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Gateway to Europe

Become a Portuguese Citizen

Portuguese citizenship opens doors to all 27 EU countries. Live, work, and travel freely across Europe with one of the world's most powerful passports.

Visa-free access to 190+ countries
Full EU citizenship rights for you and your family
Portugal allows dual citizenship
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European Union
Portugal
Passaporte
República Portuguesa Cartão de Cidadão
Why Portugal?

The Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship

More than just a passport — it's a new chapter of freedom and opportunity for you and future generations.

Global Mobility

Travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to over 190 countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan, and all of Europe.

Family Legacy

Your children and grandchildren can inherit Portuguese citizenship, securing European rights for future generations.

Work Anywhere in EU

Live and work in any of the 27 European Union member states without needing visas or work permits.

Dual Citizenship

Portugal allows dual nationality — keep your current citizenship while enjoying all the benefits of being Portuguese.

Your Options

Pathways to Portuguese Citizenship

There are several routes to becoming a Portuguese citizen. The right path depends on your personal circumstances.

Naturalization

By Legal Residency

The most common route for expatriates. After living legally in Portugal for a minimum period, you can apply to become a citizen through naturalization.

  • Minimum 5 years of legal residency (currently under review — may increase to 10 years)
  • Portuguese language proficiency at A2 level (CIPLE exam)
  • Clean criminal record — no convictions with sentences of 3+ years
  • Proof of ties to the Portuguese community

Marriage or Partnership

To a Portuguese Citizen

Spouses and registered partners of Portuguese citizens can apply for citizenship without meeting residency requirements — one of the most accessible pathways in Europe.

  • Married or in de facto union for at least 3 years
  • Marriage must be registered with Portuguese Civil Registry
  • No residency requirement in Portugal
  • A2 language proficiency (waived if married 5+ years)

Descent

Portuguese Ancestry

If you have Portuguese parents or grandparents, you may already be entitled to citizenship. This pathway recognizes the principle of "jus sanguinis" — right of blood.

  • Child of a Portuguese national — automatic eligibility
  • Grandchild of Portuguese national — with proof of connection
  • Official birth, marriage, and death certificates required
  • Documents must be apostilled and translated

Golden Visa

Investment Route

High-net-worth individuals can obtain residency through qualifying investments, then apply for citizenship after the required residency period.

  • Qualifying investment (funds, capital transfer, job creation)
  • Maintain investment for 5 years minimum
  • Only 7 days per year in Portugal required
  • Family members can be included
General Requirements

What You'll Need for Most Applications

While specific requirements vary by pathway, most citizenship applications share common documentation and eligibility criteria.

  • Valid Identification Passport, birth certificate, and other civil documents — apostilled and translated if from abroad
  • Criminal Record Certificates From Portugal and from any country where you've lived for 6+ months in the past 5 years
  • Portuguese Language Certificate A2 level (CIPLE) — exemptions apply for CPLP nationals and long-term spouses
  • Application Fee €250 government fee for nationality applications

The Process Overview

From initial assessment to receiving your passport, here's what to expect.

1
Eligibility assessment & pathway selection
2
Document collection & preparation
3
Application submission to IRN
4
Processing & review (12-24 months)
5
Citizenship approved — passport & ID issued

Important: Law Changes Under Review

The Portuguese Parliament has approved amendments that would increase residency requirements from 5 to 10 years (7 years for CPLP/EU citizens). These changes are pending Presidential review and are not yet in effect. If you're considering citizenship, now may be the time to act under current rules. Contact us for the latest updates on your eligibility.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Processing times currently range from 12 to 24 months after submitting your application. This can vary depending on your pathway, the completeness of your documentation, and current processing backlogs at the Central Registry (IRN). Applications submitted through a lawyer often move more smoothly due to proper preparation.
Yes, Portugal fully allows dual citizenship. You won't need to renounce your current nationality when becoming Portuguese. However, you should verify that your home country also permits dual citizenship, as rules vary by nation.
It depends on your pathway. Naturalization requires 5 years of legal residency. However, if you're applying through marriage to a Portuguese citizen or through descent, there's no residency requirement. Golden Visa holders need only spend 7 days per year in Portugal during their residency period.
Most pathways require A2 level proficiency, which is elementary. You can prove this by passing the CIPLE exam or completing a certified Portuguese course. Exemptions exist for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries (Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, etc.) and for spouses married to Portuguese citizens for more than 5 years.
Yes. Once you become Portuguese, your minor children can typically be included in your application or apply separately. Children born in Portugal to foreign parents may also qualify if at least one parent has been a legal resident for a certain period. Additionally, your future children will automatically be Portuguese citizens by descent.
If you've already been granted citizenship through marriage, divorce does not affect your nationality. Your Portuguese citizenship remains valid even if the marriage ends. However, if you divorce before the application is approved, this could impact your eligibility under the marriage pathway.
Get Started

Free Eligibility Consultation

Not sure which pathway is right for you? Our team will review your situation and provide personalized guidance on your best route to Portuguese citizenship.

Every case is unique — let us help you understand your options before making any decisions.

info@welbridge.com

Your European Future Starts Here

Portuguese citizenship is within reach. Let us guide you through every step of the journey.

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Pricing: Upon consultation — Every case is evaluated individually