Portugal’s dual citizenship policy is a great option for people who want the benefits of EU citizenship while retaining their home country's nationality.
Unlike other European countries like Estonia and Monaco that require you to renounce your nationality, Portugal lets you keep your original citizenship when you become a Portuguese citizen.
Currently (before the possibility of the Citizenship Law changing), Portugal is one of the countries where citizenship is granted in the shortest time, requiring only five years of residency with visas like the D7 Passive Income, the Portugal Golden Visa, or the D8 Digital Nomad Visa.
In this article, we’ll explore Portugal's approach to dual citizenship, how you can qualify, and what the application process entails.
You’ll also find out more about:
- What is dual citizenship?
- Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
- Portugal’s dual citizenship policy
- How to get dual citizenship in Portugal
- Portugal dual citizenship requirements
- Portugal dual citizenship for US citizens
- How to apply for Portuguese citizenship
What is dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship means you are officially recognized as a citizen of two countries simultaneously. This gives you the right to live, work, vote, and hold a passport in both places.
For many people, dual citizenship starts at birth, as you might be born in one country while your parents are citizens of another. You could also inherit citizenship through your family background, known as citizenship by descent.
Others become dual citizens later, often by naturalizing, marrying, or living in a new country for several years. Whether you can keep your original nationality depends on the rules in both countries.
Holding two citizenships can offer advantages such as easier international travel, expanded work opportunities, and access to public services in both countries. But it also means you could have legal responsibilities in each country, such as paying taxes or fulfilling military service, depending on the countries involved.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship. You don’t have to give up your current nationality if you get citizenship in Portugal.
This is true whether you get Portuguese nationality through family, marriage, or by living in Portugal long enough to qualify.
Portugal’s approach to dual citizenship is one reason so many expats and investors choose to make the country their base for long-term life in Europe.
For example, as a Portuguese citizen, you can live, work, and study anywhere in the EU. If your home country also allows dual citizenship, you get to keep your original passport, too.
Portugal Dual Citizenship Policy
Portugal’s dual citizenship policy is governed by the Portuguese Nationality Law (Law No. 37/81), which allows you to acquire Portuguese citizenship without renouncing your existing nationality.
However, there is a catch. Whether you can actually have dual citizenship depends on your home country’s rules as well. Portugal says yes, but some countries still ask you to renounce your original nationality if you become a citizen elsewhere.
So even though Portugal is willing to allow dual or even multiple citizenships, you’ll run into some problems if you apply for Portuguese citizenship and have a passport from India, Singapore, or Austria.
These countries, among others, don’t allow dual citizenship and will require you to renounce your nationality before taking up another.
How to Get Dual Citizenship in Portugal
While there are several ways to obtain citizenship in Portugal, there are usually two routes: by origin (birth) or by acquisition (for example, naturalization).
But for the purposes of explaining how to get dual citizenship in Portugal, we’ll assume that you already have citizenship elsewhere.
In that case, two of the most common routes are citizenship by descent and through residency in Portugal.
Citizenship by descent
You may be able to claim citizenship by descent if you have Portuguese roots. Most people qualify if they have at least one Portuguese-born parent, but it is also possible if you have a Portuguese-born grandparent.
For example, if you’ve held South African citizenship since birth, and you can prove a direct family link to a Portuguese citizen (such as a parent or grandparent), you can apply for citizenship in South Africa and eventually get a Portuguese passport. That will make you a dual South African-Portuguese citizen.
Naturalization through residency
The other way is through residency, also referred to as naturalization. This means that once you have legally lived in Portugal for five years (for now) under one of the residency visas, you can apply for Portugal permanent residency and citizenship.
Some of the most popular routes for residency include:
- Portugal Golden Visa
- Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa
- Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa
- Portugal D3 HQA Visa
While each residency visa has different criteria, two of the most important administrative tasks are opening a Portuguese bank account and getting a tax identification number. GetNIF can help you obtain both, which will save you a lot of time.
Portugal Dual Citizenship Requirements
Portugal's dual citizenship requirements are essentially the same as the standard requirements for obtaining Portuguese citizenship. You must meet the following conditions:
- Five years of legal residency in Portugal
- Prove an A2-level of proficiency in the Portuguese language if you are from a non-Portuguese-speaking country
- Have a clean criminal record
- Proof of integration with Portuguese society
However, the most important factor to consider is whether your home country allows dual citizenship with Portugal. Even if you meet the other conditions, you won’t be able to keep both nationalities if your country doesn’t permit it.
Here are some European countries that ban or severely restrict dual citizenship:
Austria: Austrian citizens usually lose their nationality automatically if they voluntarily acquire another citizenship unless they obtain prior permission from the government.
Slovakia: Typically loses citizenship if voluntarily acquires another nationality, except when acquiring citizenship through marriage or descent.
Netherlands: Dual citizenship is limited, as applicants must renounce their original nationality upon naturalization, except through marriage to a Dutch citizen.
Spain: Requires renunciation of previous citizenship when naturalizing, except for citizens of certain countries, primarily in Latin America.
Lithuania: Dual citizenship is restricted and generally allowed only in specific cases, such as birth or exile circumstances.
Latvia: Dual citizenship is permitted but only with certain countries, including EU and NATO member states.
Portugal Dual Citizenship for US Citizens
For a US or Portuguese citizen, holding both passports is possible because neither country requires you to give up your original nationality. The US does have a unique approach to dual citizenship, though.
While US law doesn’t officially promote dual citizenship, in practice, it allows it. You won’t be asked to give up your other nationality if you become a US citizen.
So, if you’re a US citizen who becomes Portuguese, you can keep your American passport. The same goes for Portuguese citizens who move to the US and become American, as they keep their Portuguese nationality too.
This is because US law is more concerned with how someone might lose citizenship, rather than stopping people from having more than one. In most cases, you only lose US citizenship if you actively choose to give it up.
How to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship
To obtain Portuguese citizenship, you generally need to follow several steps:
1. Complete the citizenship application form: Fill out the appropriate nationality application form based on your eligibility category, such as naturalization, descent, or marriage.
2. Prepare the required documents: Gather supporting documents such as your birth certificate, passport, criminal record certificates, proof of residency, and a Portuguese language certificate if required. You don’t need to submit a proficiency certificate if you are from a Portuguese-speaking country, such as Brazil or Angola.
3. Submit the application: Submit your application and supporting documents to the Portuguese Civil Registry (Conservatória dos Registos Centrais), a local civil registry office in Portugal, or a Portuguese consulate if applying from abroad.
4. Application review and processing: The Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) reviews your application to confirm that you meet the legal requirements for Portuguese citizenship.
5. Decision and registration of nationality: If your application is approved, your Portuguese nationality will be officially registered in the Portuguese civil registry. If the application is rejected, the authorities will notify you and explain the decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal Dual Citizenship
Does Portugal let you have dual citizenship?
Yes. Portugal allows dual citizenship. You can become a Portuguese citizen without renouncing your original nationality. However, whether you can keep both passports also depends on the laws of your home country, since some countries restrict or prohibit dual citizenship.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship for foreign nationals in 2026?
Yes. Portugal allows dual citizenship for foreign nationals in 2026. If you qualify for Portuguese citizenship through residency, descent, marriage, or other legal pathways, you can generally keep your original nationality unless your home country requires you to renounce it.
What is Portugal’s dual citizenship policy for US citizens?
Portugal allows US citizens to hold dual citizenship. Americans who become Portuguese citizens can keep their US nationality because both countries permit dual citizenship in practice. US citizens must still comply with US obligations, including filing US tax returns while living abroad.
How can a UK citizen obtain dual citizenship in Portugal after Brexit?
UK citizens can obtain dual citizenship in Portugal by first becoming legal residents and then applying for citizenship after five years. They must meet requirements such as A2 Portuguese language proficiency, a clean criminal record, and proof of legal residence in Portugal.
Can Canadian citizens apply for dual citizenship in Portugal?
Yes. Canadian citizens can apply for Portuguese citizenship and hold dual nationality because both Canada and Portugal allow dual citizenship. Canadians typically qualify through residency, descent, or marriage, and may apply for citizenship after meeting Portugal’s legal requirements.
What are the Portugal dual citizenship requirements in 2026?
Portugal's dual citizenship requirements generally include five years of legal residency, A2-level Portuguese language proficiency, a clean criminal record, and proof of integration into Portuguese society. Portugal allows dual nationality, but your home country must also permit dual citizenship.
How do I apply for dual citizenship in Portugal step by step?
First, obtain legal residency in Portugal. After five years (for now), gather the required documents, such as language proof and criminal record certificates. Submit your citizenship application to the Portuguese authorities or a consulate. Once approved, you receive Portuguese citizenship and can hold dual nationality if your country allows it.
How long does it take to get dual citizenship in Portugal?
You can usually apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency (for now). Processing times vary, but citizenship applications often take around one to two years after submission, depending on documentation and government processing speed.
What documents are required for Portugal dual citizenship applications?
Typical documents include a valid passport, proof of legal residency in Portugal, a Portuguese language certificate, criminal record certificates, birth certificate, and application forms. Additional documents may be required depending on whether you apply through residency, descent, or marriage.
Is there a Portuguese language requirement for dual citizenship?
Yes. Applicants usually need to demonstrate Portuguese language proficiency at the A2 level. This basic level shows the ability to understand and communicate in everyday situations and is typically proven through an approved language exam or educational certificate.
