanent Residency.
Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship
There are many benefits and rights that having Portuguese nationality gives you.
Freedom to Live and Work
Obtaining Portuguese citizenship gives you the desirable flexibility to reside and work in Portugal, freedom to work in any EU country without having to apply for separate visa or a work permit. And this freedom grants its citizens a versatile and varied life throughout the EU.
Access to Social Services
You become entitled to all of Portugal´s social rights as a citizen of this country. This would include good quality healthcare, education and social welfare programs to make sure that you and your family could live in comfort with a high standard of living and ability to save.
Right to Vote
Portuguese citizenship gives you full political rights and the possibility to vote in Portuguese and European elections. Your say is valuable, and this right means that you can have a direct effect on political decisions at both the national and EU level; your participation directly influences the democratic process.
Visa-Free Travels
With a Portuguese passport, you will be able to enter many of the countries in the world with a visa-free or obtain your entry visa on arrival. This in turn restores more travel freedom, be it for business, leisure or personal exploration and thereby makes our planet that little bit closer.
Strong Portuguese Passport
A Portuguese passport — image of global mobility and esteem A German passport is one of the most powerful in the world, giving you a great deal of global mobility. When I cross borders, the power of this passport makes traveling so much easier and less worrisome.
Economic Opportunities
Obtaining Portuguese citizenship makes it easier for you to access economic opportunities worldwide. Portugal, who is part of the EU, is politically stable and has a high GDP — thereby allowing residents to own businesses, invest as well as pursue startup ventures that bring financial growth and prosperity.
How to Get Portuguese Citizenship?
Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship can establish through various pathways, with each criterion designed to accommodate specific circumstances and conditions:
- Portuguese Citizenship by descent or birth
- Portuguese Citizenship by naturalization (after five years of residence)
- Portuguese Citizenship by marriage
- Portuguese Citizenship by resident of former Portuguese territories
- Portuguese Citizenship by Sephardic Jewish ancestry
1. Portuguese Citizenship by Descent or Birth
Portuguese citizenship may be grantee to individuals with Portuguese ancestry or those born to Portuguese parents. This form of citizenship acquisition root in the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood).
To qualify, one of the following conditions must be met by you:
- If you have one Portuguese parent who held Portuguese nationality at the moment of your birth, regardless of your place of birth.
- If you possess a Portuguese grandparent who maintain their nationality, provided that you have reside in Portugal for a minimum of three years and are engaged with the Portuguese community, which includes proficiency in the Portuguese language.
- If you were born in Portugal to foreign parents, and at least one of them had been residing in Portugal for a minimum of five years.
- In case you were born in Portugal to foreign parents, are 18 years old or older, and have been residing in Portugal for five years.
- For individuals under 18 years of age or those with a significant disability, you meet the criteria if at least one of your parents became a Portuguese national after your birth, as long as you have been living in Portugal for at least five years.
2. Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalization after Five Years of Residence
The naturalization process for obtaining Portuguese citizenship can be started through foreign nationals who have lived in Portugal for at least five years. What is important to consider it that they have to start with a temporary residency visa, valid for 2 years with renewal up until 3 years as settled resident before achieving their final permanent residency status.
You have visa options – pick your “poison” — whether it is the investment visa, probably referred to the most as Portugal Golden Visa, or choose D7 or D2 Visa. After a permanent resident has waited five years maintaining the provisional residency permit, they are then able to apply for permanent residency or citizenship. On the other hand, if you are in EU resident, then you can live there legally without a visa and qualify for citizenship after living 5 years in Portugal.
Portuguese Citizenship by Investment
The Portugal Golden Visa program in Portugal, also known as the Residence Permit Program, is an investment immigration program that grants residency and citizenship rights to foreign investors who make a significant economic contribution to the country. Here you can find the most popular Golden visa investment options:
- Investment funds: Contribution of €500,000 or higher, for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital fund of funds under the Portuguese legislation.
- Business Investment: Minimum investment of €500,000 for constitution of a company in Portugal, combined with the creation of five permanent working jobs, or for the reinforcement of the share capital of a already existing company.
- Scientific research: Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €500,000 for investing in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions involved in the national scientific or technologic system.
- Cultural heritage contribution: Donation of a minimum of €250,000 for investing in artistic output or supporting the arts, for reconstruction or refurbishment of the national heritage.
- Job Creation: Incorporating a company and creation of at least, ten jobs positions.
Portuguese Citizenship by D7 Visa
Portugal D7 Visa, which is perfect for retirees or those with passive income. This visa requires proof of regular income or savings, and the ability to support yourself without working in Portugal.
Portuguese Citizenship by D8 Visa
Digital Nomad Visa Portugal, for remote workers and freelancers allow them to live and work in the country while working remotely from Portugal., enjoying all the benefits of the Portuguese lifestyle.
Portuguese Citizenship by D2 Visa
D2 Visa Portugal also known as the “Entrepreneur Visa” or “Business Visa” is issued to individuals who wish to invest in a Portuguese company or start their own business in Portugal. The visa aims to support the growth of innovative and sustainable startups that can contribute to Portugal’s economy.
3. Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage & Adoption
After a significant period of cohabitation or marriage with a Portuguese citizen lasting a minimum of three years, you have the opportunity to obtain Portuguese citizenship, and this doesn’t require you to establish residence in Portugal. An essential advantage of this pathway is that your citizenship remains secure even if you later go through a divorce.
In cases where marriage is not a factor but you have shared your life with your partner for a duration exceeding two years and can substantiate this fact, you are also eligible. This recognition extends to relationships deemed as de facto unions, acknowledging the depth and commitment present in such partnerships.
Additionally, for those who have adopted a child from another country, provided the child is under the age of 18. In such instances, the child has the right to apply for Portuguese citizenship without delay, facilitating the integration of adopted minors into the Portuguese community.
4. Portuguese Citizenship by residents of former Portuguese territories
As a result, people that were born when Portugal had colonies have Portuguese citizenship. This all encompassing policy applies to a number of regions, including such territories Angola, Cape Verde, Portuguese India, Guinea Bissau, East Timor and Macao; also Mozambique and Sao Tome and Principe.
Additionally, the descendants of those who can demonstrate that they are related to relatives from Portuguese India and Macao before Portugal returned those regions to China and India, also have the right to posses Portuguese citizenship. This system recognizes the colonial past of Portugal and the heritage ties between this state and these regions by providing an easy pathway to citizenship for those whose ancestry is traced back to ex-Portuguese colonies or people that belonged there during that time.
5. Portuguese Citizenship by Sephardic Jewish ancestry
In accordance with the Jewish Law of Return, the Portuguese government extends the opportunity for Portuguese citizenship through the naturalization process to the descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews who faced expulsion from Portugal during the tumultuous period of the Portuguese Inquisition.
This legal provision demonstrates Portugal’s commitment to recognizing and addressing the historical injustices faced by the Sephardic Jewish community, offering a path to citizenship that is rooted in historical reparation and the restoration of historical ties.
Dual nationality in Portugal
In a testament to its inclusive and forward-thinking approach to citizenship, Portugal extends the privilege of dual citizenship. This means that Portuguese citizens who acquire foreign citizenship do not risk losing their Portuguese nationality, and conversely, foreign nationals who become Portuguese citizens can still maintain their original nationality.
This stance reflects a commitment to acknowledging and respecting the diverse identities and affiliations that individuals may have in an increasingly interconnected world.
Need more information about Portuguese Citizenship? Check-Out our Video!
Portuguese Language Test for Citizenship
The CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) is a compulsory language proficiency examination for individuals seeking Portuguese citizenship. This straightforward A2 Portuguese examination is designed to confirm that future Portuguese citizens possess a fundamental grasp of the language. All candidates eligible for Portuguese nationality are required to take the CIPLE assessment.
The A2 Portuguese language examination has a duration of approximately 2 hours and comprises three distinct sections:
- Oral Comprehension (30% of total score) – This section lasts for 30 minutes.
- Reading and Writing (45% of total score) – This part spans an hour and a half.
- Oral Expression (25% of total score) – This part is a concise 15 minute test.
To successfully pass the exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 55%. The examination also incurs a fee of €72.
You can read our Article about the Portuguese Language test here.
Applying for Portuguese Citizenship
To initiate the application for Portuguese citizenship, you have the option to apply at either a Portuguese consulate in your country of residence or at designated locations in Portugal, such as:
- Institute of Registries and Notaries, situated at the National Center for Support to the Integration of Migrants (CNAIM) in Lisbon and Porto
- The Citizen Shops (Lojas do Cidadão)
- The Civil Registry
Documents required for Portuguese citizenship application
When seeking Portuguese citizenship, you are required to furnish the following documentation:
- Your birth certificate or a comparable document.
- Passport or an alternative identification document.
- A criminal record certificate from your country of origin.
- Evidence of uninterrupted legal residency in Portugal spanning 5 years.
- A demonstration of your proficiency in the Portuguese language at the A2 level.
- An up-to-date tax identification number (NIF) registration.
Portuguese Nationality processing time
The current processing duration for a Portuguese citizenship application is typically estimated to span up to 24 months. During this period, the relevant authorities thoroughly evaluate your submission to determine your eligibility.
In the event that your application is declined, there is a recourse available to you. You have the right to appeal the decision, and this appeal must be initiated within a time frame of 30 days from the date of your rejection notice.
Cost of Portuguese Citizenship application
The application fees for Portuguese citizenship vary based on the applicant’s age. For adults, the application fee amounts to €250, while children under the age of 18 are subject to a reduced fee of €175.
These fees are essential to cover the administrative and processing costs associated with citizenship applications, including document verification, background checks, and other necessary procedures.
The Portuguese Passport
The Portuguese passport is a powerful travel document that holds a prestigious rank on the Global Passport Index for the year 2023. This index, which measures the strength of passports from countries around the world, has placed the Portuguese passport in the 14th position.
As of 2023, the Portuguese passport provides its bearers with visa-free access to an impressive 175 countries across the globe. This means that Portuguese passport holders can embark on international journeys with ease, experiencing the cultures, landscapes, and wonders of a wide array of destinations without the hassle of obtaining a visa in advance.
The 14th position on the Global Passport Index is a reflection of Portugal’s diplomatic relationships, political stability, and the trust that other nations place in Portuguese travelers. It signifies the openness of borders and the warm welcome that Portuguese citizens receive when exploring the world.
How to get a Portuguese Passport?
Upon acquiring Portuguese citizenship, you become eligible to request a Portuguese passport, which grants you access to 167 countries with little or no visa restrictions.
To apply for a Portuguese passport, you have several options, including:
- Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) offices.
- Citizen shops, known as “Lojas do Cidadão.”
- A Portuguese embassy or consulate located in your area of residence if you are residing abroad.
Why to work with us?
In this article we tell you some of them and why hiring a Portuguese immigration lawyer will be the ideal option to acquire your Portuguese citizenship, for various reasons. Essential Legal Representation Considerations
Expertise
Immigration lawyers are experienced in the nuances of immigration law and know which requirements apply to each tip of process for the immigration type you plan to make a request. They will be able to assist you in sourcing all the documents that are needed, with assisting to complete the application forms accurately and also assist you with submitting them by certain deadlines.
Representation
For any interviews, hearings, or appeals, you may require our professional representation of your immigration lawyer. They will be able to communicate and fight for you – protecting your rights and best interests throughout the process.
Language
For those who do not speak Portuguese or understand the local culture and customs, an immigration lawyer can be essential to bridging the divide. This might involve speaking to the immigration authorities on your behalf, translating documents, or giving you advice that is not only legally sound but also culturally correct so that you understand each other.
Success
An immigration attorney also helps you increase the chances of success. These simple errors or omissions can cost you weeks in terms of applications, reapplications, and worse; they might take away your opportunity to remain legally in the country. An immigration attorney can help mitigate risks by giving direction, ensuring that full compliance of rules and legislation are observed, and avoid some of common mistakes.
Frequently asked questions about Portuguese Citizenship and Nationality
What are the different pathways to obtain Portuguese citizenship?
Paths include descent, naturalization, marriage, investment, residence in former Portuguese territories, and Sephardic Jewish ancestry, among others.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Portugal?
Yes, Portugal generally permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold Portuguese citizenship alongside the citizenship of another country.
What is the language requirement for Portuguese citizenship?
The language proficiency requirement often involves demonstrating proficiency in Portuguese, typically at the A2 level.
What is the processing time for Portuguese citizenship applications?
The processing time can vary, but it may take up to 12 months for a decision to be made on a citizenship application.
What are the costs of the Portuguese citizenship application?
The application fees for Portuguese citizenship vary based on the applicant’s age. For adults, the application fee amounts to €250, while children under the age of 18 are subject to a reduced fee of €175.
Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship from abroad?
Yes, you can often apply for Portuguese citizenship from a Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
What should I do if my citizenship application is rejected?
In the event that your application you have the right to appeal the decision within a time frame of 30 days from the date of your rejection notice.
How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship?
You can become eligible for Portuguese citizenship after residing in the country for a period of six years, which is reduced to three years if you are seeking citizenship through marriage.
Can a US citizen get Portuguese citienship?
Yes, it is possible for a US citizen to obtain Portuguese citizenship, but the process typically involves meeting specific eligibility requirement, such as, five year of legal residence or investing investing in Portugal
How long is the Portuguese nationality processing time?
The processing time for Portuguese nationality can vary depending on various factors, such as the specific circumstances of the applicant and the current workload of the authorities handling the applications. Currently you may expect a processing time up to 24 months.
