Obtaining a Portuguese passport

Obtaining a Portuguese passport gives foreigners from outside the EU access to the rights and freedoms of European citizens. The key advantages are visa-free travel to more than 160 countries, residence, employment and education throughout the EU, and a wide range of business opportunities. Common reasons for obtaining a residence permit with the prospect of obtaining a Portuguese passport are investment, work, financial independence, education, family reunification.

Portuguese citizenship can be acquired by naturalization (when staying in the country with a residence permit for 5 years), through marriage, birth and descent. The state also offers simplified rules for obtaining a passport for certain categories of foreigners, for example, descendants of Sephardic Jews. The immigration procedures and criteria for granting the status are regulated by the Citizenship Law No. 37/81.

Advantages of Portuguese citizenship

A Portuguese passport opens up many opportunities for you within and outside the country. Having obtained citizenship of this EU state, you can live, work, study anywhere in the European Union and Schengen zone, and also have a number of other advantages:

1. the right to pass on citizenship to children by inheritance, as well as to take advantage of the family reunification procedure, which allows immediate relatives to move to Portugal;
2. access to high quality European education, including the possibility to pay less for higher education than foreigners from outside the EU, to claim benefits and scholarships;
3. the right to do business, to invest in the EU economy, to enjoy benefits and state support for entrepreneurs;
4. the right to comprehensive social support, such as tax-free pensions;
5. the ability to buy and rent residential and commercial real estate, as well as to take out mortgages and other loans;
6. quality health care in Portugal and abroad with the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which is free of charge;
7. authorization to run and vote in elections and to hold public office.

In most cases it will take 5 years to obtain a passport as a Portuguese citizen, which is a significant disadvantage for those who want to quickly gain full access to all the benefits of this status. If you do not want to spend so much time on naturalization, it is worth considering alternative ways of immigration. There are simplified programs that allow you to obtain a European passport and move to Portugal in 4-14 months. To learn more about this, consult with specialized professionals.

The main ways of obtaining Portuguese citizenship

Choosing the way of obtaining a Portuguese passport, you should be aware that the duration of the immigration procedure will depend on this factor. Let's consider in detail, what options for obtaining Portuguese citizenship are relevant for foreigners from countries outside the European Union.

Naturalization  

Obtaining Portuguese citizenship after residing in the territory for a certain period of time is one of the most common ways for foreigners to acquire the status. Other conditions include knowledge of the national language and no criminal record. The following are the key grounds for immigrating to the country, obtaining a residence permit, and subsequently qualifying for a Portuguese passport:

1. Marriage. Being married or in de facto cohabitation with a Portuguese person for at least 3 years allows you to apply for citizenship. If the union has not been officially registered, you must present a certificate from the court showing that you are in a long-term relationship. However, the couple may reside in Portugal or outside of Portugal - the law does not require you to be in the country before applying.
2. Entrepreneurship (StartUp Visa). Creators of innovative companies certified by the Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (IAPMEI, Agência para a Competitividade e Inovação) can apply for a StartUp Visa. The request is submitted online and, if approved, the residence permit is issued. In addition to the document proving cooperation with a certified incubator, it is necessary to provide evidence of the possibility to achieve in 5 years a turnover or asset value of more than 325,000 EUR per year, as well as the potential to create jobs. The permit is valid for 2 years with the right to extend for further three-year periods.
3. Family reunification. The request is submitted by a Portuguese resident who has the right to invite family members. Proof of family ties will be required to obtain authorization. It is also necessary to have sufficient income (minimum 1230 EUR for a couple and additional 246 EUR for each child), suitable housing. The residence permit is issued for the same period of time as the resident permit. Family reunification is available for spouses or de facto partners, children, including adult children if they are dependent, parents, siblings who depend on the applicant financially.
4. Employment, self-employment. The conclusion of a contract with a Portuguese employer or self-employment is the basis for the issuance of a visa and residence permit. Depending on the type of authorization, proof of registration as a self-employed person, a certificate showing the appropriate level of training may be required. In order to carry out highly qualified activities, the salary guaranteed by the labor contract should be from 1726 EUR per month. The permit is valid for 2 years with the possibility of prolongation if the conditions of issuance of the initial document are maintained.
5. Education. Enrollment in a Portuguese university allows obtaining a residence permit for a period of one year or until the completion of studies. Other conditions that a foreign applicant must meet include proof of payment of the fees required by the educational institution and possession of a health insurance policy. It is also necessary to have sufficient funds to cover living and tuition expenses. To qualify for citizenship after graduation, the basis for immigration must be changed, such as employment or business, and a new residence permit must be obtained.
6. Refugee status. Foreigners in need of international protection can obtain refugee status, which allows them to count on Portuguese citizenship through standard naturalization. All living and permit costs are covered by the state. The initial residence permit is valid for 5 years with the possibility of renewal and subsequent citizenship.

Investments

Investors can obtain a residence permit in Portugal without a visa. An ARI (Autorização de Residência para Investimento) residence permit is granted if one of the following conditions is met:

1. investing from 250 00 EUR in cultural and/or art foundations, public or private organizations whose activities are aimed at maintaining and restoring the national heritage;
2. creation of at least 10 jobs;
3. investment of 500,000 EUR or more in research and development activities;
4. acquisition of shares in investment funds for the amount of 500,000 EUR or more;
5. investment of 500,000 EUR or more in commercial companies with the creation of 5 or more jobs.

The applicant for ARI is obliged to maintain investments and/or jobs for at least 5 years. Also, the holder of an ARI must stay in the country for at least 7 days in the first year and from 14 days in subsequent years. It is worth noting that the permit cannot be obtained by purchasing local residential real estate. To claim the status of permanent resident and registration of Portuguese citizenship by standard naturalization investor can after 5 years.

Origin

Adult descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews may obtain citizenship under simplified conditions. Applicants do not have to meet the residency requirement and do not have to pass the national language test. The key conditions are demonstration of belonging to the Sephardic community and ownership of real estate located in the country and received by will (mortis causa). If you do not own an apartment or house in the country, you must prove regular visits to Portugal, demonstrating a strong connection to the nation.

Also, grandchildren of Portuguese citizens can apply for citizenship under the simplified scheme. Applicants must prove knowledge of the state language by passing the relevant tests. It is mandatory to have documents proving the existence of direct second-degree relatives who are or were Portuguese and have not lost their citizenship.

Requirements and procedure for obtaining a Portuguese passport

In order to become a Portuguese citizen, it is usually necessary to have resided in Portugal for at least 5 years. You will also need to collect the following file, which include:

1. birth certificate;
2. receipt for payment of the fee (250 EUR);
3. a request addressed to the Minister of Justice with the applicant's basic data;
4. certificate of Portuguese language proficiency;
5. a certificate of no criminal record issued by the country of birth and residence from the age of 16.

The documents must be translated into Portuguese and legalized and/or certified. The process of obtaining a Portuguese passport under standard naturalization will consist of the following steps:

1. Submitting a visa request. The visa application is submitted to the consular office of Portugal with the payment of a fee (90 EUR). From the documents you will need a passport, 2 photos, health insurance policy, certificate of no criminal record, proof of funds (depending on the basis). It is also necessary to show proof of the purpose of stay in the country (employment contract, order of enrollment in a university, others). The request is considered within 60 days. Long-term visa is valid for 4 months.
2. Registration of taxpayer and social security numbers. For living and working in Portugal it is mandatory to register with the Financial and Social Security Service. The Tax Identification Number (NIF, Número de Identificação Fiscal) and Social Security Number (NISS, Número de Identificação da Segurança Social) can be issued free of charge online and collected in person at the nearest Social Security office. You can request a NIF and NISS on your ID card.
3. Issuance of a temporary residence permit. The residence permit is issued on the basis of a valid visa by appointment on the portal of the Agency for Migration, Integration and Asylum (AIMA, Agência para a Integração Migrações e Asilo). The applicant must indicate the address and conditions of residence in Portugal, have NISS and NIF identification numbers (if applicable). The fee depends on the method of application (online or in person) and the basis, it ranges from 95 EUR. The residence permit is usually valid for 2 years.
4. Renewal of the residence permit. The residence permit can be extended if the conditions of the original permit are maintained and the documents corresponding to the purpose of stay in Portugal are provided. The request is submitted online through the AIMA portal or in person at the Registry Office by appointment. The fee for the extension of the residence permit varies depending on the type of document and the basis of immigration, it ranges from 95 EUR. In most cases, the residence permit is extended for three-year periods.
5. Obtaining permanent residence status (optional). A permanent residence permit can be obtained after 5 years of residence in the country. Other conditions include proof of basic Portuguese language skills, residency and sufficient and regular income. The request is submitted online through the AIMA portal with the payment of a fee (from 95 EUR). The permit is valid indefinitely, but the document itself must be renewed every 10 years.
6. Registration of citizenship. Under standard conditions you can apply for citizenship provided you know the state language, have lived in the country for 5 years or more, and have no criminal record. The application is submitted remotely with a lawyer or in person at the civil registry offices, National Centers for Support of Migrant Integration. You can also send your request by mail. The status of your case is checked online through the code issued when registering the application. The approval of the citizenship application is evidenced by an entry in the Civil Status Register.
7. Obtaining national documents. The Portuguese Citizenship Card is a compulsory identity card that can be obtained in person at the Instituto de Registros e Notariado (IRN, Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado), district administrations, consulates. The fee ranges from 15 to 70 EUR. The Portuguese e-passport is issued on the basis of a citizen card. The request is submitted online, at passport offices (Porto and Lisbon airports) or consulates abroad, with a fee (from 65 EUR depending on the urgency and place of application).

It takes at least 5 years to obtain Portuguese citizenship. It is necessary to collect a full set of documents, send all applications on time and follow the migration procedures exactly. With the help of lawyers with in-depth knowledge of international law, you are guaranteed to obtain European citizenship without a long wait and without any difficulties. Learn the details of simplified programs during a free consultation.

How much time and money it takes to obtain a Portuguese passport

The length of time and cost of obtaining Portuguese citizenship depends directly on the basis of immigration you have chosen. In addition to the administrative fees charged when applying for a visa, residence permit, permanent residence permit and passport, you must take into account the cost of living in the country. In 2025, the monthly costs for one person will be about 680 EUR, for a family of four - 2400 EUR. Renting a one-room apartment will cost at least 734 EUR per month, a three-room apartment - from 1209 EUR.

In almost all cases, in order to qualify for citizenship, it is necessary to pass a Portuguese language test, paying from 85 to 160 EUR depending on the level. Translation and legalization of documents may also be required (from 15 EUR per page). In the table below we will consider the amount of administrative fees and terms of procedures for obtaining Portuguese citizenship by different methods:

1. Marriage to a Portuguese citizen: no residency required if the marriage has lasted at least 3 years, processing cost — 340 EUR.
2. Naturalization: minimum residency requirement — 5 years, processing cost — 715 EUR.
3. Investment: minimum residency requirement — 5 years, processing cost — 715 EUR.
4. Citizenship by descent: no residency required, processing cost — 90 EUR.

The most expensive way of acquiring Portuguese citizenship is through investment, as in addition to the fees it is necessary to consider investments in the economy of the country (from 250 000 EUR). The fastest way to get a passport is through marriage or descent, because in this case there is no need to stay in the country for a long time, as in the case of naturalization.

What doesn't work: how you can't get a Portuguese passport

Portugal is a popular immigration destination for foreigners who want to enjoy all the benefits of EU citizenship. However, in the quest to access the privileges that come with an EU country's passport, one may encounter numerous myths about the possible immigration options. Below is a list of the most common misconceptions about obtaining Portuguese citizenship:

1. A possibility to buy a passport. It is not possible to buy citizenship with money in Portugal. It is possible to obtain a second passport only by following the established migration procedures and application deadlines. Even investment programs offered by Portugal allow you to count only on a residence permit, and to obtain citizenship you will have to fulfill the standard conditions of naturalization, including passing the language exam and living in the country. All offers by intermediaries to buy an EU passport are illegal, and participation in such schemes is punishable by administrative or criminal liability.
2. Marriage of convenience with a Portuguese citizen. A fictitious union with a Portuguese person does not qualify for citizenship. Even if the relationship is sincere, the union must have lasted at least 3 years before the request is submitted, and the authorities scrutinize the marriage or partnership for authenticity and require appropriate evidence. Fictitious relationships and providing untruthful information threaten both parties with fines, imprisonment of up to 2 years and deportation of the foreigner.
3. Being born in Portugal automatically entitles you to a passport. Contrary to misconceptions, the country does not grant citizenship by right of soil “jus soli”, which is the case, for example, in the United States. Nevertheless, there are special conditions that allow a child born in the territory to become Portuguese. This rule applies if both foreign parents have been legally residing in the country for at least one year at the time of application. Also, a child born in Portugal can apply for citizenship if he/she is integrated into the society and has lived for a certain period (usually at least 5 years) in the territory of the State.

Misconceptions about the ways of obtaining a European passport, often spread through the Internet and social networks, as well as ignorance of the law, become the reason for refusals to apply for a second citizenship. Any attempts to deceive the authorities can lead to significant fines and criminal prosecution. In addition, in such cases, deportation with a subsequent ban on entry to Portugal and other European Union countries is applied to violators.

Specialists will help you to choose the best program for immigration, as well as to obtain European citizenship quickly and legally. Having issued a passport of any EU country in the company of lawyers, you will be able to live and work in Portugal, as well as other countries of the association, in 4-14 months.

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Dual citizenship in Portugal: is it allowed to have more than one passport?

Portuguese law does not prohibit having a second citizenship. Thus, when naturalizing in Portugal, there is no need to renounce the passport of your home country. However, foreigners must take into account the laws of their home country. Some countries, such as Switzerland or Saudi Arabia, prohibit holding more than one passport.

Dual citizenship, as opposed to second citizenship, implies an agreement between countries. In such cases, bipatrides (people with two passports) can do business in both countries, choose where they do their military service, receive diplomatic assistance, and travel without a visa between the two countries. Portugal has a dual citizenship treaty only with Brazil. In other cases, each of the countries whose passports you hold recognizes your rights and obligations only in relation to itself.

Where to get a second passport faster and easier: an overview of alternatives

Foreigners can move to Portugal after obtaining citizenship of any European Union country. In order not to spend 5 years to go through all the stages of naturalization, you can take advantage of a simplified program for obtaining a passport of another EU state. The most affordable and fastest way of immigration is repatriation on the basis of ethnicity or territoriality. Thanks to simplified programs of Romania, Slovenia, Bulgaria you can become a holder of European citizenship in 4-14 months.

The success of repatriation largely depends on the completeness of the dossier and knowledge of the nuances of bureaucratic procedures, such as the interview. Reviews of immigrants who have received a European passport, testify that it is quite difficult to collect all the documents on their own and correctly make requests. Accompanied by international law lawyers, you will easily pass through all the stages leading to EU citizenship. Find out all the details of simplified immigration programs and get an individual solution in consultation with specialists.