How to Get Portuguese Citizenship

Portugal offers countless reasons that attract people to live here, and few would dispute this. That’s why so many individuals aspire to get Portuguese citizenship and enjoy the associated benefits, particularly the tax benefits that Portugal provides.

However, when it comes to acquiring a Portuguese passport, certain complications can arise. These include: extensive documentation with tight deadlines requirements; legal representation to submit the paperwork in the IRN (Instituto dos Registos e Notariado) online platform; coordination with AIMA for appointments; securing certifications; proven basic knowledge of Portuguese, and, most importantly, which path does one need to follow to obtain a Portuguese passport?

There's no need to worry. This article was created to provide clarity for those seeking to achieve Portuguese citizenship. The key question that needs to be addressed is: 

Reach out to Belion Partners for expert guidance on your Portuguese citizenship journey.

To become a Portuguese citizen, there are some available paths, each one tailored to specific situations, here are the principal paths, as well as the requirements of each one:

If you are already a resident of Portugal, this path is for you. To qualify, applicants must be 18 or older, or emancipated minors who have legally resided in Portugal for at least the five years immediately preceding the application.

It is vital to mention that knowledge of the Portuguese language is required. Applicants must demonstrate an A2 level of proficiency in Portuguese, which corresponds to the elementary level as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

Note that demonstrating A2-level proficiency in Portuguese is required for almost every pathway to acquiring Portuguese citizenship.

There are two ways to secure this certificate:

1. Take the CIPLE exam.
2. Complete a certified Portuguese course with a duration of 150 hours.

The CIPLE exam evaluates social communication skills, comprehension of written and oral texts, understanding of speech acts, themes, and more. It is exclusively certified and administered by CAPLE, with testing available at various CAPLE-certified centres worldwide.

Alternatively, applicants can opt for the PLA (Portuguese Host Language) course, which offers a pathway to Portuguese citizenship without the need to pass the CIPLE exam.

Other requirements are:



• Not been convicted for a crime punishable in Portugal by a prison sentence of more than 3 years.
• Not been involved in terrorism-connected activities.
  

Get in touch with us and begin your journey to becoming a Portuguese citizen today.

If you are in an official relationship with a Portuguese citizen, this pathway allows you to attain Portuguese citizenship. The duration of the relationship is a significant factor.

Applicants who have been married to, or in a recognised civil partnership with, a Portuguese citizen for six years or more – or if the couple has children with Portuguese nationality – are only required to present the necessary documentation.

In the case of less than six years, it is required to present effective connections to the Portuguese community, which can be:

1. Being born in, and a national of, a Portuguese-speaking country, and married to, or in a life partnership with, an original Portuguese citizen for at least five years. 
2. Having sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language, provided the applicant has been married to or in a life partnership with, an original Portuguese citizen for at least 5 years.
3. Having legally resided in Portugal for at least the 3 years immediately preceding the application, has been registered with the Portuguese tax office and national health service, and either:

• Attended an educational institution in Portugal; or
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Portuguese language.

   4.  Having legally resided in Portugal for at least five years immediately preceding the application.



Other requirements are:

• Been over 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
• Not serving a foreign country as a non-conscription military member or non-technical civil servant.
  

This path is one of the most sought-after to earn Portuguese citizenship, those who want to become citizens of Portugal and, do not reside in the country can opt for this path.

It is essential to clarify that citizenship itself is not for sale. What is granted through investment is a residence permit — specifically, the Portuguese Golden Visa, which is a form of residence by investment. Over time – 5 years to be precise – this residence status may lead to eligibility for citizenship by Naturalisation.

To acquire the Portuguese Golden Visa some requirements, need to be fulfilled such as:

• Residing 7 days a year in national territory.
• Having an investment for a Golden Visa in that period. 

Note that there are specific investment options designed for the Golden Visa. Identifying the preferred option is crucial.

Citizenship by having a Portuguese Grandparent

If at least one of your grandparents is Portuguese and has retained their Portuguese nationality, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship through this pathway.

The requirements for this citizenship path are:



• Not been convicted for a crime punishable in Portugal by a prison sentence of more than 3 years.
• Not been involved in terrorism-connected activities.
• Had a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.
  

If you were born outside of Portugal but one of your parents is indeed Portuguese who retained their citizenship, you can apply through this path to become a Portuguese citizen.

The requirements to apply for Portuguese citizenship by having a Portuguese parent are:

• Not been convicted for a crime punishable in Portugal by a prison sentence of more than 3 years.
• Not been involved in terrorism-connected activities.
  

Contact Belion Partners to assist you on your journey to obtaining Portuguese citizenship.