What are the methods for acquiring Portuguese citizenship? Acquiring Portuguese Citizenship: requirements, methods, and procedures for obtaining Portuguese Citizenship and passport, residency permit, and permanent residence. Complete list of necessary documents and the Citizenship application process.
Portuguese citizenship is a highly sought-after status that can be acquired either by birth or by a deliberate decision of the country’s legislative authorities. The desire to become a Portuguese citizen is driven by numerous benefits such as the high quality of life, social security, competitive salaries, and other advantages. Obtaining Portuguese citizenship allows individuals to become official citizens of the European Union, which is a significant benefit.
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Being a Portuguese citizen involves acquiring a passport that serves as an identity verification document and provides legal access to employment, education, medical services, and other opportunities in the EU. Notably, possessing a Portuguese passport grants free entry and residency in 170 countries worldwide, including the EU countries.
The most straightforward way to obtain a Portuguese passport is by residing in the country for five years with a permanent residency permit (Visto de Residência). One way to obtain a residency permit in Portugal is by investing in the country’s economy or buying property. However, there are other legal avenues to acquire Portuguese citizenship as well.
The advantages of a Portuguese passport include access to quality education, healthcare, high-paying jobs in EU countries, legal residence in any European country, potential dual citizenship for citizens of some countries, and visa-free entry into EU and Schengen countries.
In addition to these benefits, many foreigners are attracted to Portugal’s mild and warm climate, high safety standards, and social protection. The procedures and documentation requirements necessary to obtain Portuguese citizenship or residency will be further discussed.
Methods of Acquiring Portuguese Citizenship
Becoming a Portuguese citizen is a feasible goal with various options available to suit each individual’s circumstances. Wealthy individuals often opt for the most straightforward, albeit costly, immigration programs, such as investing in the country’s economy, buying property, or starting a business in Portugal. The choice of immigration method depends on the immigrant’s situation and opportunities.
Naturalization
Naturalization is an immigration method that enables foreigners to obtain citizenship based on their expressed desire. The process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship through naturalization was simplified significantly for immigrants in 2019 after the relevant law was adopted. Foreigners seeking Portuguese citizenship through naturalization must continuously reside in the country for 183 days a year. This means that they can stay abroad for the remaining days without jeopardizing their chance of acquiring Portuguese citizenship.
Foreign citizens in countries where Portuguese is the official language, such as Angola or Brazil, often opt for naturalization. They receive citizenship after living in Portugal for only three years. For citizens of CIS countries, fluency in Portuguese is necessary to successfully immigrate through naturalization. After living in the country for five years, they can apply for citizenship if they have obtained a residence permit.
Family Reunification
Individuals with Portuguese ancestry and Sephardic Jews can legally immigrate to Portugal and acquire citizenship. Despite having expelled the Jewish nation several centuries ago, Portugal encourages the migration of individuals who have Sephardic Jews in their family tree.
Marriage
From a legal perspective, marriage is a similar immigration method to family reunification. Foreign residents who marry a Portuguese citizen have the right to apply for a residence permit. To do this, they must contact the consulate and present a marriage certificate or a statement of application. After three years of marriage to a Portuguese citizen, the foreigner can apply for citizenship. Applicants must demonstrate that they have integrated into Portuguese society, and the reality of a joint life is evaluated.
Portuguese Citizenship by Birth
There are specific criteria for acquiring Portuguese citizenship by birth. The following categories of individuals can obtain Portuguese citizenship at birth:
- Children born on Portuguese soil whose parent(s) hold Portuguese citizenship.
- Children born to parents who are not Portuguese citizens but have legally resided in Portugal for at least 2 years.
- Children adopted by Portuguese parents.
- Children of Portuguese citizens born in a foreign country.
Many immigrants are under the false impression that giving birth to a child in Portugal is enough to grant the child Portuguese citizenship. However, if the child does not fall into any of the aforementioned categories, they will have to acquire citizenship through general means.
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Investing in the Portuguese Economy
Foreigners with sufficient funds can invest in the Portuguese economy through various means, such as:
- Purchasing any type of real estate worth at least €250,000.
- Buying shares of Portuguese companies or government bonds worth at least €1 million.
- Opening a business in Portugal and hiring at least 10 local citizens for the company.
- Becoming an investor in any Portuguese organization involved in science and technology by investing at least €350,000 in its development. Foreign investors can also invest in art, starting from €250,000.
By fulfilling any of the above criteria, foreigners will obtain a residence permit in Portugal without waiting in line. They will also enjoy tax benefits and travel to EU countries without a visa. After five years, they can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Notably, significant foreign investors can obtain a “golden passport,” which grants them all the privileges of a Portuguese citizen except for the right to vote.
Refugee Status
Acquiring refugee status in Portugal is a relatively straightforward process compared to many other countries in the world. Foreigners seeking to reside in Portugal due to persecution in their home country are typically granted permission to live in the country. However, they must provide evidence that their rights are being violated in their home country to have their application approved. Reasons for obtaining refugee status in Portugal can include religious, national, racial, or other forms of persecution. Once refugee status is granted, the foreigner is exempt from taking a language exam, integration tests, or paying any fees.
Guide to Obtaining a Portuguese Passport: Step-by-Step
There are various methods to obtain Portuguese citizenship, and each has its own requirements, such as a minimum investment amount for investors or hiring local citizens when establishing a business.
Here are the general guidelines for obtaining a passport through the naturalization program.
Step 1: Visa Application
As part of the naturalization program, foreign citizens can enter Portugal using a tourist or work visa. Tourist visas are issued within a month and cost an average of 80 euros. To apply, visit the consulate in your place of residence, complete the appropriate application, and submit copies of your passports (domestic and international) and international-standard photos. Work visas are harder to obtain and are only available to foreign citizens who have a job offer in Portugal. The document issuance period can take up to 3 months, and the visa fee is 25 euros.
Step 2: Obtaining a Residence Permit and Permanent Residence Permit
If you have a visa and are legally staying in Portugal, you can apply for a residence permit/permanent residence permit under the naturalization program. Contact your local consulate, complete the application, and wait for approval. To maintain legal residence in Portugal, you must stay in the country for at least 183 days per year. The first residence permit is valid for 1 year and can be extended twice for 2 years each. After 5 years of temporary residence in Portugal, foreign citizens can apply for citizenship.
Step 3: Citizenship Issuance
After living in Portugal on a residence permit for 5 years, a foreigner can apply for citizenship under the naturalization program. To apply, gather the required documents and complete the appropriate application for the Portuguese consulate.
Requirements for Foreigners
To obtain Portuguese citizenship under the naturalization program, foreigners must not have a criminal record or any legal issues and must comply with Portugal’s laws. Additionally, they must have lived in Portugal for at least 5 years (with at least 183 days of residency each year) and submit a complete package of documents to the consulate.
Required Documents
Checklist Foreign citizens who wish to obtain Portuguese citizenship are required to provide the following documents to the Migration Service:
- Application form for citizenship which can be obtained from the Migration Service.
- Birth certificate and an internal passport from the country of origin.
- A document that grants the foreigner the right to legally reside in the country (temporary or permanent residence permit).
- A certificate of no criminal record, which must be valid for not more than 3 months, from both the home country and Portugal.
- A bank statement that confirms the foreigner has enough funds to live in Portugal.
- If the foreign citizen is married, a document that confirms the marriage should be submitted to the Migration Service.
- A language test certificate to show proficiency in Portuguese.
- A medical certificate on the foreign citizen’s health status. All documents submitted must be notarized and translated into Portuguese. If all requirements are met, the citizenship application will be evaluated within a year.
Citizenship Exam
In order to obtain citizenship in Portugal, it is mandatory to pass a language proficiency exam in Portuguese. This exam can be taken either within Portugal or in other countries, and registration is required through the CAPLE website. The exam fee is €70, and a minimum result of A2 is required to pass and obtain citizenship.
The exam consists of three parts: a written section, which accounts for 45% of the overall score and includes answering simple test questions and writing a mini-composition in Portuguese; a listening comprehension section, which accounts for 30% of the overall score and involves answering questions based on a spoken text; and a spoken section, which accounts for 25% of the overall score and requires having a conversation with the examiner on a given topic in Portuguese.
Results are typically available 1.5 to 2 months after taking the exam, and in order to obtain a certificate, immigrants must appear in person at the testing location or send a representative.
To prepare for the exam, individuals can choose to self-study using textbooks, online resources, or by practicing speaking with native speakers. Others may prefer specialized courses or free Portuguese language programs offered by universities through the “National Portuguese Language” program, which last for three months. Commercial courses that last four weeks and include visits to local museums and landmarks are also available for those who want an accelerated learning option. To determine the best preparation method, it is recommended to assess one’s current proficiency level, which can be done on specialized websites.
Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship: Time and Cost
The process of reviewing a foreigner’s citizenship application typically takes 12 months. However, if the Immigration Office conducts a more extensive review or the applicant fails to submit all required documents, the processing time may extend to 18 months. If all regulations are followed, documents are submitted, and there are no legal issues, the cost of applying for citizenship is €250. This fee must be paid at the Immigration Office when submitting documents.
Dual Citizenship in Portugal
Portugal allows immigrants from many countries to hold dual citizenship as per the law. For example, migrants can obtain a Portuguese passport without renouncing their current citizenship. However, individuals from countries that do not permit dual citizenship may be denied it. To be eligible for dual citizenship, applicants must indicate the number of current passports when submitting their application to the consulate. After receiving the second passport, they must declare it in their home country within 90 days.
Refusal to Grant Portuguese Passport
Following the rules of a long-term residency permit reduces the likelihood of being denied Portuguese citizenship. However, several reasons may lead to a denial, including a criminal record, affiliation with terrorist groups, working in specialized services, providing false information during the application process, incomplete documents, and insufficient income to live in the country. Additionally, Immigration Service representatives have the right to deny citizenship without explanation, though this is rare. In such cases, immigrants cannot challenge the decision in court. However, in other instances, foreigners may submit a new citizenship application or appeal to court. While awaiting a decision, immigrants have the right to reside in Portugal.
Portuguese Citizenship Benefits
Portuguese citizenship offers numerous benefits to foreign citizens, including visa-free travel throughout the European Union, high-paying jobs, an excellent standard of living, and social protection. By following a straightforward process and gathering all necessary documents, it is possible to become a happy owner of a Portuguese passport within a short period.
