Portugal Citizenship: All You Need to Know

Qatar Citizenship

So you’ve fallen for Portugal’s charm and now you’re thinking about making the relationship official.

Citizenship is like a marriage proposal to a country, and we’re here to help you put a ring on it—or at least a passport.

Get ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of becoming a bona fide citizen of this Iberian gem

What Does It Mean To Have Portuguese Citizenship?

In recent years, many people have been attempting to try for a Portuguese passport, which is currently ranked 4th globally on the Henley Passport Index. All of the privileges associated with having Portuguese citizenship are available to those who hold it. Some of the opportunities as a Portuguese citizen include:

  1. Access to EU countries
  2. The right to vote
  3. Access to country’s healthcare system
  4. Quality schooling
  5. Passing nationality to descendants
  6. Dual citizenship
  7. Dealing with less bureaucracy

However,the process of becoming a citizen is more challenging, and if your native country forbids dual citizenship, you might have to renounce your current status.

Types Of Portuguese Citizenship

 There exist several instances that help attain the Portuguese citizenship:

  1. Citizenship by naturalization or residency
  2. Citizenship by marriage or legal partnership
  3. Citizenship by descent (parents or grandparents)
  4. Citizenship by Sephardic Jewish heritage
  5. Citizenship by birth
  6. Citizenship by adoption

Citizenship By Naturalization

This is considered to be amongst the most favored pathway for foreign residents to become Portuguese citizens. It requires being properly assimilated into the Portuguese community and residing in Portugal for at least five years, primarily entailing having a working knowledge of the Portuguese language

Usually, the last five years are the ones mostly considered. However, if you have spent at least five of the last 15 years living in Portugal, you may submit an application to request your citizenship.

Paper-work Required

  1. Criminal record certificate
  2. Current passport or travel ID
  3. Birth certificate
  4. Attestation of Portuguese language proficiency at least at level A2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
  5. Requesting Portuguese citizenship in a letter to the Ministry of Justice
  6. Portuguese residence permit

How To Apply?

The following locations accept in-person applications for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization:

  1. At a Nationality Desk in Portugal
  2. At the Citizen’s Shop in Odivelas, Portugal
  3. At the Civil Registry Offices in Portugal
  4. At the Portuguese embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of ​​residence
  5. At the service counter of the Institute of Registries and Notary at the National Support Center for the Integration of Migrants (CNAIM) in Lisbon or Porto
  6. At Espaços Registos in Lisbon, Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, on the Justice Campus and in Benfica
  7. In the Central Registers of Lisbon, Portugal

Applicants must show up in person at any of the aforementioned venues with the necessary documentation. In some cases, an application may also be submitted via mail. The form that needs to be filled out for the nationality request varies on the specific circumstance.

Citizenship By Marriage Or Legal Partnership

In order to be eligible to apply for citizenship through this way, the foreigner must be married to or in a committed relationship with a Portuguese person. There is no need to be a member of the Portuguese Sephardic Jewish community or to reside there.

Make sure you fulfill the prerequisites before submitting an application for Portuguese citizenship, which are:

  1. Marriage or union must be valid at the time of application
  2. Being married to or in a non-marital relationship with a Portuguese citizen for at least three years if you have Portuguese children, or six years if you do not
  3. Registering the partnership or marriage in the Portuguese registry system

Applicants will be eligible to apply after fulfilling the above pre-requisites, while there is also a possibility that you may be asked to submit more supporting evidence for your citizenship application

Paper-work Required:

  1. Completed application form
  2. A copy of your valid passport
  3. A copy of your birth certificate
  4. A copy of your marriage certificate or non-marital partnership registration registered in Portugal, as applicable
  5. A criminal record check from your home country and any other countries in which you have resided for 6 months or more in the past 5 years
  6. Proof of payment of the applicable fees

After the review and approval of required documents, Portuguese language and cultural test, along with the interview is taken by relevant authorities before granting the citizenship.

Citizenship By Descent (Parents Or Grand-Parents)

With the third type, foreigners with Portuguese parents or grandparents can acquire citizenship by descent, based on their proven ancestry. The eligibility criterion for this type includes:

  1. You were born in Portugal to a Portuguese citizen father or mother
  2. You were born outside of Portugal to a Portuguese father or mother and were either officially recognized as a Portuguese citizen or recorded in the Portuguese civil registration
  3. You were born outside of Portugal to a parent who is a Portuguese citizen and a government worker in Portugal
  4. You have at least one Portuguese ancestor as a second-degree straight-line relative despite having been born outside of Portugal. The descendent from Portugal must still be a citizen
  5. Must provide a proof of your connections to Portuguese-speaking neighborhood

Some other necessary requirements include:

  1. You need to be very involved in the Portuguese community. A strong link must be proven through Portuguese language skill, residence, or frequent trips to the Portuguese region
  2. You cannot be convicted of a crime for which the maximum prison term under Portuguese law is three years or longer
  3. You must not have any connections to or involvement with terrorism

Paper-work Required

Depending on how you are applying, you may need to present the following documentation:

  1. Your Birth certificate
  2. Birth certificate of your parents or grandparents (Proof of relationship incase this can’t be provided)
  3. Evidence of the parents’ or grandparents’ nationality
  4. Evidence that you meet any residency requirements
  5. A signed declaration of Portuguese nationality or letter addressed to the Ministry of Justice
  6. Proof of incorporation into the Portuguese-speaking community

Application for nationality through a first–degree relative, i.e the Portuguese parent can be submitted at the Portuguese Consulate of your current residency.

Whereas, if you want to apply through a second-degree relative, i.e through the Portuguese grandparents, you need to demonstrate knowledge of the Portuguese language, apply for a tax ID while opening a Portuguese bank account.

Citizenship By Sephardic Jewish Heritage

The descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews who were driven from Portugal and Spain in the 15th century may be granted Portuguese nationality through naturalization.

This action was authorized under Organic Law No. 1/2013 of July 29, 2013. The regulation has the following requirements:

  • Applicants must be Sephardic Jews of Portuguese Descent
  • Must be over the age of 18 or emancipated under the Portuguese law
  • Not convicted for a crime punishable with a maximum prison sentence equal to or exceeding 3 years, under the Portuguese law

Paper-work Required

The application for citizenship must require the following documents:

  1. Your Birth certificate
  2. Criminal record certificate issued by relevant Portuguese authorities or the country of residence
  3. A document issued by the Jewish community attesting to the Sephardic Jews’ Portuguese ancestry. This can be done using a surname, a language, a family history, or memory. What’s important is to show an actual family link.

How To Apply?

  1. Get the necessary documents, which are then sent to Portugal
  2. Application submission for approval
  3. Portuguese Government analyses the documents
  4. Citizenship is granted

After the attainment of Portuguese citizenship, you may obtain your ID card or request for the country’s passport

Citizenship By Birth

According to Portugal’s constitution, the country allows birth-right citizenship. The law states, ‘Children born to foreign parents, at least one of whom has lived in Portugal for a year will be eligible for Portuguese citizenship at birth.’

 The documents you’ll need to provide for the application vary depending upon the particular category of citizenship by birth you’re applying through- some of them include:

  1. Your birth certificate
  2. Your parents’ or grandparents’ birth certificates
  3. Legitimate ID document, such as a passport
  4. Original or certified copy of your parents’ marriage certificate
  5. Proof of nationality of parents or grandparents
  6. Proof that you meet any residency requirements
  7. Evidence of connection with the Portuguese community, such as the language proficiency test
  8. A declaration of Portuguese nationality or a letter addressed to the Ministry of Justice requesting citizenship

Applications for citizenship must be submitted to the Portuguese Consulate in your area, where they will be processed and sent to Lisbon’s Conservatória dos Registos Centrais for registration

Documents in Portugal cannot be issued until the Conservatória has finished the registration process, which could take up to six months to be approved by the Registrar in Lisbon.

Citizenship By Adoption

It is possible for foreign children under the age of 18, who are legally adopted by Portuguese parents to attain the country’s citizenship through the Portugal immigration law.

 Adopted people who are currently older than 18 but were under 18 at the time of their legal adoption are likewise covered by this law. In order to be qualified for Portuguese Citizenship through Adoption, certain requirements must be met:

  1. Applicants must have had a residence visa valid in Portugal for at least five years or either have a legal parent who was born in Portugal and holds Portuguese citizenship
  2. Common knowledge of Portuguese language and culture
  3. Written permission from their parents or legal guardians if the applicant is under the age of 18
  4. Applicants must have a sincere desire to engage with Portuguese culture and way of life
  5. Must present identification documentation and possess a current passport
  6. Applications must be accompanied by documentation of a successfully completed adoption process and a current court ruling granting Portuguese citizenship
  7. The Portuguese government mandates that applicants undergo a medical exam and present documentation of their immunization history

Those applicants meeting the entire above criterion will qualify for the country’s citizenship.      

Paper-work Required

  1. A valid passport
  2. Proof of identity
  3. Proof of adoption procedure
  4. A completed adoption application form
  5. Proof of financial stability
  6. Proof of fee payment
  7. Proof of vaccination records

How To Apply?

  1. Contact your closest Portuguese embassy or consulate to discuss your application and get assistance for the required documents
  2. Fill out and submit an application form which will include questionnaires about your background and personal information
  3. Submit the Necessary Documentation
  4. Attend an interview with the Consulate or Embassy

After processing of the application, the approval or rejection of the request will be done through a letter. In the case of acceptance, subsequent actions in order to attain your citizenship will be laid out.

Dual Citizenship In Portugal

The dual citizenship framework in Portugal opens doors to numerous benefits, including living and working rights in other European Union countries. Dual citizenship, or dual nationality, equates to individuals legally being citizens of two countries concurrently.

Portugal permits dual citizenship, providing a golden opportunity for foreign nationals to retain their original citizenship while enjoying Portuguese rights and privileges.

Securing Portuguese citizenship can occur through different avenues – ancestry, marriage, employment, investment, or even after legally residing in the country for a certain period. Of these, the Golden Visa program is a popular route for high net-worth individuals.

What Is The ‘Golden Visa Program’?

The Golden Visa Program, initiated in 2012, offers residency and potential citizenship in return for a significant investment in the Portuguese economy. Eligible investments range from €250,000 supporting national heritage projects to €500,000 on real estate.

Depending on the investment choice, the Golden Visa holder can apply for permanent residency and citizenship by the end of five or six years.

However, it is essential to thoroughly understand the policies and regulations of both nations involved. Each country has its laws around dual nationality which must be adhered to; hence adequate research or consultation with an attorney is advised.

Common Reasons For Citizenship Denial In Portugal

Ensuring quality immigration is crucial for any nation, and Portugal is no exception. These are the most prevalent reasons why citizenship applications in Portugal might face denial:

Inadequate Residency Duration

One of the primary reasons for a citizenship denial in Portugal is not meeting the minimum residency requirement. Portugal currently requires at least five years of continuous residence on a valid visa for a nationality applicant who isn’t of Portuguese descent

Insufficient Language Proficiency

Portugal requires applicants to demonstrate a basic understanding of the Portuguese language. Failure to pass the language examination could result in a citizenship denial

Criminal Record

Citizenship may be denied to individuals with a criminal record either in Portugal or in their home country. Portuguese authorities take such records seriously and thoroughly investigate each case

Failure to Demonstrate Ties with the Community

Portugal encourages potential citizens to actively integrate into society. Engaging in societal activities and contributing to the community is seen as essential for anyone seeking Portuguese citizenship.

Unstable Financial Condition

Portuguese authorities consider the financial stability of applicants. If an individual cannot provide proof of a stable income or employment in Portugal, they may face a citizenship denial

Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation

Providing the correct and complete set of required documents is vital in the citizenship process. Any missing, falsified, or incorrect documents can result in application rejection

Lack of Adequate Health Insurance

Portugal requires applicants to have sufficient health insurance coverage unless they are contributing to the Portuguese Social Security system

Denial of Good Character

A less tangible, but still essential criteria is demonstrating good character. Any indication to the contrary can lead to a denial of Portuguese citizenship

Non-compliance with Tax Obligations

Prospective citizens must confirm their tax compliance in Portugal. Failure to meet this obligation can lead to a denial of citizenship

Inconsistent Presence in the Country

Portugal mandates applicants to prove their consistent physical presence in the country during their residency. Too many absences can result in an application rejection

Giving Up Portuguese Citizenship

The Portuguese government discourages willful surrender of nationality and has hence set a high criterion to be met.

The law stipulates that you must be at least 18 years of age, possess sound mental faculties and another nationality before you renounce your Portuguese citizenship.

The procedure begins with petitioning the Portuguese justice minister, detailing your reasons for surrender.

You must submit a translated, certified copy of your birth certificate, evidence of alternative nationality, a thorough explanation about your circumstances and a legal declaration expressing your renounce intention.

Following the submission, you must exercise patience as the process can be lengthy. During this period, your petition is thoroughly examined and deliberated upon.

Providing false information at this stage is penalized severely. If your application satisfies the established requirements, the justice minister grants approval.

The relinquishing process concludes with an official declaration made in a Portuguese consulate or embassy if you’re abroad, or the Central Registry Office if you’re in Portugal. This act effectively divests you of the rights and obligations associated with being Portuguese.

 However, it’s worth noting this action is irreversible. Once the official declaration is made, reclaiming Portuguese citizenship can be a burdensome, lengthy process. Therefore, it’s crucial to weigh the implications adequately before proceeding with this major decision.

Renaturalization Of Portuguese Citizenship

Renaturalisation of Portuguese citizenship is a process facilitated to regain national identity. Generally, it allows individuals who have lost their Portuguese nationality, either by choice or involuntarily, to reclaim it.

In Portugal, the right to nationality is regulated by the Nationality Law, revised in 2006. This law tightens the bond between a citizen and the State, catering to the complexities of a multicultural society. It provides two primary routes for renaturalisation—by descent and by naturalization.

Renaturalisation by descent is often sought by descendants of Portuguese emigrants. It acknowledges the child’s undoubted links with the Portuguese culture, thereby reinforcing the common national identity

Renaturalisation by naturalization is offered to foreigners who’ve demonstrated a significant connection with Portugal, contributing to its economic, social, scientific, or cultural enhancement

Still, the journey towards renaturalisation necessitates patience and resilience, as the process involves fulfilling conditions like substantial residence in Portugal, understanding the Portuguese language, and having sufficient income.

It is vital to consult an immigration lawyer or expert to clarify the requirements and guide through this procedural pathway, emphasizing the legal dimensions and potential challenges every step of the way. This can amicably usher in a successful transition towards regaining one’s Portuguese citizenship.

Conclusion:

By now, you should be well-versed in the ins and outs of acquiring Portuguese citizenship. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, but the finish line is a passport with a lot of perks. Whether it’s the sun-kissed beaches or the Nata pastries calling you, Portugal is ready to embrace you. Tchau for now!

Citizenship Sorted!

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