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Thinking about expanding your global freedom? Portuguese dual citizenship is widely considered one of Europe’s most appealing paths. Portugal lets you keep your existing nationality, giving you the best of both worlds as you step into life as an EU citizen.
For U.S. citizens, it’s an especially valuable opportunity. Since the United States also permits dual nationality, you can hold both a U.S. and Portuguese passport, enjoying the benefits of EU citizenship while keeping your American status.
This guide explains how to get dual citizenship in Portugal, the main ways to qualify, and the 2025 updates to Portugal’s Nationality Law that make the process simpler than ever. Whether your connection to Portugal is through ancestry, marriage, or long-term residence, here’s what you need to know to start your journey toward Portuguese dual citizenship.
Table of Contents
The Three Main Pathways to Portuguese Dual Citizenship
There are several ways to obtain Portuguese dual citizenship, but the three most common routes are through naturalization, descent, or marriage/de facto union. Each has specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and processing timelines.
1. Citizenship by Naturalization (Residency Route)
For most non-EU nationals, this is the primary pathway to Portuguese citizenship.
General Requirements
Applicants must have legally resided in Portugal for at least five years, maintaining valid residence status and showing integration into Portuguese society, including basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level).
2024 Law Change
A major update to how to apply for dual citizenship in Portugal took effect in 2024. The five-year residency period now starts from the date the residence permit application is submitted, not from when the first card is issued. This change shortens waiting times for many residents.
2025 Reform
In late 2025, Parliament approved changes to the Nationality Law that would increase the usual residency period for citizenship by naturalization to 10 years for most applicants, and 7 years for EU and Portuguese-speaking country nationals.
As of November 2025, the reform is currently under constitutional review, so the traditional 5-year rule remains on the books for now, but anyone planning long-term should expect a shift toward these longer timelines and get tailored legal advice before relying on the 5-year track.
If you have any questions about your eligibility, our trusted immigration team at Lexidy is here to support. Contact us using the form below to get a free consultation.
2. Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
Those with Portuguese ancestry may qualify for dual citizenship in Portugal by descent.
Parents/Grandparents
Individuals born to Portuguese parents or grandparents can apply for citizenship, provided the ancestor retained Portuguese nationality.
Changes to the Grandparent Route
Now, applicants applying through a grandparent must demonstrate a connection to the Portuguese community, as evidenced by a basic proficiency in the Portuguese language (A2 level).
Applying through a parent is generally simpler since this connection requirement is waived.
This route is especially appealing for second- or third-generation Portuguese descendants who want to reconnect with their heritage and secure Portuguese dual citizenship.
3. Citizenship by Marriage or Civil Partnership
Foreign nationals married to, or in a recognized civil partnership with, a Portuguese citizen may also qualify for dual citizenship in Portugal.
General Requirement
The couple must be married or in a civil partnership for at least three years. The civil partnership must be recognized by a Portuguese court.
How to Prove the Connection
- Be married or in a civil partnership for at least 5 years and demonstrate knowledge of the Portuguese language, or
- Be married or in a civil partnership for at least 5 years and have been born in, and be a national of, a country with Portuguese as an official language, or
- Have common children with Portuguese nationality, or
- Have legal residence in Portugal for at least 5 years, or
- Have legal residence in Portugal for at least 3 years and demonstrate that you are studying in Portugal or demonstrate knowledge of the Portuguese language.
This path offers a clear route for partners or spouses seeking to apply for dual citizenship in Portugal, though it requires careful documentation and proof of a genuine relationship.
Essential Requirements for All Naturalization Applicants
Regardless of which pathway you pursue, whether through residence, marriage, or ancestry, every applicant seeking Portuguese dual citizenship must meet a core set of eligibility conditions. Below, we have compiled a practical checklist outlining the main requirements for naturalization in Portugal in 2025.
Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate basic knowledge of the Portuguese language, typically proven by passing the CIPLE A2-level exam. Applicants will be evaluated on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Certain exemptions apply for older applicants or those educated in Portuguese-language institutions.
Clean Criminal Record
Applicants must have no serious criminal convictions. Serious convictions are generally defined as a prison sentence of three years or more under Portuguese law. Criminal record certificates from both Portugal and your country of origin (and any other countries of residence) are required as part of the application.
Proof of Residency
For applicants under the residency route, a valid residence permit and evidence of continuous legal residence in Portugal for the required period (currently five years) are essential. Documentation required may include residence cards, AIMA registration records, and proof of address.
Ties to the Portuguese Community
Demonstrating a connection to the Portuguese community is required for most routes (except citizenship by descent through a Portuguese parent). This must be done by proving your proficiency in Portuguese.
Meeting these baseline criteria is critical for a successful process for dual citizenship in Portugal. Even minor documentation errors or incomplete records can lead to significant application delays, making professional legal guidance invaluable.
Benefits of Portuguese Dual Citizenship
Gaining Portuguese dual citizenship unlocks a world of opportunity, not just in Portugal but across the entire European Union. For U.S. citizens, it offers a unique lifestyle, travel, and financial advantages that few other second citizenships can match.
1. EU Citizenship and Freedom of Movement
Becoming a Portuguese citizen automatically grants EU citizenship, allowing you to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states. From Spain and France to Italy and Germany, you can relocate freely without applying for visas or residence permits.
2. Global Mobility
The Portuguese passport consistently ranks among the world’s strongest, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries. For Americans, this means easier and faster international travel, especially to regions that typically require stricter entry documentation.
3. Legacy and Family Security
One of the most valuable Portuguese citizenship benefits is the ability to pass it on to future generations. Children born after naturalization automatically inherit citizenship, helping families build lasting European roots that extend well beyond one generation.
4. Healthcare and Education Access
Holders of dual citizenship in Portugal enjoy full access to the national healthcare system (SNS), known for its high standards and affordability. Education is equally accessible, with lower tuition at Portuguese universities and EU tuition rates when studying across Europe.
5. Simplified Bureaucracy
With Portuguese dual citizenship, everyday life becomes simpler. Citizens benefit from permanent residency rights, easier access to banking, property ownership, and social services, without the need for frequent renewals or visa extensions.
In short, holding dual citizenship between Portugal and the USA offers the best of both worlds. You enjoy the global mobility of an EU passport while keeping your American ties, creating a balance between opportunity and heritage.
Practicalities of Dual Citizenship (USA vs Portugal)
Holding dual citizenship between Portugal and the USA offers immense freedom. It also comes with certain responsibilities and practical considerations that new citizens should understand. Managing taxes, travel logistics, and legal obligations across two countries requires a bit of planning. The effort involved is worth it as the benefits far outweigh the complexities.
1. Taxes and Financial Obligations
U.S. citizens are taxed on their worldwide income, regardless of where they reside. This means that even as a Portuguese dual citizen, you must continue to file annual U.S. tax returns.
However, the U.S.–Portugal tax treaty and programs like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) help ensure you are not taxed twice on the same income.
Consulting a tax advisor familiar with both systems is strongly recommended to ensure full compliance and to maximize benefits.
2. Travel and Passport Use
Dual citizens should carry both passports when traveling. Use your Portuguese passport for entry and exit within the EU and Schengen Area, allowing for faster processing and visa-free access across Europe. Your U.S. passport should be used when entering or leaving the United States, as required by U.S. law.
This dual status makes international travel smoother, letting you benefit from each country’s global mobility advantages while avoiding unnecessary visa requirements or entry restrictions.
In short, understanding how to apply for dual citizenship in Portugal is only the first step. Once approved, understanding the practical realities of living with two nationalities ensures you can enjoy all the freedoms and protections that come with Portuguese dual citizenship.
Ready to Secure Portuguese Dual Citizenship?
Obtaining Portuguese dual citizenship opens the door to a world of opportunity. Citizens can live, work, and study anywhere in the EU while enjoying Portugal’s high quality of life and outstanding global mobility.
Whether you qualify through descent, marriage, or residency, Portugal remains one of the most accessible and rewarding countries for those seeking a second nationality.
As Portugal’s nationality laws continue to evolve, expert legal guidance is more important than ever. The process can seem complex, but with the right support, achieving dual citizenship in Portugal is entirely possible.
If you’re ready to begin your journey or want to understand how to get dual citizenship in Portugal, the legal team at Lexidy can help. Fill out the form below, and a lawyer will contact you to guide you step-by-step toward your new European future.