Portugal offers several residency visas that lead to citizenship, but what happens when you want to become a Portuguese national without losing your current citizenship? Well, that is where Portugal’s dual citizenship comes in.
Also called dual nationality or second citizenship, it is a legal status in which you are recognized as a citizen of two or more countries simultaneously. So, depending on your current nationality, you won’t have to renounce it when acquiring another citizenship. This is one of the many reasons why US citizens and expats worldwide make Portugal their home.
In this article, we take a look at the details of dual citizenship, who qualifies, and how you can get it.
Portugal Dual Citizenship for US Citizens: Key Takeaways
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship. You don’t need to renounce your original nationality when you become a Portuguese citizen, which means you can hold both your current passport and an EU passport at the same time.
To qualify for Portuguese citizenship, you must meet one of the legal pathways. The most common route is naturalization through a residency permit, such as the Portugal D7 Visa or the Portugal Golden Visa, which requires maintaining legal residency for at least five years.
US policy on dual citizenship
The US also permits dual citizenship, but it’s more of a technicality than a law. While the US government doesn’t encourage or endorse dual citizenship, there are no laws that prohibit a US national from second citizenship.
According to the US Department of State, you can acquire Portuguese nationality without losing your US citizenship, provided you comply with the laws of both countries. There are only a few instances in which you could lose your US citizenship, with voluntary renunciation being the main option.
Benefits of Dual Citizenship for US Citizens in Portugal
Freedom of movement
With a Portuguese passport, you gain full rights as an EU citizen, allowing you to live, work, and study in any EU member state without restrictions. You also benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 countries, while US citizens can only visit 179 countries visa-free.
Affordable cost of living
Portugal is significantly more affordable than the United States. According to Numbeo data, overall consumer prices in Portugal are roughly 30 to 40 percent lower than in the US, with rent prices often 40 to 60 percent lower, depending on the city. This allows you to maintain a comparable lifestyle at a lower overall cost.
Safety
Portugal ranks 7th globally on the Global Peace Index, while the United States ranks 128th, making it a significantly safer and more stable environment overall. According to World Bank data, violent crime rates are notably lower in Portugal, with homicide rates at around 0.8 per 100,000 people compared to approximately 6.3 per 100,000 in the US.
Lower healthcare costs
Portugal provides access to its public healthcare system, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), which offers low-cost or free medical care to residents and citizens. In contrast, the US does not have a universal public healthcare system, and medical expenses can be substantially higher even with insurance. Additionally, average premiums for private health insurance in the US often exceed $400 to $600 per month, whereas in Portugal, it typically ranges from €30 to €150 per month.
Ancestry
Portuguese citizenship can be passed on to your children, giving them lifelong access to the European Union. This includes the right to live, work, and study across all EU member states.
Who is eligible for Portugal dual citizenship?
US citizens can obtain Portuguese citizenship (and, by extension, dual nationality) by meeting the requirements set out in Portugal’s nationality law. While naturalization is the most common route, you might have other options available depending on your situation.
- Residency: You can apply for Portuguese citizenship after living in Portugal as a legal resident for at least five years (for now). The most common route for Americans moving to Portugal is through residency visas such as the D7 or the Portugal Golden Visa. You’ll also need to prove an A2-level of proficiency in the Portuguese language.
- Portuguese citizenship by descent: You may qualify for Portuguese citizenship by descent if you have at least one Portuguese parent or grandparent.
- Marriage or long-term partnership: If you have been married to a Portuguese citizen for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship.
How to Get Portugal Dual Citizenship
To get Portuguese citizenship while retaining your US nationality, the government has set out specific steps that you must follow:
1. Choose your eligibility route: Determine if you qualify through residency, ancestry, or marriage. Most US citizens choose to go through the residency route.
2. Legal period residency: Before you can apply for citizenship, you must be a legal resident of Portugal for at least five years if you are on a residency permit. Other avenues, such as ancestry, don’t have stay requirements.
3. Meet the language requirement: You must demonstrate Portuguese language proficiency at the A2 level.
4. Submit your citizenship application: Once you meet all requirements, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Applying for Portuguese Citizenship
Once you have all the necessary documentation and paid the fee, applications can be made in person at the Central Registry Office in Lisbon, at the Nationality Desk of the Central Archive of Porto, the various civil registry offices across the country, or a Portuguese Consulate in the US.
You can also mail your applications to the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN) or the Central Registry Office in Lisbon.
- Fill out the Modelo 6.1 application form
- Gather all the necessary documents
- Pay the €250 application fee
- Submit your application, documents, and payment receipt to the IRN or Central Registry Office.
The IRN will review your application to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria. If your application is rejected, the Registry Office will notify you with an explanation.
While there is the option to lodge an application online, this can only be done by your lawyer or solicitor.
Taxes for US Citizens with Dual Citizenship in Portugal
Holding dual citizenship with Portugal does not change your US tax obligations. As a US citizen, you are taxed on your worldwide income regardless of where you live.
At the same time, if you become a tax resident in Portugal, you will also be subject to Portuguese taxation. In Portugal, you are considered a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country within a year. This means you will have tax obligations in both countries.
However, the US and Portugal have a tax treaty in place, along with provisions like the Foreign Tax Credit and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. These allow you to offset taxes paid in one country against liabilities in the other, depending on your income type and structure.
If you are working in scientific research or innovation fields, you might also qualify for the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI). Also called Portugal’s new NHR, you’ll be taxed at a flat rate of 20 percent on your net income in Portugal.
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