Different Ways of Acquiring the Portuguese Citizenship

Rafael Galhano de Almeida | Lawyer

The Portuguese passport is one of the most desirable passports in the world, granting visa-free entry or visa on arrival access to 187 countries and territories around the world. 

With Portugal being a State member of the European Union, a Portuguese citizen is also a citizen of the European Union. A Portuguese citizen is allowed free rights of movement and residence in any of the States of the European Union (EU), The European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Also, the family members of a Portuguese citizen are given the possibility to reside in any EU country. 

There are multiple ways to acquire the Portuguese citizenship. The most common is the citizenship by naturalization. The Government grants Portuguese citizenship, by naturalization, to foreigners who cumulatively meet the following requirements: 

• They are of age or emancipated under Portuguese law;
• They have lived legally in Portugal for at least five years;
• They have sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language;
• They have not been convicted with a sentence of imprisonment of three years or more for a crime punishable under Portuguese law; and
• They do not constitute a danger or threat to national security or defense, by their involvement in activities related to the practice of terrorism, under the terms of the respective law. 

There is also the possibility to acquire the Portuguese citizenship through marriage or non-marital union. According to the Law, a foreigner married to a Portuguese national for more than three years may acquire Portuguese citizenship. Also, a foreigner who lives in a long-term civil partnership for more than three years with a Portuguese national may acquire Portuguese nationality, after an action for recognition of that situation to be filed in the civil court. 

The Portuguese citizenship can also be acquired by investment. The applicant should invest in the country through one of the investment routes allowed by the Golden Visa program, such as in art & culture, scientific research, investment funds, companies and the creation of a certain number of job positions and maintain the investment for at least five years. The applicant only needs to stay in Portugal for at least 14 days during a 2-year period. 

A special regime, in force since 2015, still grants the Portuguese citizenship to descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews. Since 2022, the application shall be accompanied by a certificate or another supporting documents proving:

• Ownership, transferred mortis cause, of rights over real estate located in Portugal, other rights of shareholding in commercial or cooperative companies based in Portugal, OR
• Regular trips to Portugal throughout the applicant’s life when these facts demonstrate an effective and lasting connection to Portugal.

The Portuguese Parliament did not decide yet, but it is predictable that this special regime will end by 2024. 

If you have further questions regarding this matter, please get in touch with us. We will be delighted to assist you.