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Portugal continues to attract people from around the world, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most promising years yet for those considering citizenship.
Whether you’re drawn by the lifestyle, business opportunities, or the chance to secure a stronger global footprint, understanding the available routes is the first step.
This guide breaks down the main pathways, recent updates, and what applicants can expect throughout the process so you can approach your plans with clarity and confidence.
📣 Portugal Citizenship Law Update 2025
On October 28, 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved proposed amendments to the Nationality Law and the immigration framework, following their initial presentation by the government on June 23, 2025. This development marks a major step forward in Portugal’s ongoing legislative reform process.
The proposal aims to extend the minimum residency period for citizenship from five to ten years, or seven years for EU and CPLP nationals, and to revise how residency time is calculated—starting from the issuance of the first residence permit rather than the date the application was submitted.
The bill is not yet in effect, as it still requires Presidential review. The President may approve, veto, or refer the legislation to the Constitutional Court, and the final version could still be modified before promulgation.
Benefits of Portugal Citizenship
There are many benefits and rights that having Portuguese nationality gives you.
Freedom to Live and Work
Obtaining Portuguese citizenship gives you the desirable flexibility to reside and work in Portugal, freedom to work in any EU country without having to apply for separate visa or a work permit. And this freedom grants its citizens a versatile and varied life throughout the EU.
Access to Social Services
You become entitled to all of Portugal´s social rights as a citizen of this country. This would include good quality healthcare, education and social welfare programs to make sure that you and your family could live in comfort with a high standard of living and ability to save.
Right to Vote
Portugal citizenship gives you full political rights and the possibility to vote in Portuguese and European elections. Your say is valuable, and this right means that you can have a direct effect on political decisions at both the national and EU level; your participation directly influences the democratic process.
Visa-Free Travels
With a Portuguese passport, you will be able to enter many of the countries in the world with a visa-free or obtain your entry visa on arrival. This in turn restores more travel freedom, be it for business, leisure or personal exploration and thereby makes our planet that little bit closer.
Strong Portuguese Passport
A Portuguese passport — image of global mobility and esteem A German passport is one of the most powerful in the world, giving you a great deal of global mobility. When I cross borders, the power of this passport makes traveling so much easier and less worrisome.
How to Get Portugal Citizenship
Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship can establish through various pathways, with each criterion designed to accommodate specific circumstances and conditions.
1. Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship by descent is one of the simplest ways to reconnect with Portuguese heritage. Based on jus sanguinis, it grants nationality to those with direct family ties.
You may qualify if you were born to a Portuguese parent who held nationality at your birth, wherever you were born. Grandchildren of Portuguese nationals can also apply after living in Portugal for three years and showing community ties, including basic language skills.
Birth in Portugal may also qualify you if your foreign parents lived in the country for five years, or if you’re now 18 or older and have lived in Portugal for five years.
Minors or individuals with significant disabilities can be eligible when a parent becomes Portuguese after their birth, as long as they’ve lived in Portugal for at least five years.
2. Portuguese Citizenship Through Naturalization
Naturalization is a common route for those who’ve lived in Portugal for at least five years. The process usually begins with a temporary residency visa—valid for two years and renewable for another three—before reaching permanent residency.
There are several visa paths to get started, such as the Golden Visa, D7, or D2, each suited to different lifestyles and investment profiles. After maintaining legal residency for five years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
EU citizens follow a simpler path, as they can live in Portugal without a visa and apply for citizenship after five years of legal residence, provided they meet language and legal requirements.
Portuguese Citizenship by Investment
The Golden Visa is Portugal’s well-known investment route, granting residency with a pathway to citizenship. Popular investment options include:
- Investment funds: €500,000+ in approved investment or venture capital funds.
- Business investment: €500,000 to create or strengthen a Portuguese company with at least five jobs.
- Scientific research: €500,000+ invested in accredited research institutions.
- Cultural contribution: €250,000+ to support arts or heritage projects.
- Job creation: Establishing a company that creates at least ten jobs.
3. Portuguese Citizenship Through Marriage
After being married to or living in a de facto union with a Portuguese citizen for at least three years, you can apply for citizenship without needing to live in Portugal. One key benefit is that your citizenship remains valid even if the relationship later ends.
If you’re not married but have lived with your partner for over two years and can prove the relationship, you may also qualify under Portugal’s recognition of de facto unions.
For families, adopted children under 18 can apply for citizenship immediately, making the process straightforward for minors joining a Portuguese household.
4. Portugal Citizenship by residents of former Portuguese territories
People born in former Portuguese colonies may qualify for Portuguese citizenship. This applies to territories such as Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, East Timor, Portuguese India, and Macao.
Descendants of individuals connected to Portuguese India or Macao before these regions were handed back to India and China may also be eligible.
This framework acknowledges Portugal’s historical ties with these regions and offers a simplified route for those who can trace their ancestry to former Portuguese territories.
5. Portuguese Citizenship For Sephardic Jewish
In accordance with the Jewish Law of Return, the Portuguese government extends the opportunity for Portuguese citizenship through the naturalization process to the descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews who faced expulsion from Portugal during the tumultuous period of the Portuguese Inquisition.
This legal provision demonstrates Portugal’s commitment to recognizing and addressing the historical injustices faced by the Sephardic Jewish community, offering a path to citizenship in Portugal that is rooted in historical reparation and the restoration of historical ties.
For more videos about investing or moving to Portugal, explore our YouTube channel here: YouTube Channel Portugal Residency Advisors.
How to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship: Simple Step Guide
Applying for Portuguese citizenship is a straightforward process once you know the steps. With the right documents and a clear plan, you can move through the application confidently and avoid common delays.
Step 1: Fill out your application form: Complete the official citizenship form that matches your route.
Step 2: Gather all required documents: Include identification, residency proof, criminal records, language certificate, and any additional documents specific to your case.
Step 3: Submit your application: You can file it at a Portuguese Civil Registry Office, a Portuguese consulate, or through an authorized legal representative.
Step 4: Pay the government fee: The standard application fee is usually around €250.
Documents Required For Portuguese Citizenship application
When seeking Portuguese citizenship, you are required to furnish the following documentation:
- Criminal record certificate:
You must provide a clean criminal record from Portugal and any countries where you’ve lived. This should be issued by AIMA. - Health insurance or health certificate:
This shows you have access to healthcare and meet basic medical requirements. - Proof of residency:
Documents such as residence permits, rental contracts, or utility bills help confirm your legal stay in Portugal. - Portuguese language proficiency:
Most applicants need to show basic knowledge of Portuguese, usually through the CIPLE A2 exam or an equivalent certificate.
How to Obtain the Portuguese Passport
Upon acquiring Portuguese citizenship, you become eligible to request a Portuguese passport, which grants you access to 167 countries with little or no visa restrictions.
To apply for a Portuguese passport, you have several options, including:
- Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) offices.
- Citizen shops, known as “Lojas do Cidadão.“
- A Portuguese embassy or consulate located in your area of residence if you are residing abroad.
The Portuguese Language Test
The CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) is a compulsory language proficiency examination for individuals seeking Portuguese citizenship.
This straightforward A2 Portuguese examination is designed to confirm that future Portuguese citizens possess a fundamental grasp of the language. All candidates eligible for Portuguese nationality are required to take the CIPLE assessment.
The A2 Portuguese language examination has a duration of approximately 2 hours and comprises three distinct sections:
- Oral Comprehension (30% of total score) – This section lasts for 30 minutes.
- Reading and Writing (45% of total score) – This part spans an hour and a half.
- Oral Expression (25% of total score) – This part is a concise 15 minute test.
To successfully pass the exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 55%. The examination also incurs a fee of €72.
Dual Citizenship in Portugal
In a testament to its inclusive and forward-thinking approach to citizenship, Portugal extends the privilege of dual citizenship.
This means that Portuguese citizens who acquire foreign citizenship do not risk losing their Portuguese nationality, and conversely, foreign nationals who become Portuguese citizens can still maintain their original nationality.
This stance reflects a commitment to acknowledging and respecting the diverse identities and affiliations that individuals may have in an increasingly interconnected world.
Portugal Citizenship Processing Time
Cost of Applying for Portugal Citizenship
When applying for Portuguese citizenship, it’s important to factor in the main expenses involved:
- Government application fee: around €250
- Criminal record certificate: up to €50, depending on the issuing country
- Language test (CIPLE): about €75
- Health certificate: varies by provider
- Legal assistance: typically €1,000–€2,000, depending on the complexity of your case
- Translations and notarizations: costs vary based on the number of documents and the languages involved
These fees can differ slightly depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the specific requirements of their citizenship route.
Portuguese Citizenship vs. Permanent Residence
Portuguese citizenship offers the full package—an EU passport, the right to vote, and the freedom to live and work anywhere in the European Union without restrictions. It’s a permanent status that doesn’t depend on keeping residency in Portugal.
Permanent residence, on the other hand, lets you live, work, and study in Portugal long-term, but it comes with ongoing requirements to maintain your status. It doesn’t provide a Portuguese passport or automatic freedom of movement across the EU.
In essence, citizenship gives you broader rights and mobility, while permanent residence keeps your benefits focused within Portugal.
Check out our article about Portuguese Citizenship and Permanent Residency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different pathways to obtain Portuguese citizenship?
Paths include descent, naturalization, marriage, investment, residence in former Portuguese territories, and Sephardic Jewish ancestry, among others.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Portugal?
Yes, Portugal generally permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to hold Portuguese citizenship alongside the citizenship of another country.
What is the language requirement for Portuguese citizenship?
The language proficiency requirement often involves demonstrating proficiency in Portuguese, typically at the A2 level.
What is the processing time for Portuguese citizenship applications?
The processing time can vary, but it may take up to 12 months for a decision to be made on a citizenship application.
What are the costs of the Portuguese citizenship application?
The application fees for Portuguese citizenship vary based on the applicant’s age. For adults, the application fee amounts to €250, while children under the age of 18 are subject to a reduced fee of €175.
Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship from abroad?
Yes, you can often apply for Portuguese citizenship from a Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
What should I do if my citizenship application is rejected?
In the event that your application you have the right to appeal the decision within a time frame of 30 days from the date of your rejection notice.
How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship?
You can become eligible for Portuguese citizenship after residing in the country for a period of six years, which is reduced to three years if you are seeking citizenship through marriage.
Can a US citizen get Portuguese citienship?
Yes, it is possible for a US citizen to obtain Portuguese citizenship, but the process typically involves meeting specific eligibility requirement, such as, five year of legal residence or investing investing in Portugal.
How long is the Portuguese nationality processing time?
The processing time for Portuguese nationality can vary depending on various factors, such as the specific circumstances of the applicant and the current workload of the authorities handling the applications. Currently you may expect a processing time up to 24 months.
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