Whether you are interested in Portugal or another European Union country, there are many ways to obtain citizenship. One of the most popular ways is through a residency visa. This is often more affordable than naturalization.
It is also possible to get Portuguese citizenship through Sephardic Jewish ancestry. However, this requires extensive research and documentation.
Portuguese is a European Union country
Dual citizenship is a legal status that allows you to hold two nationalities at the same time. It is popular among immigrants who want to gain access to the benefits of both countries, such as healthcare and tax advantages. There are several ways to acquire dual citizenship in Portugal, including naturalization, marriage, and investment. However, the process can be complicated if you don’t have proper guidance from a professional advisor. There are also guides if you are a backpacker who wants to visit in Portugal.
There are a number of ways to obtain Portuguese citizenship, including through descent, birth, marriage, and investment. The most common path is naturalization, which requires a minimum of five years of residency in the country. Those who choose this route will need to demonstrate their integration into the Portuguese society, including knowledge of the language.
Another option is to marry a Portuguese citizen or be in a de facto union with one for over three years. This route does not require a residence period in Portugal, but you will still need to prove that you have strong ties to the community.
If you’re an investor, you can obtain citizenship through the Golden Visa program, which gives you a permanent residence permit in exchange for a financial investment of at least 250,000 euros. The government also offers special considerations to individuals from its former colonies and Sephardic Jews. If you are interested in acquiring Portuguese citizenship, contact an immigration attorney to learn more about the requirements and process.
It offers dual citizenship
If you’re an expatriate, there are a few ways to obtain dual citizenship in Portugal. The first option is to apply through the golden visa, which offers the opportunity to invest in real estate and other assets while enjoying a tax-efficient residency. This route does not necessarily result in citizenship, but it’s worth considering if you are looking for a stable, EU-member country where you can live a comfortable lifestyle. The other way to get dual citizenship is through naturalization. This requires legal residency in the country for at least five years (up to six before 2018). You also need to pass an A2 Portuguese language exam and have a clean criminal record.
Another popular option is to become a citizen through marriage. To do this, you must be married to a Portuguese citizen or have been in a romantic relationship with one for at least three years. You must also demonstrate ties to the Portuguese community, including knowledge of the language and participation in social activities.
Many citizenship routes require proof of a certain level of proficiency in the Portuguese language, but exemptions are available for those who are over 60, illiterate, dealing with serious health issues, hail from Portugal-speaking territories, are married to a Portuguese citizen, have children under ten, or have a CIPLE certificate (A2 level). Additionally, there is a special path for Sephardic Jews, who fled the Inquisition in the 16th century and can prove their heritage.
It offers citizenship by marriage
Portuguese citizenship by marriage is a popular way for foreigners to obtain the country’s passport. To qualify for this route, applicants must be married to a Portuguese citizen or in a de facto union with one for three years. Couples must also provide proof that they are a true couple and not just friends. This can include documents such as shared rental agreements or utility bills. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of the Portuguese language.
In 2021, about 12% of Portuguese citizenship applications came through this route. However, it can be difficult to meet all of the requirements. For example, proving that you are truly a couple can be challenging without having any official papers to show. You may also need to prove your connection to Portugal, including a history of community involvement and a commitment to Portuguese culture.
Another option for obtaining Portuguese citizenship is to qualify through descent. You can do this by tracing your family tree to find a Portuguese parent or grandparent. This route can be more complicated and time-consuming than the naturalization route, but it’s still an excellent way to get a Portuguese passport. You’ll still need to meet the residency and language requirements, but it’s usually faster than the other routes.
It offers citizenship by birth
As a European Union country, Portugal recognizes dual citizenship, giving individuals the option to hold both the passports of their home countries. However, obtaining Portuguese citizenship requires extensive legal processes and a thorough understanding of the requirements of each individual situation. This is why it’s best to work with an experienced immigration lawyer to ascertain the most suitable path toward Portuguese citizenship.
People who were born in Portugal before 3 October 1981 automatically gained Portuguese citizenship at birth regardless of their parents’ nationalities, but the same rule does not apply to those who were born outside the country since 1999 (when East Timor became an independent state). Those seeking Portuguese citizenship through jus soli can do so after legally residing in the country for five years and demonstrating proficiency in the language by passing the CIPLE test.
The quickest and easiest route to Portuguese citizenship is through naturalization, which allows citizens the right to live, work, study, and travel within the EU. However, this process can take up to 12 months and is only possible if you are already a legal resident in the country, have a clean criminal record, and have sufficient proof of financial stability. This is why it’s important to hire a qualified immigration lawyer, who can help you prepare all the necessary documentation and reduce your chances of error or omission. In addition, a knowledgeable attorney will have a deep understanding of the complex legal processes involved in acquiring Portuguese citizenship.
It offers citizenship by investment
Portugal offers citizenship by investment, a process in which foreign nationals invest a significant amount of money in the country. This investment allows them and their families to obtain citizenship within five years. It also entitles them to visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone of 26 European countries. Unlike other programs, it does not require that applicants live in the country for five years.
Alternatively, individuals can obtain citizenship by marriage or through naturalization. To qualify for naturalization, you must be a legal resident of the country for at least three years. You must also demonstrate a deep connection to the country and have sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language. Additionally, you must have a clean criminal record.
The government recently amended its citizenship rules to allow individuals born in the country to apply for citizenship if their parents are citizens. This is a significant change, and it will make it easier for some families to gain citizenship in the country.
It offers citizenship to Sephardic Jews
As an act of reparation, Portugal allows Sephardic Jews to obtain citizenship. During the Inquisition, many Jews were forced to flee their homes in Spain and other parts of the Iberian Peninsula. The government of Portugal enacted a law in 2015 to allow these descendants to claim what could have been theirs.
The process involves tracing the applicant’s family tree and providing proof of their Sephardic heritage, including language, traditions, and culture. The applicants must also prove that they have been a part of an organized Sephardic community in the past and that they continue to practice their Jewish religion. Applicants must submit certified documents, including property deeds, marriage certificates, and lineage records.
The process can be complex, but it is possible to apply if the applicant has the proper documentation and proof of their Sephardic heritage. It is recommended that applicants consult with a qualified legal professional who can help them prepare their application. Applicants must also ensure that they meet the requirements of the law, including the requirement to demonstrate frequent travel to Portugal. In addition, applicants must not have been convicted of crimes that are punishable by three years or more under Portuguese law.