Our goal here at Remitly is to support you through life’s changes, especially those that might take you to international locations. If you’ve been thinking about moving to Portugal, you’re in good company: the coastal nation received over 63,000 applications for citizenship in the first four months of 2023 alone.
Several factors explain this increased interest. Portugal’s passport provides visa-free access to 186 countries worldwide, including the entire European Union and Schengen area. On top of that, the quality of life in Portugal can’t be beat, and its favourable tax programme attracts expats, immigrants, and retirees.
Although seeking citizenship in a foreign country can be complicated, having the right knowledge makes the process more manageable. In this guide, we’ll review eligibility criteria, required documents, application steps, timelines, and costs related to applying for Portuguese citizenship.
Who qualifies for a Portuguese passport?
The Portuguese passport is routinely ranked as one of the most powerful in the world, which means the application process is also among the most competitive. With beautiful cities, from Lisbon to Porto, it’s easy to see why.
Luckily, there are plenty of pathways available for people to qualify for Portuguese citizenship and have the right to hold this all-important document.
Citizenship by birth
Anyone born in Portugal automatically acquires Portuguese citizenship, regardless of the parents’ nationalities.
However, at least one parent must have legal residency in Portugal at the time of birth for children to qualify. Parents are also required to register the child’s birth and nationality by providing relevant authorities with the birth certificate and other supporting documents.
By descent
Portugal’s citizenship rules are broadly based on “jus sanguinis”, Latin for “Right of Blood.” This means that anyone born to at least one parent who’s a Portuguese citizen is, themselves, Portuguese.
With the jus sanguinis principle, you can claim Portuguese citizenship no matter which country you were born in. Additionally, current laws extend eligibility to two generations. So, if your parents or grandparents are Portuguese citizens, and you have a strong connection to the country, you may be eligible to claim citizenship by descent.
Online applications make things convenient for children born or living abroad, but you can also conduct the process in person at a Portuguese Consulate.
By marriage
If you’re married to a Portuguese citizen or partnered through civil union, you could qualify for citizenship through marriage. However, some conditions apply:
- Your partnership must be legally recognised and registered in Portugal.
- You must be married for at least three years before applying.
- You need to show a genuine connection to the local community, such as proof of residence, language skills, neighbourhood integration, and more.
- However, you don’t have to provide this proof if you’re marriage has lasted for six years or more, or you have a child with your Portuguese spouse.
By naturalisation
Naturalisation allows people who’ve lived in the country for a certain period to become legally recognised citizens. To apply, you must:
- be 18 years or older,
- have lawfully resided in Portugal for at least five years, and
- have basic proficiency in the Portuguese language.
Through investment
Portugal’s Golden Visa is the best pathway to citizenship and residency for non-EU investors and entrepreneurs.
Interested applicants can invest a certain amount in areas that uplift the country’s economy, create local jobs, and nurture innovative ideas. In return, they unlock several benefits, from Portuguese citizenship and access to its health and education systems, to tax benefits and the ability to travel across the Schengen area without a visa.
Current laws require a minimum investment of €500,000 EUR to be made toward investment funds, scientific research, or the arts and culture. Before, investing in real estate could help you qualify, too, but recent changes in EU law and the local economic outlook mean this is no longer the case.
Which documents do you need?
If you’re ready to apply for Portuguese citizenship, the next step is gathering all necessary paperwork and documentation.
Basic documentation for any application
While different citizenship pathways demand different documentation as proof, you’re likely to need the following for any type of application:
- Birth certificate: Your official birth certificate, translated and certified, is necessary for any citizenship application.
- Valid passport: Submit a full copy of your current, valid passport issued in your home country.
- Information about your education, employment, and legal residency.
- Criminal record certificate: Background checks from countries where you have previously lived are required.
- Portuguese language certificate (A2 or higher): You must sit and pass the CIPLE exam to prove your language proficiency. The test is about two hours long and evaluates your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It costs €85 EUR, and scores are valid in perpetuity.
- Application fee: The application fee varies depending on which pathway you follow. For example, applying for citizenship via naturalisation will cost around €250 EUR.You can find a complete breakdown of application costs on this official government website.
Pathway-specific documentation
You’ll also be asked to provide certain documentation based on your specific citizenship pathway.
For example, suppose you’re applying for citizenship through descent. You’ll need to supply documents proving your parents’ or grandparents’ Portuguese citizenship, like their birth certificates, Portuguese passports, or identification cards.
But for citizenship through marriage, you’ll need to submit marriage certificates and proof of a continuing relationship with a Portuguese national. Check with official sources to understand your specific requirements.
Translation and authentication
Any official documents not officially issued in Portugal must be authenticated with an apostille. This is a certificate attached to a public document verifying its credibility for international use.
Any documents that are not in Portuguese will also have to be officially translated.
In case a document needs both, the translation should be done after acquiring the apostille. Always contract a “certified” or “sworn” translator so that their translations are officially recognised.
Obtaining these documents and their subsequent apostilles and translations is a multi-step process that takes some time. It’s best to start collecting these documents at least three months before you plan on submitting your citizenship application, if not earlier.
Step-by-step passport application process
If you’ve already identified your pathway to citizenship and collected all of your necessary documents, you’re ready to make your application and submit it. The process could vary depending on your citizenship pathway, but generally, it will involve the following steps:
Step 1: Verify your eligibility for Portuguese citizenship, either by birth, descent, marriage, naturalisation, or investment.
Step 2: Gather all your documentation, including proof of identity, birth and/or marriage certificate, proof of language proficiency, and any other required documents.
Step 3: Complete the correct application form provided by the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN), Portugal’s official ID, nationality, and passport service.
Step 4: Submit your application. If you’re abroad, do so online by following the instructions provided by IRN. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Portuguese Consulate to submit in person or by mail.
Step 5: Attend your appointment. After submission, the IRN will send you an email with your appointment date, time, and location. Be sure to keep time, and submit your biometrics as required.
Step 6: Collect your Portugal passport.
What to expect after submission
Applying for a foreign citizenship is never a quick process. In the case of Portugal, you should be prepared to wait anywhere from 12 to 24 months to receive notification regarding standard citizenship applications.
When you submit your application, you’ll receive a 12-digit code referencing your case. This number can be used to view the status of your application on the IRN website. Your application will pass through four stages:
- Submitted
- Under analysis
- For decision
- Completed
If officials require additional information regarding your citizenship application, they’ll contact you directly through official channels. Make sure to check the status of your application regularly and respond to any request for additional information as promptly as possible.
Costs breakdown
The total cost of your application will vary depending on the pathway you choose. Here’s a quick breakdown to give you an idea of the costs involved
- Application fee: €250 EUR
- Background check: €40 EUR
- Portuguese language exam: €85 EUR
- 2 apostille certifications: €100 EUR
- Translation fees: €150 EUR
Without any additional costs, legal counsel, or miscellaneous fees, this adds up to €625 EUR. Budget for these expenses in advance to support your application, and set a little extra aside for any additional fees.
Common challenges and how to avoid them
The most frequent reasons your submission might be rejected are incomplete documentation, failure to meet language requirements, or issues with your criminal record. Here are some tips to avoid or overcome these challenges:
- Refer to official Portuguese government resources to help ensure that your application is complete.
- Take the CIPLE language exam as early as possible, so you’ll have sufficient time to study and prepare for the test.
- If your background check is unclear for any reason, provide additional information about any criminal records.
- Sometimes, required documents are missing or damaged, especially if you’re pursuing citizenship by descent. Apply for replacement documents from the issuing authority well in advance. In some cases, a Declaration of Absence is issued if a copy of the required document cannot be offered.
- If there are any name variations on any of your documents, provide the reasoning for the name change.
Your path to Portuguese citizenship starts here
With some planning and patience, the path to Portuguese citizenship is achievable. As soon as you choose to take on this path, start gathering your documentation, register for the language exam, and request documents that aren’t time sensitive, like birth certificates.
But if your case is more complex, or you don’t speak the language, working with local immigration experts could be the best way to go through the process.
Remember, official Portuguese government resources and Consulate websites offer the most current information about application requirements, so don’t be afraid to use them.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a Portuguese passport?
If you already have Portuguese citizenship, applying for a passport or renewing one will take about 12 business days. If not, it will take a minimum of five years of legal residency in Portugal to apply for citizenship through naturalisation. Once you’re eligible, the application itself can take around 18 to 24 months. In total, be prepared to commit about six to seven years to the process.
Can I hold dual citizenship with Portugal?
Yes. The Portuguese government allows for dual citizenship and doesn’t require you to renounce any other citizenship you might already have. However, check that the country also recognises dual citizenship and allows you to have a second passport.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to apply for a passport?
If you’re seeking the passport through naturalisation, yes. You’ll have to demonstrate an A2 or advanced beginner’s level of Portuguese language proficiency to apply for citizenship through naturalisation.
What’s the difference between a residence permit and citizenship?
In Portugal, a residence permit allows a non-EU national to live and work in the country for a limited period of time. On the other hand, citizenship is a permanent status that grants full political rights, a Portuguese passport, and the ability to live and work in any EU member state.
Can my children automatically get Portuguese citizenship if I do?
Yes, as long as you’re a Portuguese citizen at the time of your children’s birth. Portuguese citizenship is “by blood,” meaning your child will be eligible for Portuguese citizenship if you’re a Portuguese national, even if their birth happens outside the country. If you’re seeking Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation, your children under the age of majority can inherit your Portuguese citizenship. Those over eighteen will have to go through the naturalisation process independently to achieve Portuguese citizenship.