A Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Portuguese Citizen

So, do you want to learn more about obtaining Portuguese nationality?

In this comprehensive guide, we will be taking an in-depth look at the rights and duties of Portuguese people, learning how to become Portuguese, and exploring other important Portugal citizenship matters such as the requirements for double nationality and the Gold Visa program.

What is a Portuguese Citizen?

A Portuguese citizen is an individual who holds citizenship granted by Portugal, entitling them to the privileges, and responsibilities associated with being a member of the Portuguese nation.

Being a citizen of Portugal grants certain fundamental rights, but also some must-obey duties.

Portuguese Citizen Rights

These are your most important rights as a Portuguese national:

Portuguese Citizen Duties

These are your most important duties as a Portuguese national:

Is Loss of Portuguese Citizenship Possible?

Once a Portuguese national, always a Portuguese national? Well, not exactly. Loss of citizenship in Portugal is possible in the following cases:

In Portugal, lost citizenship is retrievable if the individuals who renounced citizenship regret their decision, have a legitimate reason for their previous renunciation, and can demonstrate valid reasons for wanting their citizenship back.

Who Has the Right to Portuguese Nationality?

Children born to at least one Portuguese parent, regardless of the place of birth, are automatically granted Portuguese nationality via birth naturalization. However, several other individuals have the right to Portuguese citizenship—albeit not automatically.

These are the most common cases in which one's entitled to apply for Portuguese citizenship:

Portugal Citizenship by Descent

If you have Portuguese ancestors such as Portuguese parents, a Portuguese grandparent, or even Portuguese great-grandparents, you might be eligible for citizenship by descent. The process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship by descent involves gathering a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and other documentation that can prove your lineage.

Portugal Citizenship by Marriage

Portugal Citizenship by Adoption

Children legally adopted by Portuguese citizens may acquire Portuguese nationality through the adoption process. According to Portuguese adoption law, Portuguese parents of adoptive children must be married or living together for at least four years and be at least 25 years old. However, single men and women are also accepted into the adoption program.

Portugal Citizenship by Residency

Individuals who have legally resided in Portugal for a certain period (typically five years) can apply for Portuguese nationality through naturalization. Similar to individuals who apply for Portuguese citizenship via marriage, they must demonstrate a good knowledge of the Portuguese language and prove that they're integrated into the Portuguese community and society.

Portugal Citizenship by Investment

Portugal offers citizenship through investment programs such as the Golden Visa program. This involves making a substantial investment in the country, typically in real estate, creating jobs, or contributing to cultural heritage. Requirements may vary, and legal assistance is recommended due to the financial commitment involved. Below, we will be taking a closer look at the requirements and advantages of obtaining Portuguese citizenship by investment (and more specifically via the Golden Visa program).

Portuguese Citizenship for Residents of a Portuguese Overseas Territory

Portuguese overseas territories are countries or locations that have a deep historical connection to the Portuguese language and culture. If you live in one of these countries, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship by:

1. Proving that you're a descendant of Portuguese citizens.

2. Proving that you're integrated into an overseas Portuguese community.

The following former Portuguese colonies are considered Portuguese overseas territories: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, East Timor, Portuguese India, Macao, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jews

Portuguese citizenship for Sephardic Jews refers to a special pathway that allows descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Portugal in the 15th and 16th centuries to request Portuguese citizenship. This initiative aims to offer a route to those who can prove their ancestral ties to the Sephardic Jewish community.

The applicant needs to demonstrate their Sephardic ancestry through genealogical research, historical records, or other supporting documentation. This often involves providing evidence of a connection to the Sephardic community expelled from Portugal in the 15th century.

Other General Notes on Portuguese Nationality Law

Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship as a Foreigner

Whether you've been a Portuguese foreign national for a few years, have Portuguese family members, or even have a deep connection to Portugal's national heritage, many requirements can convince the competent Portuguese authorities to grant Portuguese nationality.

To obtain Portuguese citizenship as a foreigner, you must:

Portugal Citizenship Requirements

To apply for Portuguese citizenship as a foreigner, you must fit into one or more of the following requirements:

As stated above, however, there are several additional instances in which an individual can acquire citizenship as a foreigner, including via a Golden Visa or connection to a Portuguese territory overseas.

Who Can Apply for Citizenship in Portugal?

Citizenship in Portugal can be requested not only by individuals who wish to be a Portuguese national but also by a third party. Most commonly, such third parties are the Portuguese or foreign parents of a child born in Portugal or of Portuguese descent.

Where Can You Apply For Portuguese Citizenship?

You can apply for Portuguese citizenship online or in person.

How Much Does it Cost to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship?

The price of requesting citizenship from the Portuguese Government varies depending on the specific requirements of your process. However, it generally costs €250. Payment can be made via credit card (if you apply in person) or cheque/postal order (if you apply by post).

How Long Does it Take to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship?

It takes anywhere between three (if you're married to a Portuguese person) to five years (if you simply live in Portugal) to obtain citizenship. The citizenship application process itself, on the other hand, can be completed in just a few months.

Documents Required to Become a Portuguese Citizen

The main and supporting documents required to become a Portuguese citizen vary according to your status. See in which of the following you fit to know which documentation is necessary:

Documents Required for People Born in Portugal

If you were born in Portugal but not automatically granted citizenship (because, for example, your parents happen to be foreign citizens), you need to collect the following documents:

Documents Required for People Born Abroad

If you were born outside of Portugal and have been living in the country for at least five years, you just need to collect the same documents required for people born in Portugal (birth certificate, Ministry of Justice form, proof of legal residency, proof of familiarity with the Portuguese language, and criminal record certificate).

However, additional supporting documents are required in the following cases:

Documents Required for People Who Lost Their Nationality and Want It Back

In the rare situations in which individuals lost their nationality and want it back, the additional following documents are required:

Please keep in mind that you cannot request Portuguese citizenship if you have been arrested for three or more years for a crime that's also punishable in Portugal or if you have been involved or connected to any terrorist activities.

Citizenship by Investment: The Portuguese Golden Visa Program

The Portuguese Golden Visa Program is an investment-based residency program that grants non-EU citizens residency in Portugal in exchange for making a qualifying investment in the country. By granting citizenship by investment, the program aims to stimulate the Portuguese economy by accessing the worldwide income of wealthy non-EU residents.

Requirements to Apply to a Portuguese Golden Visa

To acquire citizenship by investment through the Golden Visa program, one must:

Benefits of Getting a Portuguese Golden Visa

The main benefits of getting a Golden Visa include:

The Golden Visa program is key to becoming a Portuguese national because it allows non-EU residents to obtain residency and visa on arrival access. After five years in the country, Golden Visa awardees can leverage their residence permit to become full-blown Portuguese citizens.

Does the Portuguese Law Allow Dual Citizenship?

Portugal permits dual citizenship and even triple citizenship. Individuals who wish to get Portuguese citizenship don't need to forego their original nationality.

Eligibility for Dual Citizenship in Portugal

The following are eligible for dual citizenship in Portugal:

Portuguese Dual Citizenship Advantages

The main advantages for individuals with double nationality in Portugal include:

Conclusion

If you want to get a Portuguese passport and become one of Portugal's 11 million tax residents, you've come to the right place! By following the guidelines listed above, you can make your dream of Portuguese citizenship come true one way or the other. The process can be tricky, so don't be afraid to ask for professional help to assure legal compliance and avoid unnecessary stepbacks!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get citizenship in Portugal?

To get Portuguese citizenship, you're required to submit a request to the competent authorities including (at least) the following documents: birth certificate, a signed Ministry of Justice form, proof of residency, criminal record, and proof that you're familiar with the Portuguese language and culture.

How to get dual citizenship in Portugal?

To get double nationality in Portugal, you must have Portuguese relatives (even if they're naturalized foreign nationals), be married to a Portuguese person, or be granted citizenship by investment.

How much to invest in Portugal for citizenship?

To get citizenship by investment in Portugal, you're requested to invest at least €350.000 in real estate, transfer at least €1.5 million or more into the country, and/or create at least 10 jobs in Portugal through business investment.

How many years to get Portugal citizenship?

The answer depends on what your preferred method for getting Portuguese citizenship is. To obtain nationality via residency, you need to live in Portugal for at least five years. To obtain nationality via marriage, you need to be married to a Portuguese person for at least three years. As for the nationalization process itself, it usually takes just a few months to complete.