Requirements
10 years of legal residence
Under a residence permit
7 years of legal residence
For EU and CPLP nationals
Portuguese language proficiency
A2 or Higher
Portuguese civic values and constitutional principles
Knowledge
Portuguese citizenship can be acquired through naturalization, marriage, birth, or ancestry. Citizenship by naturalization is available after five years of legal residence in Portugal, while citizenship through marriage to a Portuguese citizen can be obtained after three years.
Residence by investment is considered a reliable path toward Portuguese citizenship. Applicants are not required to live permanently in the country — maintaining investments and spending at least seven days per year in Portugal is sufficient. After five years, residents may apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Standard pathway for foreign nationals legally residing in Portugal under a residence permit.
book a consultationForeign nationals legally residing in Portugal: Digital Nomads (D8), Employees (D1, D3), Entrepreneurs and Investors, Family Reunification Holders, Financially Independent Individuals (D7)
Under a residence permit
For EU and CPLP nationals
A2 or Higher
Knowledge
Residence periods remain cumulative under qualifying residence permits.
Time spent waiting for a residence permit application is no longer counted toward nationality eligibility.
The residence period is calculated from the date of issuance of the first residence card.
Applicants must demonstrate effective integration into Portuguese society.
Criminal convictions may lead to refusal of nationality.
Applications submitted before the entry into force of Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 remain subject to transitional protection rules.
Applicant’s Passport
Valid Residence Permit (Título de Residência)
Birth Certificate (Apostille + Certified Translation)
A2 Portuguese Language Certificate (CIPLE)
Criminal Record Certificate from Country of Citizenship and Countries of Residence Since Age 16
Portuguese Criminal Record Check (automatically verified)
Proof of Residence (Atestado de Residência or Rental Agreement)
Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)
Government Fee Payment
Citizenship route for spouses or long-term partners of Portuguese citizens.
book a consultationSpouses of Portuguese citizens, international families
For at least 3 years
Review Period
Shared children may automatically prove ties to Portugal
Passport
Applicant’s Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate or Registered União de Facto Certificate
Portuguese Spouse’s Birth Certificate
Proof of Connection to Portugal (sometimes required)
Criminal Record Certificate
Proof of Shared Life (tax records, lease agreements, children)
Government Fee Payment
Available to direct descendants of Portuguese nationals through family lineage.
book a consultationDescendants of Portuguese citizens
Proof
Review Period
Easier for children
Grandchildren must prove connection to Portugal
Passport
Applicant’s Birth Certificate
Portuguese Parent’s / Grandparent’s Birth Certificate
Proof of Family Relationship
Criminal Record Certificate
Criminal Record Certificate
Apostille and Certified Translation of Documents
Citizenship option for children born in Portugal under qualifying parental residency conditions.
book a consultationChildren born in Portugal to foreign parents
Parents
Review Period
Citizenship possible if one parent lived legally in Portugal for at least 1 year
Child’s Birth Certificate (Portugal)
Parents’ Documents
Parents’ Residence Permit
Parents’ Application Statement
Proof of Parents’ Residence in Portugal
Simplified citizenship process for minors whose parents recently obtained Portuguese nationality.
book a consultationMinor children of newly naturalized citizens
Parent Citizenship Status
Review Period
Simplified process for minors
Child’s Birth Certificate
Child’s Passport
Parent’s Citizenship Certificate
Guardianship Documents
Criminal Record Certificate
(if over 16 years old)
Rare pathway for individuals making a significant contribution to Portugal.
book a consultationInvestors, scientists, athletes, entrepreneurs
To Portugal
Review Period
Government decision
Rarely used citizenship program
Passport
Birth Certificate
Criminal Record Certificate
Proof of Contribution (investment, scientific achievement, or cultural contribution)
Government Authority Recommendations
Citizenship based on documented Sephardic Jewish ancestry connected to Portugal.
book a consultationDescendants of Sephardic Jews
Proof
Review Period
Additional connection-to-Portugal documentation may apply
Passport
Birth Certificate
Genealogical Proof
Sephardic Community Certificate
Proof of Connection to Portugal (following legal changes)
Criminal Record Certificate
In most procedures, the following documents are required:
Passport
Birth Certificate (Apostille)
Criminal Record Certificate
Certified Translation into Portuguese
Government Fee Payment
Typically: €250
Portuguese nationality law provides 12–15+ different legal pathways to citizenship.The categories below show only the most common cases.
18-30 months
Citizenship after the legally established period of residence in the country.
18–24 months
Citizenship through an official marriage or união de facto with a Portuguese citizen.
12–18 months
Citizenship for minor children of Portuguese citizens.
18–24 months
Citizenship for individuals born in Portugal, subject to legal requirements.
6–12 months
Citizenship may be granted for a significant contribution to the country.
24–36 months
Citizenship for descendants of Sephardic Jews upon confirmation of origin.
Not sure which category applies to you?
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