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Factors to consider before applying for Portuguese citizenship
Portugal is widely regarded as one of the most popular countries in the European Union (EU) for foreign nationals to gain citizenship, with various paths available. The citizenship process is generally accessible, although future challenges and considerations may arise depending on the route chosen. For those looking to become a Portuguese citizen, understanding these potential complications can be essential in making informed decisions and ensuring a smooth application process.
This guide will explore the different considerations a foreign national should make before applying for Portuguese citizenship, as well as how citizenship lawyers can help navigate challenges.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
Discover the benefits of becoming a Portuguese citizen, particularly if you are a British national.
Discover the factors to consider when applying through naturalisation.
Find out what foreign nationals should consider when applying for citizenship through marriage.
Find out if there are any other factors to consider that may impact the Portuguese citizenship application.
Discover how our citizenship and immigration lawyers can help with Portuguese nationality applications.
Read the most common queries on Portuguese citizenship.
What are the benefits of obtaining Portuguese citizenship?
Portugal is known as a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, populated by many foreigners each year. One of the major advantages of gaining citizenship is the country’s position in the EU, which can be beneficial for British nationals in a post-Brexit society.
Portuguese citizens enjoy the freedom to travel freely within the Schengen Area, a zone comprising 27 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders. For frequent travellers or for those looking to set up a company in Portugal, this is an invaluable asset, allowing unrestricted travel for both personal and business reasons.
For more information, read our expert guides on setting up a business in Portugal as a foreign national here.
Citizenship also allows foreign nationals to gain a Portuguese passport, which is one of the most powerful in the world. Becoming a Portuguese citizen also grants access to the country’s public services, such as robust healthcare (Serviço Nacional de Saúde, or SNS), social security, and educational systems. For students, Portuguese universities are known for their health standards, and having citizenship ensures that you or your family members can benefit from the tuition rates.
Read our expert guide on applying to be a Portuguese citizen and the benefits here.
By naturalisation: Applying for Portuguese citizenship considerations
For those considering applying for Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation, it is important to note that recent legislative changes have made this process more accessible. Previously, a minimum residency period of six years was required before an individual could apply for citizenship. This has now been reduced to just five years.
However, though this legislation has reduced the residency period before citizenship, there are considerations still to make to avoid potential issues with the application:
Type of visa
The type of visa you hold when residing in Portugal can influence your eligibility for citizenship and affect your residency status. Two popular options for foreign nationals are the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa.
Learn more about Portuguese residence permits and work visas here.
Proving your integration into the Portuguese community
While there is no strict formula for proving this, several factors can strengthen your application. Engaging with the community, whether through your job, participation in local events, or involvement with Portuguese organisations, can serve as evidence of your ties to the country.
Language proficiency and Portuguese language test
All applicants must pass a Portuguese language test, known as the CIPLE A2 exam, which assesses proficiency at a basic level. This test evaluates your understanding of Portuguese in everyday contexts, ensuring you can communicate effectively in the country.
By marriage or de facto union to a Portuguese national: Applying for citizenship
Unlike the naturalisation path, if you have been married to a Portuguese national for three years, you can apply for citizenship without the residency period. This is also the same for a de facto union; where two people live together without marriage.
Though this process can be faster than other methods, it still requires careful consideration:
What happens if you divorce or separate?
In cases of divorce or separation, the outcome may depend on whether you have already obtained citizenship. If your application is still being processed at the time of separation, the situation could be complicated.
However, if you become a Portuguese citizen through marriage or de facto union, you maintain your citizenship after the relationship ends.
Find out more about divorce in Portugal as a foreign national with our expert guide here.
What if your spouse lives abroad?
If your Portuguese spouse resides in a different country or you are living apart for extended periods, this could also raise questions about the legitimacy of your application. Applicants may need to provide additional evidence, such as a marriage certificate, to demonstrate that the relationship is legitimate and that they are committed to living in Portugal together, including an understanding and appreciation of Portuguese culture.
Impact on children
In cases where the couple has children, the process may become somewhat simpler. Children born to one Portuguese parent automatically inherit the right to citizenship, and this connection can support your own application, particularly if the family lives in Portugal.
Are there any other challenges to consider when applying to be a Portuguese citizen?
Before applying for Portuguese citizenship, checking whether your birth country allows dual citizenship is essential. While Portugal permits dual nationality, not all countries do, such as The Netherlands and Japan. If your home country prohibits it, you may need to renounce your original nationality; such cases require careful consideration, as this is a significant step. If you are a British national, the UK allows dual citizenship with Portugal.
Another challenge can be navigating the complexities of international law and cross-border matters. Working with multilingual and multijurisdictional lawyers (Advogados) who have extensive experience can significantly ease this process, especially when it comes to ensuring compliance with both Portuguese and UK legal systems. These experts can guide you through any potential legal issues, helping you at every stage of the citizenship process.
How Giambrone & Partners’ citizenship lawyers can help you become a Portuguese citizen
Applying for Portuguese citizenship can be a complex process, especially for those navigating multiple jurisdictions or dealing with specific challenges related to visas, language requirements, or marital status
To simplify the application process, consider instructing our experienced citizenship lawyers. Giambrone & Partners is an international law firm that specialises in cross-border matters, offering tailored services that depend on the specifications of your case.
When applying for Portuguese citizenship, our citizenship lawyers can assist with document preparation, and assessing your application validity to reduce the risk of the request being rejected due to an avoidable error.
Contact the Giambrone & Partners team for more information or to request a callback with our citizenship lawyers.
Frequently asked questions
What documents are needed to apply for Portuguese nationality?
The documentation and evidence required vary depending on the chosen path to citizenship. This information is important to strengthen your claim to Portuguese citizenship and to show why it should be granted. To support an application, applicants must provide:
Birth certificate
Proven knowledge of the Portuguese language
Current passport or travel ID
Evidence of a current residency permit
Evidence of date and place of birth
Foreign nationals applying through naturalisation must also supply a document issued by the SEF proving that they have legally been a resident of Portugal for at least five years.
Find out how our citizenship lawyers (Advogados) can help you in Portugal here.
Related content
How long does Portuguese citizenship take?