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A complete guide to the application process for Portuguese citizenship
Portugal has remained one of the most popular European countries for foreign nationals emigrating abroad. There are many benefits to gaining Portuguese citizenship, including access to the country’s robust healthcare and educational systems, obtaining a Portuguese passport, and the ability to freely travel across the Schengen region in Europe.
This guide will summarise all the Portuguese citizenship application hub information, including the process, costs, factors to consider, and when foreign nationals would benefit from Portuguese immigration lawyers (Advogados).
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
The benefits of gaining citizenship in Portugal and the application procedure, depending on the route chosen.
Discover how long the application process takes for Portuguese citizenship.
Find out how much it costs to become a Portuguese citizen and what factors may alter this.
Browse the different considerations a foreign national should make before applying for Portuguese citizenship.
Find out when foreign nationals should seek legal advice from Portuguese immigration lawyers (Advogados).
The application procedure for citizenship in Portugal
Portugal is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, so it is no wonder that tourists and foreign nationals often populate the country. If you are interested in gaining Portuguese citizenship, there are several pathways to consider, each with its own eligibility criteria, requirements, and costs:
By naturalisation: The updated Portuguese Nationality Act allows a foreign national to apply for citizenship five years after the date of the first residency application.
By descent or birth: If a person can prove they have a Portuguese parent or grandparent, they may be eligible to apply for citizenship.
By marriage or de facto union: Foreigners can apply for Portuguese citizenship after being married to a Portuguese national or in a cohabiting couple for at least three years.
By investment: Through the Golden Visa programme, foreign nationals can gain residency and eventual citizenship in Portugal through significant commercial financial investment.
Applying for Portuguese citizenship is often undertaken in person with the Centro de At Consular. Consular. The application process involves presenting all correct documentation and ensuring that you meet the eligibility criteria. Required documentation includes:
Birth certificate
Current passport
Evidence of a current residency permit
Evidence of place of birth, current residence, and a list of countries previously resided in
Criminal record certificate
Marriage certificate
Proof of Portuguese knowledge – this includes a Portuguese language test to demonstrate an understanding of the Portuguese language, history and culture (CIPLE - Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira).
For more information, read our expert guide on the application process for Portuguese citizenship and the benefits of becoming a citizen in Portugal here.
How long does it take to obtain Portuguese citizenship?
Foreign nationals can apply for Portuguese citizenship after a certain period, depending on their eligibility and the path they have chosen to citizenship. For example, with a residency permit, foreigners can apply for citizenship by naturalisation after living in Portugal for five years.
After submitting the citizenship (cidadania) application with the necessary documentation, it will be processed by the Portuguese Immigration Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras – SEF) to determine validity. The country receives many applications every year, which can take several months to two years.
For more information, read our guide on how long the citizenship application process takes in Portugal here.
To speed up the application process, consider seeking help from experienced immigration lawyers. Giambrone & Partners will help gather and examine the required documentation to ensure everything is correct and valid. This will help ensure your application is not rejected due to avoidable errors.
Browse our Portuguese citizenship services and how our cross-border lawyers can help you here.
How much does it cost to apply for Portuguese citizenship?
Applying to become a Portuguese citizen can vary in cost depending on your reasons for application. If you wish to apply by descent through your parents or grandparents, the application process is €175. If you were born in Portugal to non-Portuguese parents, the fee is €225. If you are investing in the country, have married a Portuguese national, or have been naturalised and wish to finally become a Portuguese citizen, it will cost you €250.
Apart from the application fee, there are other costs to consider and be aware of when applying for Portuguese citizenship, including:
Translating documents
Criminal record check
Health certificate
Legal fees
Find out more about the cost of applying for Portuguese citizenship here.
Though this is an additional cost, seeking help during the application process is extremely beneficial. Our Portuguese immigration lawyers at Giambrone & Partners can not only translate all relevant documents on your behalf but can also submit all applications - combining the fees and giving you peace of mind.
Contact our multijurisdictional immigration lawyers to request a callback here.
What factors should you consider when applying to become a Portuguese citizen?
In Portugal, applying for citizenship is regarded as extremely accessible, although future challenges may arise depending on the route chosen. Foreign nationals should consider all the factors before the application process begins to help reduce potential issues with the eligibility of their citizenship claim.
Under new citizenship laws, if you are applying for Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation, you must reside in the country for at least five years. You may also want to consider the type of visa you hold, with popular options including the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa programme. Other factors to consider are how to prove your integration into the Portuguese community and passing the required language test.
By marriage or de facto union to a Portuguese national, applicants may want to consider what would happen if the couple separated or divorced. If your citizenship application is still being processed at the time of separation, the situation could be complicated.
When do I need a Portuguese immigration lawyer?
As with any country, applying to become a Portuguese citizen may present several challenges that could slow or prevent the acceptance of the application. These include residency requirements, language barriers, proving a strong connection to Portugal, as well as the differing immigration laws.
A Portuguese immigration lawyer is an invaluable resource for foreign nationals navigating the often-complicated application process.
These experienced lawyers (Advogados) will help gather the required documentation, ensure your documents are valid, up-to-date and compliant with Portuguese law. You may benefit from a Portuguese immigration lawyer:
If you are unsure of your eligibility
If you are applying through the Golden Visa programme
If you are applying for other residency visas
If you are uncertain about which pathway to choose
If a previous citizenship application failed
If you are dealing with dual citizenship issues or complexities surrounding renunciation
For more information, read our guide on when a foreign national requires a Portuguese immigration lawyer during the citizenship application here.
Giambrone & Partners offers specialised services regarding citizenship and immigration. If you would like to become a Portuguese citizen, our experienced lawyers will assess your eligibility, help gather documentation, and choose the best route for your requirements.
Contact our Portuguese immigration lawyers to request a callback here.
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Applying to be a Portuguese Citizen The Benefits & Process