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The Cost of Applying for Portuguese Citizenship
Since leaving the EU, gaining citizenship in European countries as a British national has been more difficult, with many turning to legal advice to help speed the process along. If you wish to become a Portuguese citizen, there are various steps you can take and costs to be aware of. With the help of Giambrone and Partners’ Portuguese lawyers, you can anticipate these fees, and any other obstacles, before they arise.
In our guide, we will explore the cost of applying for Portuguese citizenship, as well any other additional hidden costs. We will also discuss the different means of obtaining citizenship in Portugal, how long it takes to be granted Portuguese citizenship and how our lawyers at Giambrone and Partners can help.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
Discover the cost of applying for Portuguese citizenship
Find out if there are any other costs where Portuguese citizenship is concerned
There are various ways in which you can obtain citizenship in Portugal
Gaining Portuguese citizenship can take time, which can be shortened with the help of an experienced lawyer
How we can assist
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 process of application is €175. If you were born in Portugal to non-Portuguese parents, the fee is €225. If you are investing in the country, you have married a Portuguese national or you have been naturalised and wish to finally become a Portuguese citizen, it will cost you €250.
You can pay this fee online, by cheque or by post. As well as being granted citizenship, this fee covers the processing of your application, your certificate of citizenship and your residence card.
Are There Any Other Hidden Costs Associated with Portuguese Citizenship?
Apart from your application fees, there are other costs you should be aware of when applying for Portuguese citizenship. These include:
Translation of documents: if any documents need to be translated, this will cost an additional fee. Fees range from €30 to €100 per document.
Criminal Record check and certificate: to prove you have a clean criminal record, obtaining this certificate will cost between €25 and €50.
Health certificate: this can cost around €50.
Legal fees: utilising the assistance of a qualified lawyer can help speed up processes, but it is an additional fee to consider. Our Portuguese immigration lawyers at Giambrone and Partners can not only translate all relevant documents on your behalf, but can submit all applications, combining all fees and giving your peace of mind.
You can find out more about our Portuguese immigration services here.
What are the Different Routes to Citizenship in Portugal?
Ways to obtain Portuguese citizenship include:
By birth: if you were born in Portugal, but moved to another country when you were younger, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. If you are applying on behalf of your child, you will need their birth certificate and yours or your spouse’s passport. If you are over 18, you will need a form of ID, a marriage certificate if applicable, and your birth certificate.
By descent: if your parents or grandparents are Portuguese, you can gain citizenship this way. This is by far the easiest route, and you will need to submit proof of lineage, your birth certificate and a criminal record check. You will also have to pass a test on Portuguese history and culture.
By marriage: if you marry a Portuguese citizen, you can apply for citizenship. You must have been married for at least four continuous years, and must be registered in the Portuguese system.
By naturalisation: to become a naturalised Portuguese citizen, you must have been living in Portugal for at least five years. You must also be able to demonstrate your knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, and you must have a clean criminal record.
By investment: also known as the Golden Visa program, this method only takes a few months to process. There are investment requirements you must meet, however, to obtain this.
You can find out more about the Portuguese citizenship process in our previous guide here .
How Long Does an Application for Portuguese Citizenship Take?
The time it takes to become a Portuguese citizen depends on the route you take. If you wish to gain citizenship by investing, this is the quickest process, and only take a few months. However, to renew your Portuguese Golden Visa, you must visit Portugal for at least seven days in the first year and fourteen days in the following years.
If you’re married, the process can take up to two years. Naturalisation, if done correctly, can take 6-24 months to complete. A Portuguese immigration lawyer can help speed this process up significantly.
How Giambrone and Partners Can Help
At Giambrone and Partners, our lawyers play a crucial role in helping you become a citizen of Portugal by guiding you through the complex legal processes involved in acquiring citizenship. They can assess your eligibility and provide assistance when submitting documents, as well as navigating the legal landscape in Portugal, ensuring you are compliant. If you need to attend any legal proceedings, we will assist you every step of the way.
Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you gain citizenship into Portugal.