How to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship

Portuguese citizenship may be granted to individuals of local origin, those adopted by Portuguese citizens, children born to migrants (provided certain conditions are met), and descendants of Sephardic Jews. A passport is also available to foreigners who have legally resided in the country for five years or who are married to a Portuguese citizen. The state’s immigration policy allows applicants to acquire legal status, provided they comply with the rule of law and fulfill the established requirements, which vary depending on the applicant’s category. The process of granting Portuguese citizenship is governed by the Citizenship Law and Regulation No. 237-A/2006.

The advantages of acquiring Portuguese citizenship include the country’s strong economic development, political stability, and appeal as a tourist destination. Since Portugal is a member of the European Union, obtaining its passport automatically grants EU citizenship and all the related benefits. Below in the article, we explain in detail the available routes to acquiring a Portuguese passport, which documents are required, how to check your application status, and other essential points.

Benefits of Holding a Portuguese Passport

• The right to reside permanently in any EU country upon completing a registration procedure.
• The ability to work in Portugal and across the EU without the need for work permits.
• Free or discounted university education in Portugal and other EU member states.
• Full coverage of medical expenses through health insurance and access to emergency care in EU clinics.
• Access to government social benefits (retirement, child, and unemployment payments).
• Visa-free travel to 175 countries.
• The right to work in public institutions.
• The ability to vote and run for office in elections.

What Is Required to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship

To become a citizen of Portugal, a foreign applicant must meet the legal requirements established by law, which vary depending on the route pursued. However, the following conditions are generally mandatory in all cases:

• No criminal record for offenses punishable by a prison sentence of three years or more under Portuguese law.
• No involvement in activities related to terrorism.

These conditions do not apply to children born abroad to Portuguese citizens or minors under 16 years of age born to foreign parents who have resided legally in Portugal for at least five years.

Legal Pathways to Obtaining a Portuguese Passport

In 2025, you can acquire a Portuguese passport through the following means:

• descent;
• adoption;
• naturalization;
• marriage

There is also a separate provision for descendants of Sephardic Jews. While Portugal does not offer direct citizenship in exchange for investment, it operates a residency-by-investment program that can lead to naturalization and eventual citizenship. In most cases, giving birth in the country will not automatically entitle the child to Portuguese citizenship. However, under specific conditions, children born on Portuguese territory to foreign nationals may become eligible.

Birth, Descent, and Adoption

The following children automatically acquire Portuguese citizenship:

• Those born in Portugal to a Portuguese mother or father.
• Those born abroad to a Portuguese citizen, provided the birth is registered with a Portuguese civil registry office.
• Those born in Portugal who do not possess any other nationality.

Minors adopted by Portuguese citizens automatically acquire Portuguese citizenship. In addition, there are two scenarios in which children born in Portugal to foreign nationals may apply for citizenship:

• if the child was born on or after October 8, 1981, in Timor and holds a baptism certificate (or if one of the parents holds such a certificate);
• upon reaching adulthood and demonstrating knowledge of the Portuguese language, if the person was born in Portugal and has lived there for at least 10 years.

Children born abroad with a Portuguese grandparent may also apply for citizenship. In this case, the applicant must prove proficiency in the Portuguese language or demonstrate other evidence of a strong connection to Portuguese society — for example, by living in Portugal or visiting regularly.

Marriage

Individuals who have been married to or in a de facto union with a Portuguese citizen for at least three years are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. There is no requirement for the applicant to have resided in Portugal — it is sufficient that the union has lasted for the legally defined period and remains valid at the time of application. However, the applicant must not be employed in a governmental position in another country or engaged in voluntary military service abroad. The legal basis for acquiring Portuguese citizenship through marriage must be confirmed by a marriage certificate or a court ruling certifying the couple’s relationship during the required time period. In cases of civil unions, the Portuguese partner must also submit a signed declaration affirming the continuation of their cohabitation.

Naturalization

This is the most common and accessible route for foreigners to obtain Portuguese citizenship, but it is also the most demanding in terms of legal requirements. In addition to the general criteria, naturalization applicants must:

• Be of legal adult age.
• Have resided legally in Portugal for at least five years.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Portuguese language.

The naturalization process is lengthy and involves several stages — obtaining a visa, acquiring a residence permit based on a legal ground (such as employment, business, education, family reunification, or investment), potentially applying for permanent residency, and finally submitting a citizenship application. Minors or legally incapacitated children of the applicant may be included in the application if certain conditions are met — such as the parents acquiring citizenship after the child’s birth, submission of a declaration, and evidence of connection to Portuguese society.

Simplified Naturalization for Descendants of Sephardic Jews

A simplified path to Portuguese citizenship is available for descendants of Sephardic Jews. To qualify, the applicant must be of legal adult age, be able to prove Sephardic ancestry, and show affiliation with the Portuguese Sephardic community. The application must include a declaration of the applicant’s nationality, parental information, and marital status. It should also describe the facts supporting their Sephardic heritage. The document must be signed in the presence of an authorized official. Additionally, a certificate issued by a recognized Jewish community in Portugal is required.

How to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship

The process of acquiring a Portuguese passport through naturalization involves several stages, including obtaining a visa, applying for a residence permit, periodically renewing the residency status, and optionally requesting permanent residency. Once eligibility for citizenship is established, the applicant must pass a language proficiency test, prepare the required documents, submit an application to the competent authority, and await the decision.

Obtaining a Residence Permit

Before relocating to Portugal with the intention of eventual naturalization, it is necessary to apply for a residence visa that will allow you to obtain a residence permit. This visa permits two entries into the country and a stay of up to four months, during which time the residence permit must be requested. The visa application must be submitted at the Portuguese consulate or embassy in the applicant’s country of residence.

The residence permit, based on the legal ground under which the person intends to remain in Portugal, is requested through AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) — the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum — at the applicant’s place of residence in Portugal. The first residence permit is generally issued for up to one year and can be extended in two-year increments, provided the foreign national continues to meet the conditions under which it was initially granted. After five years of legal residence with a temporary permit and compliance with all other requirements, one may apply either for permanent residency or directly for Portuguese citizenship as a national of an EU member state.

Language Proficiency Test

When submitting a citizenship application, the applicant must provide proof of Portuguese language proficiency, which is included in the case file. Proficiency may be demonstrated through a diploma issued by a local educational institution or a certificate from an approved language test. This test can be taken at:

• a certification center recognized by the Ministry of Education;
• an office of the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training;
• a public educational institution;
• an employment and training center.

This requirement does not apply to applicants born in a Portuguese-speaking country who hold its citizenship. If the applicant has speech or writing impairments, they are still required to take a language test, which will be adapted to their condition.

Document Collection and Preparation

As part of the standard naturalization procedure, the applicant must compile a case file that includes:

• a copy of the birth certificate;
• a completed application form in Portuguese, following the official template;
• a document issued by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) confirming legal residence in Portugal for the required period;
• a criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the country where the applicant has resided since the age of 16;
• a certificate confirming Portuguese language proficiency.

All documents issued by foreign authorities must be translated into Portuguese and duly legalized.

Citizenship Application Submission

The citizenship application form can be downloaded from the official website of the Ministry of Justice. Each field must be completed with the required information, and the document must be signed in the presence of a civil registry officer at the time of submission. If the case file is submitted by mail, the signature must be witnessed by an authorized specialist who can verify the identity of the signatory.

An application for Portuguese citizenship may be submitted:

• online (provided the applicant is represented by a lawyer);
• in person at the National Immigrant Support Center in Lisbon or Porto;
• at a regional civil registry office;
• or by post to the central civil registry office.

There is no legally defined deadline for the authorities to reach a decision. However, applicants can track the progress of their citizenship application online. Upon registration, the applicant receives an access code. This code can be used to request updates on the current stage of the process.

The decision is sent to the email address provided during the registration of the application. Once citizenship is granted, the new citizen is added to Portugal’s civil registry.

Timeframes and Costs of Portuguese Citizenship Processing

The processing time for a Portuguese visa application is up to 60 days, with a similar timeframe for residence permit (residency card) issuance. Before applying for permanent residency or citizenship, a temporary residence permit is typically renewed twice, each time for a period of two years. The review period for each renewal generally takes up to one month.

Applying for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization costs €250, which is the official application fee. Additional expenses may arise from translation and legalization of documents.

The full naturalization process — from visa to citizenship — generally takes a minimum of six years, accounting for the time needed to process each stage. The procedure can be significantly streamlined by working with experienced immigration professionals, who provide reliable support at every step.

Portuguese Citizen Passport: How to Obtain It After Naturalization

To verify identity within the country, Portuguese citizens are issued a citizen card (Cartão de Cidadão), which functions as the national ID. This document is mandatory from as early as 20 days after birth and comes in a card format with the holder’s photo, personal data, and a microchip.

For international travel outside the EU and Schengen Area, Portuguese citizens use a passport, which conforms to EU standards — a booklet with a burgundy cover.

The citizen card for a newborn is usually issued directly at the maternity hospital. Adults can request it through the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN), Citizen Service Points, Nascer Cidadão service points, or Portuguese consulates. When applying, it is recommended to provide all available identification documents such as a valid ID, taxpayer card, social security card, national health system user number, and voter registration number.

The cost of the citizen card depends on the validity period, processing speed, and the region where the request is submitted. The fee typically ranges from €15 to €70.

The passport can be requested at civil registry offices, citizen service points, or consulates. An appointment must be booked online or by phone. At the time of the passport application, the applicant must already hold a valid citizen card, which must be presented at the appointment.

Standard processing takes 5 business days, while expedited options are available — 2-day or 1-day issuance. Passport costs range from €65 to €135, depending on processing speed and the place of application. Home delivery can be arranged for an additional €10 or €30, depending on location and service level.

Dual Citizenship in Portugal: Is a Second Passport Allowed?

Portuguese law does not prohibit citizens from holding dual citizenship. However, it is essential to distinguish between dual and second citizenship — a subtle but important difference. If two countries have a formal agreement recognizing the rights and responsibilities of individuals holding both nationalities, the individual is considered a bipatrid (dual citizen). In contrast, second citizenship typically applies when a person is recognized exclusively as a national in each respective country, with no formal agreement in place — but without the obligation to renounce their original citizenship.

According to Portuguese legislation, foreign nationals seeking legal residency in the country may retain their original citizenship while acquiring Portuguese nationality. Once granted a Portuguese identity document, they may choose which passport to use, for example, to travel visa-free to specific countries or to reside in various regions of the world. Importantly, Portuguese authorities do not inform the country of origin about the individual’s acquisition of Portuguese citizenship.

Refusal and Revocation of Portuguese Citizenship

Authorities may deny a citizenship application if the applicant:

• lacks a demonstrable connection to Portuguese society;
• has been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment of three years or more;
• holds official duties or is engaged in non-mandatory military service for a foreign country;
• poses a threat to national defense or public security;
• submits incomplete documentation or inaccurate personal information essential to the decision-making process.

If it is discovered that citizenship was granted based on fraudulent or false documentation, the status may be revoked. To minimize the risk of rejection or future revocation, it is crucial to thoroughly review eligibility criteria and ensure compliance. All documents must be accurately prepared in accordance with legal standards.

During the naturalization process, applicants must also ensure timely renewal of their residence permits, as illegal stay in the country may result in deportation and could complicate or prevent future immigration efforts.

Assistance with Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship

To acquire the desired status efficiently and with minimal personal time investment, it is highly advisable to seek support from qualified professionals. Testimonials from migrants who have benefited from expert assistance confirm that working with specialists helps eliminate the risk of errors during document preparation, procedural steps, and potential delays associated with them.