The country of Portugal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In essence, the Portuguese passport is also one of the strongest passports in the world that makes travelling across Europe easier. Portuguese citizenship is of various types and each one comes with distinct requirements and eligibility criteria.

Benefits of Moving to Portugal 

Portugal is not all about a holiday destination but a place where you can find the actual meaning of a happy life. And you can expect a lot of spectacular options when you move to Portugal.

·         Quality Life

Portugal is known for its pleasant climate and atmosphere. With beautiful beaches and landscapes, it provides a splendid quality of life.

·         Low Cost of Living

An affordable lifestyle is one of the best trademarks of Portugal. This is why expats love and enjoy living in Portugal since living there does not force them to break the bank.

·         Atmosphere and Environment 

Regarded as one of the safest places in the world., Portugal offers its residents the best environment to thrive. Also being one of the safest countries in the world, you can enjoy a comfortable life here.

·         Citizenship 

Portugal offers residential options and freedom to its expats. It further improves the pathways to citizenship alongside its Golden Visa program with other immigration sources.

·         Education and Healthcare 

For families and retirees, good education and affordable and quality healthcare is essential. Thanks to Portugal, it is all an accessible reality with ease.

·         Exploration Opportunities 

Given Portugal’s geographical location, it sets you at the perfect place to begin further exploration into other countries and cities of Europe.

Portuguese Citizenship by Birth

The simplest citizenship method is by birth. You can easily get Portuguese citizenship if you are born in Portugal or one of your parents is born in Portugal. If you are born in Portugal, you are automatically a certified Portuguese citizen. Also, if you are born outside of Portugal and either of your parents was born in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.

To apply for the Portuguese citizenship, you must visit the nearest consulate or embassy with the following documents:

  • Birth certificate of child
  • Portuguese passport and identification card of one of Portuguese national parent
  • Birth certificate of the non-Portuguese parent authorised by their country of origin

In case the applicant is 18 years or older, they can apply for the Portuguese citizenship by birth by appearing in person with the following documents:

  • Identification documents with picture signature. Identification documents can be passports driver’s licenses etc.
  • Marriage certificate
  • Certified copy of the long form of your birth certificate

Portuguese Citizenship by Descent 

There is another way you can earn Portuguese citizenship and that is through descent. This citizenship method is feasible if you have a parent or a grandparent born in Portugal. You will though need to prove your lineage by applying for this visa.

Here are the necessary documents to process your Portuguese citizenship by descent:

  • Birth certificate authenticated by Apostille and translated into the Portuguese language. This document must highlight that the applicant’s parents recognized him/her while he/she was a minor.
  • Birth certificate of a Portuguese grandparent
  • Birth certificate of the Portuguese parent and the document that must highlight that the parent was recognized by the grandparent while he/she was a minor.
  • A document highlighting that the applicant has good knowledge of Portuguese idiom
  • Criminal record check from the country of applicant’s origin and all the other countries where the applicant stayed after turning 16.

Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage 

The Portuguese citizenship can be attained if you are married to a Portuguese citizen. However, this citizenship by marriage is only eligible if you are married to a Portuguese citizen for at least three years and your marriage is registered in the Portuguese system.

Here are the required documents to process this citizenship request:

  • A certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
  • Copy of Portuguese spouse’s birth certificate issued within the last 6 months certifying your marriage registration
  • Copy of spouse’s passport with father’s ID card
  • Criminal record check from the country of applicant’s origin and all the other countries where the applicant stayed after turning 16.
  • Handwritten letter to clarify the motive behind applying for citizenship

Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation 

In case you do not qualify for Portuguese citizenship by birth, descent, or marriage, you can try another way. It is known as Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation. For this, you have to prove three things:

  1. You have been living in Portugal legally and without any interruptions for the past five years
  2. Your knowledge is good over the Portuguese language
  3. You have no previous criminal convictions

In order to apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation, you need the following documents at your disposal:

  • Proof of residence in Portugal
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate if applicable
  • Proof of proficiency in the Portuguese language
  • Criminal record

Why work with Portugal Residency Advisors?

·         Local Expertise

We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.

·         Holistic Approach

One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.

·         Transparent Service

We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money for clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.

·         Simple Process

Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portuguese Citizenship 

  1. What are the other ways to apply for Portuguese citizenship?

Apart from the above-mentioned ways, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship through:

  • Citizenship by Investment through The Golden Visa Program
  • Citizenship by Adoption by being adopted by a Portuguese citizen
  • The Sephardic Jewish Route
  1. What are the limitations of the Citizenship by Investment scheme?

This scheme makes you eligible for Portuguese nationality by:

  • Investment in property worth €500,000
  • At least €350,000 investment in a qualifying investment fund
  • Transferring €1million to your Portuguese bank account
  • Hiring at least 10 Portuguese nationals to work for your company
  • Making a capital transfer of €350,000 for scientific research