Portugal offers multiple pathways to citizenship, making it an attractive option for those with Portuguese ancestry, long-term residents, and individuals from former Portuguese colonies. Obtaining Portuguese citizenship grants access to the European Union (EU), allowing free movement within the Schengen Area and the ability to live, work, and study across Europe.
Why Choose Portuguese Citizenship?
- EU Benefits: Freedom to live, work, and travel within the European Union.
- Cultural and Historical Connection: For those with Portuguese heritage or ties to former colonies.
- Generational Legacy: Citizenship can be passed on to descendants.
- Tax Incentives: Portugal offers special tax regimes like the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program.
Ways to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship
Portugal allows citizenship through several routes:
1. Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
If you have Portuguese ancestry, you may qualify for citizenship:
- Children of Portuguese Citizens: If at least one parent is Portuguese, children can apply for nationality regardless of where they were born.
- Grandchildren of Portuguese Citizens: If you have a Portuguese grandparent, you may apply, provided you demonstrate a connection to Portuguese culture.
- Great-Grandchildren and Further Generations: If your parents or grandparents did not claim Portuguese nationality, you may first need to have them recognized as Portuguese before applying.
2. Citizenship by Birth in Portugal (Jus Soli)
Individuals born in Portugal can apply for citizenship if they meet one of the following conditions:
- At least one parent was legally residing in Portugal for one year at the time of birth.
- Born in Portugal and have been residing in the country for at least five years.
- Children of undocumented immigrants born in Portugal can obtain nationality if they complete five years of legal residence.
3. Citizenship by Naturalization
Foreigners can apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization after meeting these conditions:
- Five years of legal residence in Portugal.
- A clean criminal record.
- Basic proficiency in Portuguese (A2 level, except for CPLP nationals).
4. Citizenship for Nationals of Former Portuguese Colonies
Portugal provides special pathways for individuals from its former colonies, including Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and PrÃncipe, and Timor-Leste.
Special Provisions for CPLP Countries
- Nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP members) benefit from easier residence permits and a fast-track nationality process after five years of residence.
- No Portuguese language test required for applicants from CPLP countries.
Portuguese Citizenship for Brazilians
- Brazilians can apply for the Estatuto de Igualdade de Direitos e Deveres, granting them nearly the same rights as Portuguese citizens (except for presidential voting rights).
- After three years of residence, Brazilians can apply for full Portuguese nationality, compared to the usual five-year requirement.
Citizenship for People Born in Former Portuguese Colonies
- If you were born in a former Portuguese colony before independence (up to 1975) and were a Portuguese citizen at that time, you may still hold Portuguese nationality.
- If you lost Portuguese citizenship after independence, you can apply for reinstatement.
- If one of your parents or grandparents was Portuguese at the time of your birth, you may qualify for Portuguese nationality.
5. Citizenship by Marriage or Civil Union
- Spouses of Portuguese citizens can apply for citizenship after three years of marriage or civil union.
- Proof of connection to Portugal is required, such as living in Portugal or having Portuguese children.
- There is no language requirement.
6. Citizenship by Sephardic Jewish Ancestry
- Descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Portugal in the 15th and 16th centuries can apply for nationality.
- Applicants must prove Sephardic heritage through genealogical records and connections to a Sephardic community.
- The law is currently undergoing revisions, making the process more stringent.
7. Citizenship by Investment (Golden Visa Program)
- Foreigners can obtain residency through the Golden Visa by investing in Portugal, typically through real estate or business investments.
- After five years of residency, investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
- There is no requirement to live in Portugal full-time under this program.
Application Process
- Gather Required Documents
- Birth and marriage certificates (translated and legalized with an apostille).
- Criminal record from country of origin and Portugal.
- Proof of residence in Portugal (if applicable).
- Proof of Portuguese ancestry (if applying by descent).
- Language proficiency certificate (if required).
- Submit Application
- Apply at the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais (Central Registry Office) in Portugal or a Portuguese consulate abroad.
- Processing Time
- Applications take between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity and the applicant's category.
- Oath of Allegiance & Passport Application
- Upon approval, applicants must take an oath of allegiance to Portugal before obtaining their citizenship certificate.
- After that, they can apply for a Portuguese passport.
Costs and Fees
- Citizenship application fee: €175–€250 (varies by category).
- Additional costs for translations, apostilles, and legal assistance.
Tax Implications for New Citizens
- Obtaining Portuguese citizenship does not automatically make you a tax resident.
- If you spend more than 183 days per year in Portugal, you may be liable for taxes.
- Portugal offers special tax schemes like the Non-Habitual Resident 2.0 (NHR 2.0) program, which provides tax benefits for certain new residents.
Pros and Cons of Portuguese Citizenship
Pros
- Access to the EU and Schengen Zone.
- Ability to pass nationality to children.
- Low residency requirement for naturalization (5 years).
- No requirement to renounce current nationality (Portugal allows dual citizenship).
- Favorable tax schemes for new residents.
Cons
- Bureaucratic application process can be slow.
- Residency requirement for naturalization.
- Recent policy changes affecting some nationality pathways (e.g., Sephardic Jewish citizenship law).
Final Thoughts
Portuguese citizenship is highly desirable due to its EU benefits, strong passport, and multiple pathways to qualification. Whether through descent, residence, marriage, or special provisions for former colonies, there are various ways to secure Portuguese nationality.
If you need personalized assistance with your application, reach out for expert guidance!
FAQs
Can a US citizen become a citizen of Portugal? Yes, a U.S. citizen can become a Portuguese citizen through naturalization, descent, marriage, or investment. The most common path is naturalization after five years of legal residency.
How long do you need to live in Portugal to apply for citizenship? Portugal requires five years of legal residency before you can apply for citizenship, which is one of the shortest naturalization periods in the EU.
Do you need to speak Portuguese to get Portuguese citizenship? Yes, applicants must pass an A2-level Portuguese language test (CIPLE exam), which is a basic proficiency level. It tests your ability to understand and use simple everyday expressions.
Does Portugal offer citizenship by descent? Yes, you can claim Portuguese citizenship if:
- One or both of your parents were Portuguese at the time of your birth.
- Your grandparent was Portuguese, and you can prove a strong connection to Portugal (e.g., speaking Portuguese, visiting frequently, or having cultural ties).
Can I get Portuguese citizenship without living in Portugal? Yes, but only if you qualify through descent, Sephardic Jewish ancestry, or marriage. If applying through residency, you must have legally lived in Portugal for five years.
Can a spouse get Portuguese citizenship? Yes, spouses of Portuguese citizens can apply for citizenship after three years of marriage or legal partnership, even if they don’t live in Portugal—though proving a connection to the country helps.
How much does it cost to get dual citizenship in Portugal?
- Government application fee: €250
- Portuguese language test (CIPLE): €70
- Other costs (translations, legal fees): €500-€2,000 depending on complexity
How many generations back can you claim Portuguese citizenship?
- Directly through parents or grandparents (if a cultural connection is proven).
- Through Sephardic Jewish ancestry, which has fewer generational limits but requires historical proof.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship? Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship, meaning you can keep your U.S. citizenship while becoming Portuguese.
Is Portugal a good place to live? Yes! Portugal offers affordable living costs, excellent healthcare, a high quality of life, and visa-friendly options for retirees, remote workers, and investors. It’s one of the most immigrant-friendly EU countries.
