Portugal Citizenship: All Legal Pathways & Requirements
Portugal offers multiple routes to citizenship, making it an attractive option for a global audience – from retirees and investors to families and descendants of Portuguese. This guide covers all legal pathways to Portuguese citizenship: naturalization (5-year residency), citizenship by descent (via parents, grandparents, or Sephardic ancestry), marriage/partnership, and investment (Golden Visa).
Pathways to Portuguese Citizenship
Naturalization (5-Year Residency)
The most common route is naturalization after legal residence. By law, a foreigner who has 5 years of valid residency in Portugal can apply for citizenship. This means holding a valid Portuguese residence permit (e.g. D7 retiree visa, D2 entrepreneur visa, D3 work visa, Golden Visa, etc.) and not leaving Portugal during that period. Importantly, recent clarifications confirm the 5-year clock starts when your first residence permit is issued (for Golden Visa, after the fee payment). After 5 years, even if your permits were renewed, you may apply without further delay.
Processing: he naturalization application is submitted to SEF (Immigration Service) or AIMA. It can take 6–12 months or more due to backlog. Working with experts can speed this. MetConnect’s Residence Card Services team can ensure your permits are maintained properly, and its Immigration Legal Support can help assemble the citizenship application.
Citizenship by Descent (Parents, Grandparents, Sephardic Jews)
Portugal has a broad jus sanguinis policy. You are eligible if you have Portuguese ancestry:
Citizenship by Marriage or Partnership
If you are (or were) married to or in a legally recognized partnership with a Portuguese citizen, you can apply for citizenship under favorable conditions. The marriage must generally have lasted at least 3 years. If you have children together, this period is reduced (often to 1 year). You also need to demonstrate a genuine link to the Portuguese community (for example, joint residence or a shared home).
Processing: These applications can take 1–2 years. MetConnect can assist with document translation, notarization, and submission. In particular, our Translation & Notary Services can certify foreign documents, and Immigration Legal Support can ensure all legal criteria are met.
Citizenship through Investment (Golden Visa Program)
Portugal’s Golden Visa program provides an indirect path to citizenship. While the Golden Visa itself is a residence permit (not citizenship), after 5 years on a qualifying investment visa, holders can naturalize (just like any other resident). In contrast to the former ARI (residence-by-investment) program, current Golden Visa options (post-2022) include investments in Portuguese funds (from €500,000) or donations to arts/research (from €250,000), or capital transfer creating jobs.
Citizenship: After 5 years maintaining the visa (and meeting the stay rules), you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. You must then pass the A2 Portuguese test and show intent to integrate. Importantly, Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you do not need to renounce your current nationality. Most Golden Visa holders from the US, UK, UAE, etc., use this route as a fast track to an EU passport.
Processing time: A Golden Visa application (residence permit) takes about 4–8 months. Then 5 years of residency lead to citizenship application, which itself may take 6–12+ months. A detailed Golden Visa guide is available, but in summary: apply, invest, attend biometrics, obtain residency cards, renew as required, and then apply for citizenship by year 5.
MetConnect offers full Golden Visa support – from choosing investments to submitting the visa application and even preparing the eventual citizenship application.
Comparison of Paths (Summary Table)
| Pathway | Residency Required | Language Test | Process Timeline | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalization | 5 years legal residence | Portuguese A2 (CIPLE) | 5 years residence + ~6–12+ months to approve | No minimum investment; tie to community; full EU citizenship. |
| By Descent (Parent)** | None (by birth) | If applicant born abroad, A2; born in Portugal likely exempt | Immediate eligibility; ~6–12 months processing | Automatic citizenship for children of Portuguese; dual citizenship allowed. |
| By Descent (Grandparent) | None (ancestry) | A2 language (usually) | Up to 1–2 years | Grants citizenship via lineage; no residency needed. |
| By Sephardic Descent | None (heritage) | Exempt (no test or residency) | ~1 year (depends on documentation) | Citizenship via Sephardic ancestry, no residency required. |
| By Marriage | 3 years married (showing link) | Portuguese A2 (often waived if in marriage) | 1–2 years | Shorter route for spouses/partners; family unity. |
| Golden Visa (Investment) | 5 years on Golden Visa (minimal stays) | A2 Portuguese at citizenship stage | 5 years residency (7d/yr) + ~6–12 mo apply | Fast track via investment; minimal time in Portugal; includes family; no renounce (dual allowed). |
Dual Citizenship and Country Restrictions
Portugal itself allows dual (and even “triple”) citizenship freely. You do not have to renounce your original nationality to become Portuguese. This flexibility is highlighted in Portugal’s immigration pages – for example, Golden Visa guidance notes “Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you don’t have to give up your original nationality”
However, your home country’s rules may restrict dual status. For instance:
When planning, always verify your home country’s rules. MetConnect can advise on obtaining Portuguese citizenship while understanding any foreign restrictions.
Comparison with Other EU Citizenship Programs
Many readers compare Portugal’s citizenship options to neighboring EU countries. Below is a high-level comparison with Spain, Italy, and Germany:
Spain does not allow dual citizenship (except treaties with some Latin countries), so applicants must renounce their prior nationality. Married to a Spaniard? You can apply after 1 year of marriage (and residency). Spain also has a Sephardic Law 12/2015 (now closed) granting citizenship for descendants of expelled Jews.
Applicants must pass Spanish language (DELE A2) and civic tests (except some exemptions). Spanish citizenship is a bit harder due to the renunciation requirement and longer waits, but offers full EU rights once obtained.
For naturalization, Italy requires 10 years of legal residence (4 years for EU nationals). Marriage to an Italian allows naturalization after 2 years of marriage in Italy (3 years if living abroad), reduced by half if there are children.
Italian law also permits dual citizenship. Applicants must prove language (B1) and good conduct. Overall, Italy’s main advantage is unlimited ancestry-based claims; its disadvantage is the long residency period for naturalization (though its Golden Visa also leads to a 10-year path).
Crucially, Germany now allows multiple citizenships for all (previously required a retention permit). Spouses of Germans can naturalize after 2–3 years of marriage. German law on descent is more restrictive: typically limited to one generation (German parents; grandchildren of German citizens born after 1999 may need special steps).
Comparatively, Germany is similar to Portugal on residence (5 years) and fully permits dual nationality (like Portugal), but requires a higher language level (B1) and a detailed civic exam.
Each country’s rules are nuanced, but Portugal stands out for its relatively short residency (5 years), flexible dual citizenship, and family-friendly descent laws. It often offers faster paths (especially via Golden Visa or ancestry) compared to Spain’s 10-year route, and covers more generations than Germany’s descent rules.
FAQ: Common Questions
Generally through 5 years of legal residency (naturalization), by descent from Portuguese ancestors, by marrying a Portuguese citizen, or via the Golden Visa after 5 years. Each route has specific requirements (see above).
Yes – Portugal fully permits dual (or multiple) nationality. You may keep your original passport. However, your home country’s laws matter: countries like India or China do not allow dual citizenship.
Not automatically. Portugal does not have unconditional birthright citizenship. A child born in Portugal to foreign parents can become Portuguese only if one parent has legally lived in Portugal for ≥5 years and the child is registered. Otherwise, citizenship is by descent through parents, not by mere birthplace.
Portugal’s Golden Visa gives you a residence permit by investing (in funds or donations). After 5 years of maintaining the visa, you can apply for citizenship. The process involves choosing an approved investment, securing a Portuguese NIF (tax ID), applying for the visa, and then 5 years later applying for naturalization (with an A2 language test).
Commonly: valid passport, birth certificate (apostilled/translated), residence card(s), proof of Portuguese language ability, marriage certificate (if applying by marriage), criminal record certificates, and any documents proving your connection (e.g. parents’ or spouse’s documents). All non-Portuguese documents must be legalized or apostilled and translated. MetConnect offers Certified Translation & Notary services to handle this.
Yes, most applicants must pass the A2 level Portuguese citizenship test (CIPLE). The exception list is small: for example, spouses of Portuguese citizens may be exempt from the test, as can those with severe disabilities or above a certain age. Children under 10 usually don’t need it.
It depends on the path. For naturalization, 5 years of residency plus roughly 6–12 months of processing. Descent or marriage can take 1–2 years. Golden Visa: about 4–8 months for initial visa, then citizenship after year 5. Processing times can vary with administrative backlogs, so apply as early as eligible.
For naturalization, yes – you need to have legally lived there on a residence permit. For marriage or descent (parents, grandparents) you may not need prior residency, though having an address and community ties in Portugal helps. Golden Visa holders fulfill the residency requirement with minimal stays.
If you acquire Portuguese citizenship, your original country will likely revoke your citizenship (forbidding dual status). For Indians, obtaining Portuguese means you lose Indian citizenship, but you could obtain an OCI card for Indian travel privileges. Always check local laws and consult with experts (MetConnect can advise on avoiding unwelcome surprises).
Unlike Spain’s Golden Visa (which is still tied to real estate) or Italy’s (longer residency), Portugal’s Golden Visa offers flexible investment options (funds, donation) and the shortest route to EU citizenship (5 years vs Spain’s 10). Portugal’s required stay is minimal (7 days/yr) and dual citizenship is allowed, making it very attractive.
Not for descent itself. However, you might need to register your birth in Portugal or declare intent, which can be done through a Portuguese consulate. Having a legal address in Portugal can simplify paperwork but is not strictly mandated.
Absolutely. MetConnect offers end-to-end assistance: we can arrange your NIF and bank account, help with residence permits, translate and legalize documents, prepare your citizenship application, and even coach you for the language test. Our Citizenship Application Support and legal services are tailored to streamline your case.