Portugal Dual Citizenship: A Step-by-Step Guide for US Citizens

Portugal is quickly becoming a top destination for US citizens and expats worldwide.

There are plenty of visa options, and the best part is that when you become a national of Portugal, dual citizenship ensures you always have a passport for your home country.

As a non-EU citizen, you won’t have to renounce your current citizenship when acquiring Portuguese citizenship. This rise in popularity is due not only to the country’s inclusive dual citizenship laws, but also its affordable living costs, high quality of life, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at all the details, and you’ll also learn more about:

• Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
• Benefits of dual citizenship
• Portugal dual citizenship eligibility
• Visa options available for expats
• Dual citizenship application

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship, also referred to as dual nationality or second citizenship, is a legal status where an individual is recognized as a citizen in two countries simultaneously. Dual citizenship can be obtained through various routes, including naturalization, descent, or investment.

Having a second passport is ideal for Americans moving to Portugal, as it allows them to become legal residents and enjoy the benefits of being integrated into the European Union.

Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Portugal dual citizenship is allowed. While the country does not have specific dual nationality agreements, the Portuguese government, in line with Portuguese nationality law, does allow second citizenship with several countries and will not require you to give up your original citizenship to become a Portuguese citizen and, simultaneously, an EU citizen.

Individuals can maintain ties with their home country, but it is important to note that to gain dual citizenship in Portugal, you must meet certain criteria.

These can include living in the country for at least five years as a legal resident (naturalization route) or having Portuguese ancestry (citizenship by descent).

Alternatively, you must have been married, have a valid marriage certificate, or have been in a de facto (non-marital) partnership with a Portuguese national for over three years to meet this residency requirement.

Additional requirements for Portuguese nationality include:

• Portuguese language proficiency
• A clean criminal record certificate
• Proof of Portuguese residency, such as a legal residence permit.

US Policy on dual citizenship

According to the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, the United States of America recognizes dual citizenship, which permits American citizens to have foreign citizenship without losing their American citizenship.

US law also does not require US citizens to choose between their US citizenship and Portuguese nationality or other foreign nationality, keeping their US citizenship risk-free. However, dual citizens are required to obey the laws of both countries and may be required to use their US passport instead of their second passport to enter and leave the United States.

Benefits of Dual Citizenship for US Citizens in Portugal

Live, work, and study in Portugal

With a Portuguese passport, you gain the right to live, work, and study in this picturesque Western European country without the usual difficulties faced by non-Portuguese citizens and non-EU citizens. Portugal offers exciting full-time or part-time employment opportunities and excellent Portuguese universities where you can pursue higher education for the career of your dreams.

Visa-free access and travel to other European Union countries

Obtaining Portuguese citizenship unlocks incredible experiences of fado music and flavorful pastéis de nata and opens up the entire European Union for you. Portuguese nationality comes with visa-free access to the Schengen Zone and an opportunity for dual citizens to easily embark on European adventures and explore the wonders of 27 European Union nations, whether travelling for business or leisure.

Affordable cost of living and high quality of life

Portugal offers a high quality of life, a pleasant climate, delectable cuisine, and a lower cost of living. According to a Numbeo cost comparison between Lisbon and Washington, DC:

• Rental prices in Lisbon are 61.8% lower than in Washington, DC
• Restaurant prices in Lisbon are 50.8% lower than in Washington, DC
• Grocery prices in Lisbon are 52.7% lower than in Washington, DC

Portugal is not only one of the safest European Union countries; you can live a comfortable, budget-friendly lifestyle without missing out on the beauty and luxury the nation has to offer.

Portugal Dual Citizenship Eligibility

As mentioned initially, there are a variety of routes to obtaining Portuguese citizenship. Take a look at the following eligibility criteria to acquire Portuguese citizenship as well as Portuguese dual citizenship:

Portuguese citizenship by investment

With the Portuguese Golden Visa, Americans have a pathway to acquire Portuguese citizenship by making a qualifying investment in the country and contributing to economic growth. This visa scheme speeds up the process for foreign nationals and non-EU/non-EEA citizens to obtain a legal residence permit in Portugal.

Portugal Golden Visa holders are granted a temporary residence permit in exchange for making a minimum investment of at least €250,000. After five years of maintaining the temporary residence permit and their investment, Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence.

Portuguese citizenship by descent

You can also obtain Portuguese citizenship through descent, recognizing nationality through Jus Sanguini (right of blood) and Jus Soli (right of soil). This means that individuals with Portuguese ancestry may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship.

To apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent, you must have a Portuguese ascendant that you can prove through a birth certificate. This includes those with Portuguese parents or at least one parent born in Portugal. You may also qualify through a Portuguese grandparent who retained their nationality.

Key points regarding citizenship by descent include:

• Eligibility criteria: If you have Portuguese parents, you can apply by submitting their birth certificates as proof of your descent. These documents must confirm that your parents were born in Portugal.
• Grandparent qualification: If you have a Portuguese grandparent, you can still pursue citizenship by descent. You have a Portuguese grandparent who has retained their nationality, as long as you have been living in Portugal for at least three years or are connected to the Portuguese community, including knowing the Portuguese language.
• Dual citizenship for US citizens: It’s important to note that if you have Portuguese parents or your parents hold citizenship from another country, you may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship and to get a second passport.

Portuguese citizenship by marriage: spousal eligibility

You can also obtain Portuguese citizenship through spousal eligibility. After being in a de facto relationship with or married to a Portuguese citizen for three years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. You must provide the required documents, such as a marriage certificate and a copy of your spouse’s Portuguese citizen card. Portuguese law does not have a minimum residency requirement for this route, and your citizenship in Portugal will remain valid even if you divorce or separate in the future.

Portuguese citizenship under the Jewish Law of Return

The Portuguese parliament passed legislation in 2013 called the “Law of Return,” granting descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled during the Inquisition a path to citizenship. Eligibility hinges on proving Sephardic ancestry and affiliation with the Portuguese Sephardic Jewish community. Unlike Israel’s Law of Return, which requires residency, Portugal primarily focuses on lineage and cultural ties to the Portuguese Sephardic community.

However, this program may be subject to changes, so it’s important to consult with immigration specialists or an immigration lawyer to ensure that you’re up to date with any changes to the legislation.

Portuguese citizenship by naturalization for foreign residents

You can also obtain Portuguese citizenship through naturalization, a process available to foreign residents. To qualify, you must be a legal resident in Portugal for at least five years and hold a valid residence permit throughout this period.

The naturalization process allows long-term residents to gain Portuguese citizenship after meeting specific eligibility criteria, including proficiency in the Portuguese language. This requires applicants from regions outside Portuguese overseas territories to take the Portuguese language test, or attend Portuguese classes.

• Visa process: Non-EU foreign nationals typically begin their journey with a temporary residence permit, valid for two years and renewable for three-year periods. After five years of maintaining a temporary residence permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
• Residency requirements: You must hold a legal residence permit for five years. This includes time spent on a temporary residence permit, which can be obtained through various visa options, such as the Portugal D3 Visa, Portugal D7 Visa, family reunification, or Portugal D8 Visa. Unlike the Portugal Golden Visa, these options do not require an investment.
• Counted residency: Both temporary and permanent residency permits contribute to the five-year residency requirement for naturalization, making it essential to maintain legal residency during this time.

Portuguese citizenship by adoption

You can also obtain Portuguese citizenship through adoption. Portuguese citizens can adopt children aged 0 to 18, which may lead to potential citizenship for the adoptive child.

To initiate the adoption process, prospective parents must establish their identity, residency, marital status, and financial stability. This process typically spans up to 18 months and involves multiple interviews and assessments.

Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship by adoption requires meeting specific criteria, including valid identification, proof of completed adoption procedures, and a court order for Portuguese citizenship.

Upon successful completion of the adoption, the child can acquire Portuguese citizenship.

Citizenship through residence in Portuguese overseas territories

You can claim Portuguese citizenship in certain cases if you are a resident of one of the following former Portuguese colonies:

• Angola
• Cabo Verde
• Portuguese India
• Guinea-Bissau
• East Timor
• Macao
• Mozambique
• São Tomé and Príncipe

However, you will need to prove that you are either a descendant of Portuguese nationals or part of a community that practices Portuguese values and traditions.

Visa Options for Americans Moving to Portugal for Dual Citizenship

Portugal Golden Visa program

The Portugal Golden Visa Program, also known as the residence permit for investment activity, is a five-year residency-by-investment program for non-EU nationals. The Portuguese Golden Visa program enables investors to obtain residency and, eventually, become Portuguese citizens by making financial contributions to a selection of investment options in Portugal.

Portugal Golden Visa requirements

To qualify for the program, you must fulfill the following Golden Visa requirements for Portugal:

• Have a clean criminal record
• Be either non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national
• Minimum investment of €250,000, with a range of investment routes, including investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national heritage, scientific research, creating at least ten jobs, and a subscription to a venture capital or private equity fund.
• Meet all legal requirements, including an average of 7 days spent per year in Portugal, guaranteeing a total of 14 days during the validity of each residence card (issued with a validity of 2 years)

Portugal D3 Visa

The Portugal D3 Visa, also known as a Highly Qualified Activity Permit, was introduced by the Portuguese government to attract highly qualified workers to the country. This special long-term stay visa is an option for professionals with an employment opportunity or a self-employed contract to provide services to a Portuguese company.

The D3 Visa Portugal is also a path towards permanent residence and Portuguese and EU citizenship. After five years of living permanently in Portugal, D3 Visa holders can apply to obtain Portuguese citizenship.

To apply for the D3 Visa at the Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate, you must already have a valid employment contract or a self-employed contract and fulfill these requirements:

• A clean criminal record, proven by a criminal record certificate
• That the activity to be developed is framed as a highly qualified activity and that the professional proves adequate qualifications or experience to carry it out
• The contract is for an indefinite period or at least one year
• Provide evidence that your expected annual salary is at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the social support index (IAS)*. However, for employment in professions considered particularly in need of third-country nationals, 1.2 times the national average gross wage or twice the IAS value is permitted.

Portugal D7 Visa

You can also obtain citizenship through the Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa.

The D7 residency visa offers non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens the option to apply for residency in Portugal, provided that they have sufficient passive income that amounts to more than the Portuguese minimum wage and is enough to sustain their lifestyle without the need to work in Portugal.

After five years of holding a legal residence permit through the D7 Visa, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. To be eligible for the D7 Visa in Portugal, the requirements include:

• Be a non-EU citizen
• Meet the minimum passive income requirements above the minimum wage of at least €870.00 per month (your income can be foreign-sourced pension income, rental income, or transferable equity)
• Have a rental agreement and can provide a residential address in Portugal.
• You must have a clean criminal record (in Portugal, a criminal conviction for a crime punishable by a prison sentence of more than one year is not acceptable).
• You must spend a minimum of 16 months in Portugal on your temporary visa within the initial two-year period.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Tailored for remote workers and self-employed expats seeking to live and work in Portugal, the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa provides a flexible lifestyle for those contributing to the country’s digital landscape and economy.

There are two ways you can go about applying for the D8 Visa Portugal:

• Apply for a Temporary Stay Visa (short stay visa) for up to one year or
• Apply for a Residence Visa, which allows you to obtain a temporary residence permit initially valid for two years and renewable for subsequent periods of three years.

If you obtain a residency visa after five years, you can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship, provided you fulfill all the requirements. With citizenship, you can live, work, and study in any Schengen Area member state.

The eligibility requirement for US citizens who wish to apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is that they meet the income prerequisite of €3,480 monthly.

Family Reunification Visa

The Portugal Family Reunification Visa or the Portugal D6 Visa is a residence program that reunites families by allowing Portuguese residents or those who have already obtained Portuguese nationality to have their non-EU family members join them in Portugal. These family members can also become legal residents and even obtain Portuguese citizenship in the future.

Family members such as a spouse, child, an adopted child, and dependent parents are eligible for the Portuguese D6 Family Visa.

Find the step-by-step guide, eligibility requirements, and application process in D6 Visa Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide to The Family Reunification Visa.

US Citizen Requirements for Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship

US citizens may become Portuguese citizens by naturalization after living in Portugal for more than five years and showing proficiency in the Portuguese language. They can also apply by proving they have Portuguese ancestry, or that they are married to or in a de facto union with a Portuguese citizen. In that case, you must provide a long-form birth certificate for both parties.

If applying for citizenship after obtaining legal residency, your Portugal dual citizenship application should include:

• A certified criminal record
• Evidence of your fluency in the Portuguese language
• Proof of your Portuguese residency.

In the section below, we outline the Portugal-United States dual citizenship application.

How to Get Dual Citizenship In Portugal: The Application Process

Navigating the application process involves submitting the required documentation and complying with Portuguese immigration laws. It’s important to note that working with a Portugal immigration lawyer when pursuing Portuguese citizenship can make the process easier for you.

Portuguese citizenship application process:

• Fill out the application form
• Submit a certified copy of all the necessary documents with the application fees
• Send your application along with all supporting documentation to the Portuguese Consulate (if you’re applying from your home country), the Registry Office (if you’re applying from Portugal) for processing or through a Portuguese lawyer or solicitor.
• Once you submit your application form, the Registry Office will process it and decide whether or not you qualify for Portuguese citizenship.
• Should you not be eligible for Portuguese citizenship, you will be informed by the Registry Office and given a reason.
• If you are eligible, the Registry Office will send you an official letter of congratulations and inform you that your Portuguese citizenship application has been approved.

The Best Cities in Portugal for Americans with Portuguese Dual Citizenship

US citizens looking to move to Portugal and attain Portuguese citizenship will be spoiled for choice with the amazing cities and quaint towns offering a high-quality lifestyle in this beautiful EU country. Here are three top-tier options to consider:

Lisbon

As the capital of Portugal and with a growing expat community, Lisbon is one of the best places for US citizens to live. This vibrant city offers exciting tourist attractions and access to essential services, including administrative offices, banks, an international airport, and hospitals providing quality healthcare. As contemporary and high-quality life in Lisbon is, learning to speak Portuguese will make integrating into the Portuguese community easier and your transition to life in Portugal seamless.

Porto

If you’re a US citizen looking for a smaller city offering a slower pace and lower living costs than the Portuguese capital, then Porto could be the right fit. As the second largest city in Portugal, Porto offers Portuguese nationals and expats alike a relaxed pace of life, beautiful scenery, a great selection of tourist attractions, and last but not least, good Port wine. Even though it is a smaller city, Porto still provides the essential services you need for convenience, including an international airport, hospitals providing quality healthcare, and even international schools.

Braga

Braga is a beautiful city in Northern Portugal and an ideal choice for US citizens looking for a quiet lifestyle, low-cost living, and easily accessible visa-free travel. Famed for its rich cultural and religious history, Braga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Portuguese National Monument that has developed a thriving business hub in recent years. The quaint Portuguese city is easy to navigate, offers quality healthcare facilities, has an international school, and is home to an incredible selection of tourist attractions and restaurants.

Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?

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• GCS has offices located across Portugal.
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