Citizenship in Portugal
Navigating the path to getting citizenship in Portugal can be intricate, but our guide simplifies the process. Covering all essential aspects, from understanding application requirements to obtaining your Portuguese ID and passport, this guide is a vital resource for anyone seeking how to get citizenship in Portugal. Explore the various routes and detailed steps, and begin your journey towards enjoying the benefits of being a part of this vibrant and culturally rich community.
37.2%
increase in citizenship requests in 2022
20,844
foreign-born people acquired Portuguese nationality in 2022
74,506
people requested SEF’s evaluation for citizenship in 2022
64,040
citizenship requests were processed in 2022
63,129
citizenship requests were approved in 2022
911
citizenship requests were rejected in 2022
5 years
how long you need to live in Portugal before being eligible for citizenship without ancestry or marriage ties
16.7%
children born in Portugal in 2022 were born to foreign mothers
How to get citizenship in Portugal
The process to getting citizenship in Portugal seems simple enough, but requires the following steps and a waiting period: the first is understanding your status and requirements so make sure you qualify and to know what paperwork to produce. Once you’ve applied for your Portuguese citizenship, you need to wait to get approved, and the amount of time varies for everyone. After getting approved, you can request your Portuguese ID card. Once you have that, you can then apply for a Portuguese passport.
Citizenship process
Navigating the steps to getting citizenship in Portugal
Getting citizenship in Portugal comes with a myriad of advantages, from accessing a world-class healthcare system and high-quality education, to enjoying the freedom of movement within the European Union. As a Portuguese citizen, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse and culturally rich community, but you can also work in any of the 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area, further expanding your professional and personal horizons.
There are several avenues to getting citizenship in Portugal, each tailored to individual circumstances and backgrounds. Whether through ancestry, long-term residency, marriage, or other specific categories, there's a path designed for you. Venture below to delve into the various routes to citizenship, navigate through the detailed process, and discover the timeline to make Portugal your official homeland. Feel free to contact our in-house citizenship experts if you are ready to talk about your path to citizenship.
How to get citizenship in Portugal: check your eligibility and pathways
Born in Portugal
Children of at least one Portuguese Parent
- You were born in Portugal.
- One of your parents has Portuguese citizenship.
Children of Foreigners
A. Under 18 Years Old
- You were born in Portugal.
- You are still a minor (under 18 years of age).
- Neither of your parents have Portuguese citizenship, but one of these applies:
- One of your parents has been living in Portugal for the past 5 years, with or without a residency title;
- One of your parents legally resides in Portugal. - You have attended at least 1 year of pre-school, basic, secondary, or vocational education in Portugal.
- If you are a teenager of 16 or 17 years, have not been convicted with a prison sentence of 3 or more years for a crime punishable in Portugal, and/or are not involved in terrorism-related activities.
B. You are over 18 Years Old and have lived in Portugal for the Past 5 Years
- Your parents are foreigners and resided (legally or not) in Portugal at the time of your birth.
- You are over 18 years old or have been emancipated according to Portuguese law.
- You have lived in Portugal in the past 5 years.
- You are not from a Portuguese-speaking country but you have sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language (obtaining a grade of 50% in an A2 level exam).
- You have not been convicted with a prison sentence of 3 or more years for a crime punishable in Portugal.
- You are not involved in terrorism-related activities.
Stateless
- You were born in Portugal.
- You can prove that that you do not have another nationality, and that you can't and won't take your parents' nationality.
