Portuguese citizenship grants individuals an array of benefits. These include visa-free access to over 180 countries worldwide, as well as access to the social, economic, and political rights of the European Union (EU). Portuguese citizens have the freedom to live, work, study, and travel across member states without additional visas.
The pathways to Portugal citizenship range from birth and descent, to marriage, to naturalisation after lawful residence, each with its own requirements and timelines. Recent legal reforms have reshaped some of these routes, reflecting evolving national priorities and integration standards.
This guide explains how citizenship works in Portugal, including who qualifies, the key benefits, the main eligibility routes, and what applicants need to know before starting the process.
Key Points of Portuguese Citizenship
- EU citizenship rights: Portuguese citizenship automatically grants European Union citizenship, allowing freedom of movement, residence, work, and study across all EU member states.
- Multiple legal pathways: Citizenship in Portugal can be acquired through birth, descent, marriage or partnership, or naturalisation after legal residence.
- Residency requirement: Naturalisation is generally possible after five years of legal residence, one of the shortest timelines in Europe. However, this might change to 10 years soon.
- No renunciation required: Portugal permits dual citizenship, meaning applicants are not required to relinquish their original nationality.
- Language requirement: Applicants must demonstrate basic knowledge of Portuguese (A2 level), focusing on everyday communication rather than fluency.
- Strong passport value: A Portuguese passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a large number of countries worldwide, enhancing global mobility and long-term security.
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On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments to the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and from 5 to 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship. |
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However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review, where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended, but it might not be enacted because the law is not final until it is promulgated. |
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For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025 |
Benefits of Citizenship in Portugal
Travel freedom and EU benefits
As a Portuguese citizen, you can travel visa-free or get visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations worldwide. As an EU member, Portuguese citizens have the privilege of freely traveling, living, working, and studying in any EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country without requiring additional permits or visas.
EU residency rights
Portugal is a European Union country. This means that, alongside global travel benefits, Portuguese nationals can enjoy settlement, employment, and educational opportunities in all EU member states.
Access to quality healthcare and education
Becoming a Portuguese citizen grants access to Portugal's esteemed social security system, renowned for its robust healthcare services and quality education facilities. Additionally, Portuguese nationals can benefit from free education in top-tier institutions and government-sponsored healthcare programs.
High quality of life and affordable living costs
Portugal offers an excellent quality of life with its pleasant climate, safe surroundings, rich culinary culture, and historical heritage. Moreover, compared to other EU countries, Portugal boasts a relatively lower cost of living, making it an attractive and affordable choice for many individuals, including a significant influx of UK citizens and Americans in recent years.
Employment opportunities without work permits
Possessing a Portuguese passport guarantees lifelong employment prospects, both full-time and part-time, without the need for additional work permits.
Global mobility and passport power
The Portuguese passport is also among the most powerful globally, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries. According to Global Citizen Solutions' Global Passport Index, Portugal’s passport ranks 28th, higher than that of other countries such as South Korea, Greece, Malta, and Monaco. It scored 13th place in the Enhanced Mobility Index, 60th place in the Investment Index, and 13th place in the Quality of Living Index.
Ways to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship
Citizenship by descent or birth
Portuguese citizenship can be acquired by descent if the applicant has Portuguese ancestry. This most commonly applies to individuals with at least one Portuguese parent, but Portuguese nationality law also extends eligibility to those with Portuguese grandparents and, in certain cases, more distant ancestors.
The legal basis for this route is the principle of jus sanguinis, which allows nationality to be transmitted through bloodline rather than place of birth. Eligibility depends on proving a direct familial connection to a Portuguese citizen and, where required, demonstrating effective ties to Portugal.
The application process begins with identifying the qualifying ancestor and gathering official documentation that establishes lineage. This typically includes a birth certificate, marriage certificates, and, where applicable, death certificates linking the applicant to the Portuguese parent or grandparent.
Applicants must submit their documentation to the relevant Portuguese civil registry or consulate, where the claim to nationality is assessed. In cases involving parents, the process is generally straightforward. Claims through grandparents or earlier generations may involve additional scrutiny and, in some situations, proof of a genuine connection to the Portuguese community.
Once approved, citizenship by descent grants full Portuguese nationality, with the same rights and status as citizenship acquired by birth.
Citizenship by marriage
Foreigners who are married to a person with a Portuguese passport or Portuguese nationality may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship after three years of marriage.
The process for obtaining citizenship by marriage typically involves the following steps:
- Reside in Portugal for three years
- Demonstrate language proficiency and knowledge of Portuguese society and culture
- Prove that the marriage is legitimate through a marriage certificate
- Apply for citizenship
Citizenship by naturalization
Portuguese citizenship by naturalization is available to foreign nationals who have legally resided in Portugal for a minimum of five years. This residency must be lawful and continuous, although short absences are generally permitted.
Applicants must demonstrate basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level), have no serious criminal convictions, and show integration into Portuguese society. Unlike some European countries, Portugal does not require applicants to renounce their original nationality, as dual citizenship is permitted. Once granted, naturalized citizens enjoy the same rights as those who acquire citizenship by birth.
Citizenship for Sephardic Jews
Portugal’s Sephardic Jewish citizenship program, introduced in 2015 as a reparative measure for the expulsion of Sephardic Jews in the 15th century, is no longer open to new applicants in its original form.
Legislative changes that took effect in 2022 and were tightened further in 2023 ended the automatic nature of this route. Pending applications submitted before the legislative cut-off dates may still be processed, but outcomes depend on the applicant’s ability to meet the new legal thresholds.
These include a proven, long-term legal residence in Portugal and demonstrable, effective ties to the Portuguese community. In essence, these requirements make the Sephardic route functionally obsolete as a standalone pathway.
Citizenship by Investment: Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal’s citizenship by investment route is the Portugal Golden Visa. Although it doesn't provide a direct pathway to citizenship, the program allows non-EU nationals to obtain temporary Portuguese residency. After 5 years, they can apply for permanent residence and Portugal's citizenship.
The Portugal Golden Visa Program has several attractive investment options (real estate is no longer applicable), such as investment funds and cultural donations.
After acquiring the Golden Visa, applicants and their families (through family reunification) gain the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, as well as visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.
Eligibility is limited to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals who have a clean criminal record and complete a qualifying investment, typically through approved fund subscriptions.
One of the program’s key advantages is its minimal physical presence requirement: investors need to spend just seven days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period.
Dual Citizenship in Portugal
Portuguese nationality law permits dual nationality, allowing individuals to hold both Portuguese and their original citizenship. However, verifying whether your home country permits dual citizenship is important before you claim Portuguese citizenship.
Portuguese Citizenship Requirements
The exact requirements for Portuguese citizenship and the steps followed vary depending on the specific route. However, since citizenship through naturalization is the most common among expats, we'll take a closer look at those.
Legal residents applying for Portuguese citizenship are required to have:
- Been living legally in Portugal for a minimum of five years (which could change to 10 years soon)
- Valid residence permits throughout the qualifying period
- Proof of having basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level), such as passing the CIPLE exam
- Clean criminal record and no convictions punishable under Portuguese law
- Demonstrated integration into Portuguese society
- Proof of lawful means of subsistence
Portuguese residence permit
In order to be eligible for citizenship and permanent residency, you must have had legal residence in Portugal. If you’re married to a Portuguese passport holder or have Portuguese children, you must have had a Portugal residence permit for the previous three years.
Portuguese citizenship language test
The Portuguese citizenship language test assesses the applicant's proficiency in Portuguese. This test typically consists of both written and oral components, and applicants must achieve a minimum level of proficiency to pass. The specific requirements may vary depending on the applicant's age, education level, and other factors.
Criminal record certificate document
When applying for Portuguese citizenship, one requirement is to provide a criminal record certificate from every country where the applicant has lived for more than six months. This document is intended to demonstrate that the applicant has not been convicted of any crimes or engaged in any activities that would make them ineligible for citizenship.
Civic knowledge test
In addition to taking the Portuguese language test, applicants for Portuguese citizenship must also demonstrate their knowledge of the country's civic values and institutions. This typically involves passing a civic knowledge exam, which tests the applicant's understanding of Portuguese history, politics, and culture.
The exam may cover topics such as the Portuguese constitution, the country's legal system, and key events in Portuguese history. By requiring applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in Portuguese and their knowledge of Portuguese society, the citizenship process helps to ensure that new citizens are fully integrated into the country's social and political fabric.
Portuguese Citizenship Application Process
To obtain Portuguese citizenship, there are a few steps you’ll need to take.
- Fill out the application forms
- Submit all the necessary documents with the application fees
- Send your application along with all supporting documentation to the Portuguese Consulate (if you’re applying from your home country) or the Registry Office (if you’re applying from Portugal) for processing
The application form will be processed by the Registry Office, which will decide whether or not it believes that you qualify for citizenship.
If you are eligible, the Registry Office will send you an official letter of congratulations and inform you that your application has been approved. In case you are not eligible for citizenship, you will be informed by the Registry Office and given a reason why.
Cost of Applying for Portuguese Citizenship
When applying for Portuguese citizenship, several costs need to be considered:
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Additional Cost |
Fee |
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Application fee |
Approximately €175 |
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Criminal record certificate |
Between €25 and €50, depending on the issuing authority and whether it needs to be translated. |
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Health certificate |
Between €20 to €50, depending on the medical provider |
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Language test |
The CIPLE language test costs approximately €72 |
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Translation and notarization |
Generally around €30 to €100 per document |
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Legal fees |
From €500 to €1,500, depending on the complexity of the case and the services provided. |
Get in Touch
Our partners, Global Citizen Solutions, can assist you with getting a Golden Visa and acquiring Portuguese citizenship by investment. We can also advise you on alternative visas that offer an eventual route to citizenship, such as the D7 Visa.
We offer services that ease the process of getting Portuguese nationality, such as legal advice, NIF services, and bank account services. If you want to move to Portugal, you'll need a Portuguese bank account and a taxpayer identification number, known as the Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF). We can help you get both. Simply fill out an online form and get your NIF or open a Portuguese bank account from anywhere in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenship in Portugal
How good is Portuguese citizenship?
Portuguese citizenship has several benefits. As a Portuguese national, you have the privilege to freely travel, live, work, and study in any EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country without additional permits or visas required.
Ranked 31st overall in the Global Passport Index, the Portuguese passport also provides visa-free entry to 174 countries, making it a highly valuable asset for global mobility and access.
Is it easy to get citizenship in Portugal?
Obtaining citizenship in Portugal can be a straightforward process for those who meet the eligibility criteria. The process can take some time and requires paperwork and meeting legal requirements. However, Portugal has a relatively straightforward and efficient system for granting citizenship to foreigners.
Can a foreigner get citizenship in Portugal?
Yes, foreigners can obtain citizenship in Portugal through various routes, such as through marriage, investment, or having Portuguese ancestry. Foreigners who have legally resided in Portugal for a certain period may also be eligible for citizenship.
Who is eligible for Portuguese citizenship?
Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship depends on various factors, such as ancestry, marriage, and residency. Foreigners legally residing in Portugal for at least five years may be eligible for citizenship. Additionally, those who have Portuguese ancestry may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
How long does it take to get citizenship in Portugal?
The length of time it takes to obtain citizenship in Portugal varies depending on the individual's circumstances and the route they take. For example, citizenship by ancestry or marriage may take less time than citizenship by residency, which takes five years.
Are you eligible for Portuguese citizenship if you have a Portuguese grandparent?
You are eligible for Portuguese citizenship if at least one grandparent is Portuguese and you can prove the connection. You must show ties to the Portuguese community and meet basic language requirements. Applications are made under Article 1(d) of Portugal’s Nationality Law.
Can Portuguese citizens have dual citizenship?
Portuguese citizens can have dual citizenship. Portugal allows its nationals to acquire a second nationality without losing their Portuguese citizenship. This applies automatically unless the other country requires renunciation, in which case Portugal still permits retaining Portuguese nationality.
Can European nationals get Portuguese citizenship?
As a foreign national from another Member State of the European Union, you can apply for Portuguese nationality if you meet certain conditions. These include being born in Portugal, having Portuguese parents or grandparents, and being married to a Portuguese person.
How do you get Portuguese citizenship by descent?
You must first identify your claim to Portuguese ancestry, which can be through parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents. You'll also need to gather documentation proving your lineage to a Portuguese citizen. To meet the requirements for residency, you must demonstrate tangible connections with the Portuguese community.
How do I get a Portuguese passport?
You get a Portuguese passport by first becoming a Portuguese citizen. Portugal grants citizenship through descent, marriage, and long-term residence of 5 years. After citizenship approval, apply for the passport at the IRN or a Portuguese consulate. Processing usually takes 2–8 weeks.
