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How to Become a Portuguese Citizen
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How can a lawyer help me get Portuguese citizenship?
Curious about how a lawyer can assist you in obtaining Portuguese citizenship? Our immigration lawyers can guide you through the process in several practical ways:
Understanding the requirements: An immigration lawyer can help you understand the specific requirements for obtaining citizenship in Portugal, including any deadlines or restrictions that may apply.
Gathering and preparing documents: An immigration lawyer can help you gather the necessary documents, such as birth certificates and marriage certificates, to prove your ancestry and connection to Portugal. We can also help you prepare these documents and ensure they meet all necessary requirements.
Navigating the application process: The process of applying for citizenship in Portugal can be complex and time-consuming. An immigration lawyer can help guide you through the process, including assisting with completing the necessary forms and submitting your application.
Providing personalized support: Our immigration lawyers will provide personalized support to meet your unique needs and help you achieve your goals of obtaining Portuguese.
What is a Portuguese Citizenship?
So what exactly is Portuguese Citizenship? It’s a legal bond that unites a citizen of the state of Portugal. This bond comes with a set of rights you can enjoy. But it also comes with a set of responsibilities and duties to fulfill as a citizen.
Portuguese nationality can be obtained at birth or during your lifetime and can also be lost under some circumstances.
The great thing about Portuguese law is that it allows you to have other nationalities alongside your Portuguese one. So, you don’t have to give your other citizenship to acquire Portuguese nationality. However, keep in mind that the rules in other countries may require you to give up your original nationality when obtaining Portuguese nationality. So, it’s essential to check the requirements.
How to obtain Portuguese Citizenship in Portugal?
Once you have obtained all the necessary documentation, and it’s properly legalized, you can apply by mail or in person with legal assistance at the Civil Registry.
Your application may take between 1 and 2 years, depending on the specific requirements for your Portuguese citizenship. Once your application is approved, the Portuguese Civil Registry will register your birth as a Portuguese citizen.
After that, the Civil Registry will generate a Portuguese birth certificate in your name. The registration of your birth as a Portuguese citizen might take about 4 months.
With a copy of your Portuguese birth certificate, it will be possible to apply for your Portuguese citizen card and passport in person at the civil registry in Portugal, or at the Portuguese consulates abroad.
General Process of getting Portuguese Citizenship
1. Gather the documentation
This step can take anywhere between 1 to four 4 months to get the necessary paperwork, depending on the Country of issuance
2. Submit the application
If you’re mailing your application, it’s a quick one-day process. For in-person appointments, be sure to schedule in advance.
3. Resolution of the application for citizenship
It can take around 1 or 2 years for your citizenship to be approved.
4. Register your birth as a Portuguese Citizen
After approval, it takes around 4 months for the Register to issue your Portuguese birth certificate.
Types of Portuguese Nationality
Portuguese citizenship by origin:
Children or grandchildren of Portuguese citizens and some foreign citizens who were born in Portugal and meet certain requirements have the right to apply for Portuguese nationality.
If you’re a child of a Portuguese citizen, your Portuguese parent can have obtained their Portuguese nationality either by origin or by naturalization.
For grandchildren, however, the Portuguese grandparent must have obtained their Portuguese nationality by origin, and passing a Portuguese official test (level A2) may be required.
Portuguese citizenship by naturalization:
Foreign citizens can apply for Portuguese citizenship through various avenues, including
- Residing legally in the country for a period of 5 years. Being married to or in a Civil partnership with a Portuguese citizen for at least 3 years
- Having Sephardic Jewish ancestry from the Iberian Peninsula
- Regaining Portuguese citizenship in specific circumstances, such as if you had been formerly a Portuguese citizen who lost it
There is also the possibility of preserving Portuguese nationality, in very specific cases, by being a citizen of a former Portuguese overseas territory such as the countries that were part of the former Portuguese state of India (Goa, Damião, Diu, Dadrá and Nagar-Haveli) and in the African Continent (Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe).
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a non-EU resident and want to live in Portugal, you will first need an appropriate Residence Permit. There are a number of visas you can apply for, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, the Retirement Visa, The Entrepreneur Visa, or the Golden Visa.
If you live in Portugal for 5 years, you can then begin the process of applying for citizenship.
Yes! Portugal allows its citizens to acquire multiple citizenships without having to renounce their original one. However, keep in mind that your home country has its own regulations on dual citizenship. So, make sure to check the requirements for your home country as well.
The process of obtaining citizenship in Portugal is relatively straightforward. However, the timeline and requirements will vary depending on your unique circumstances.
The short answer is no. In order to get Portuguese citizenship you must pass a language test. The purpose of this test is to demonstrate your proficiency in Portuguese. You will be required to demonstrate your ability to understand, speak, and read Portuguese at an A2 level.
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Our law firm has helped numerous clients successfully apply for citizenship and start their new lives in Portugal.
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Frequently Bought Together
Marriage Registration
A marriage certificate is important for applying for citizenship as it provides proof of a legal union between a Portuguese citizen and a foreign national, which can make the naturalization process smoother.
Birth Certificate
A birth certificate is important for applying for citizenship as it provides proof of your identity, nationality, and place of birth –all are important for citizenship eligibility.
Litigation Advice
When legal hurdles like criminal records or immigration violations stand in your way, these services come in handy. They help you sort out any complications that may impact your path to citizenship.
OUT WORK IS TO MAKE CLIENTS HAPPY
We are a department formed by qualified legal experts who have been trained in the field of immigration law. We work on these requests every day and it’s our passion. For us, Lexidy is a way of life and what excites us the most is to be able to deliver the happiness and satisfaction of a successful immigration process. We want to help you achieve your goals and dreams.
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