If you’re considering a second passport and don’t want to give up your citizenship, then a golden passport in Portugal is an excellent option for expat families.

Famed for its long stretch of Atlantic coastline, endless sunshine, and delicious cuisine, Portugal is increasingly the ‘it’ destination for expat families looking for a European passport.

If you visit Portugal, you’ll quickly understand why this country has established such popularity with expats worldwide. And, since Portugal recognizes dual citizenship, it’s perfectly possible to obtain a passport and call this nation home.

Indeed, the fact that Portugal recognizes dual citizenship is one of the many advantages, as you will not be required to relinquish your previous passport (provided your home nation allows dual citizenship). Given that both Portugal and the US permit dual citizenship, individuals have the option to retain both their Portuguese and American passports.

Learn more about how to apply for this lucrative passport and enjoy the many benefits associated with Portuguese citizenship.

 

Obtaining a Portuguese Passport

A Portuguese passport (PEP) is issued to citizens of Portugal for the purpose of international travel and free movement within the European Union (EU). The passport and Portugal’s Citizen Card provide free movement and legal residence in any EU state, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

As a European country, a member of the EU, and the Schengen Area, a Portuguese passport gives you the opportunity to travel freely when entering Portugal, alongside being able to travel around Europe and live, work, and study anywhere within the EU, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. European citizens have many work and travel benefits open to them.

By being a citizen in Portugal, you’re afforded all the rights that come with being a national, including the right to live in the country, to vote, and have access to health care and quality schooling in the country.

It’s important to note that Portuguese citizens aren’t obliged to own a passport. You can apply for the Portuguese Citizen Card as a general identity document. This document is beneficial for international travel around Europe.

Portugal also permits dual citizenship, meaning you can maintain your home country’s passport when securing a passport in Portugal. To make a request, you must have lived lawfully in Portugal for five years, been born in Portugal, have Portuguese parents or a Portuguese grandparent, or be married to a Portuguese citizen.

 

Benefits of Having a Portuguese Passport

There are numerous benefits of having a passport in Portugal. These include:

Portuguese citizenship for life Portuguese citizenship for life
The right to travel, live, work and study anywhere in the EU The right to travel, live, work and study anywhere in the EU
Visa-free travel to over 174 countries with the Portuguese passport Visa-free travel to over 174 countries with the Portuguese passport
Free access to quality health care Free access to quality health care
Free access to quality schooling Free access to quality schooling
Fantastic quality of life Fantastic quality of life
  • The right to travel, live, work, and study anywhere in the EU: You can move freely across the Schengen zone without the need for a Schengen Visa. Since Portugal is an EU member, you have the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries in the EU.
  • Free access to quality schooling: Enjoy free education in some of the world’s best institutions and enjoy the government-sponsored healthcare programs that offer coverage across Europe.
  • Excellent quality of life: Portugal truly is a wonderful place to live. The climate, safe environment, and excellent Mediterranean cuisine are just a few examples.
  • Employment opportunities: Enjoy full or part-time employment without an additional work permit required.
  • Low living costs: Portugal is a relatively affordable country compared to its European neighbors.

Enhance your understanding of the Portuguese healthcare system with our in-depth guide, ‘Healthcare in Portugal – A Complete Guide for Expats.’ Crafted specifically for expats, this guide is a treasure trove of crucial insights that will ease your transition. Make the smart move – fortify your preparation by downloading your copy here.

Portugal’s Passport Power

Portuguese citizens have the world at their fingertips. A Portuguese passport grants visa-free access to 174 countries. In Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index, Portugal ranks in the 31st position. When you break this down further, the Portuguese passport ranks in 12th position in the Enhanced Mobility Index and in 13th position in the Quality of Life Index. In other words, this passport is extremely strong to possess.

Passport Cost

In general, the passport costs just €65 to obtain if you are applying for Portuguese citizenship in the Portuguese national territory. If you are, for example, in the United States, then the passport costs around €100 to obtain.

There’s also the possibility to secure citizenship, and therefore a golden passport in Portugal, by making an investment in the country.

Known as the Portugal Golden Visa, for a €500,000 property purchase or a venture capital fund investment of €500,000, you can get residency in Portugal. Note that for residential property investments, the property must be located in a designated interior area of Portugal.

After five years of holding your respective investment, you are eligible for Portuguese citizenship (more info below), provided you also fulfill the requirements under Portuguese law.

Important note: The Portugal Golden Visa is coming to an end. If you are interested in applying for the Golden Visa program, we strongly recommend you begin your application now. 

You can consult our article on the Golden Visa ending to stay updated. 

Portuguese Passports | GCS

Portuguese passport requirements

The requirements depend upon which path you choose to take for Portuguese citizenship. If you are a foreign resident who wants to become a citizen of Portugal, you must have resided in Portugal for five years. However, this is reduced to three years for foreign citizens who have been married or have been in a legal partnership with a Portuguese national for three years.

Besides this, the requirements under Portuguese nationality law include the following:

  • At least A2 level in the Portuguese language
  • Clean health record
  • Criminal record certified by SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Border Service)
  • Evidence of residency in Portugal

As mentioned, a Portuguese passport requirement is for you to pass the Portuguese language test, as well as pass a detailed criminal background check.

The government of Portugal developed the CIPLE exam in 2006 to test the candidates’ capacity to understand and apply common Portuguese phrases. If you’re already familiar with European languages, it’s not too tricky, but it might be difficult for native English speakers.

The new law for Portuguese citizenship by marriage is that you must be married or in a non-marital relationship with a Portuguese national for more than three years. There is no residency requirement for this route.

How to Apply for a Portuguese Passport

How to apply for a Portuguese passport depends on your personal situation. For example, if you have a Portuguese parent or a Portuguese grandparent, it’s much easier to secure a passport than having no blood relatives in the country.

Moreover, if you are of Sephardic Jewish heritage, who fled the Iberian Peninsula during the Inquisition period, you are also eligible for a Jewish Portuguese passport as being part of the Portuguese Jewish community and as being of Sephardic Jewish descent.

Persons born in Portugal but that are residents in one of the former Portuguese territories can retain Portuguese citizenship. Also, persons born in former colonial Portuguese territories but that have been living in Portugal for a long time can also keep citizenship.

Generally speaking, for expats, the most common routes to Portuguese citizenship are listed below.

1. Portuguese passport through marriage

A Portuguese passport through marriage is a common way to obtain citizenship. You must be married for at least three years to a Portuguese citizen or cohabit with your partner. There is no need to have resided previously in Portugal, although you must provide documents proving your union and connection to the Portuguese community.

2. Citizen by Portuguese descent

You must have a Portuguese parent or Portuguese grandparent in order to be eligible to become a Portuguese national by descent.

3. Portuguese passport by investment

The Portuguese passport by investment initiative grants qualifying investors with passports, provided that they invest in the country and maintain the respective investment for at least five years.

The citizenship process is also known as naturalization as a Portuguese citizen because the person must spend at least five years living in the country to be eligible for a passport.

First, you must apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa route. You can choose from a number of investment routes, including:

Buying a residential property in a designated interior area of Portugal at the minimum value of €500,000 or a commercial property anywhere in the country Buying a residential property in a designated interior area of Portugal at the minimum value of €500,000 or a commercial property anywhere in the country
Investing in venture capital funds costing at least €500,000 Investing in venture capital funds costing at least €500,000
Investing at least €350,000 in a property rehabilitation project, which is reduced to €280,000, if located in a low-density area Investing at least €350,000 in a property rehabilitation project, which is reduced to €280,000, if located in a low-density area

Additional requirements

  • You must obtain a criminal record certificate issued by SEF, proving you have been a legal resident in Portugal for at least five years.
  • You must present proof of sufficient knowledge of the language.
  • You will be required to provide details of your current Portuguese residency and have your unique tax identification number (NIF) in Portugal.

For more information, check out our Golden Visa Portugal 2023 ultimate guide.

Where to apply for a Portuguese passport

You can apply for a Portuguese passport at the following:

  • Insituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) offices
  • Autonomous regional governments of the islands of Madeira and the Azores
  • Passport shops at the airports in Lisbon and Porto
  • A Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate in your area of residence if you are not in Portugal

Portuguese passport renewal

Your Portuguese passport can be renewed once its validity expires or within the period six months before the date that your passport expires.

You will need to bring with you the following documents:

  • Your original, valid Bilhete de Identidade (identity card)
  • Cartão de Cidadão (citizen card)
  • Your original passport (for renewal)

Take a look at our Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide by local experts

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Portuguese Passport Processing Time

Once all the required paperwork is submitted, the Portuguese passport processing time usually takes five business days. In urgent cases, and at the applicant’s request, the passport processing time can be fast-tracked to two working business days for an additional fee.

 

Global Citizen Solutions: How We Can Help

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the perfect residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. Please get in touch to discuss how we can help you achieve your citizenship or residency goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Portuguese Passport

How can you get a passport in Portugal?

Getting a Portuguese passport depends on your situation. Generally speaking, you can either get a passport by marriage, a passport by descent, or a passport by investment. There are certain additional requirements. For example, showing a connection to the Portuguese community in some cases.

How much does a Portuguese passport cost?

If you’re applying for a passport from within Portugal, it costs just €65. If you’re applying abroad, then it can cost €100 or more.

How do I apply for a passport online?

To apply for a Portuguese passport online, also known as the Portuguese electronic passport, you can do so at the passport bureau in Lisbon airport or Porto airport or the Portuguese Consulate or local Portuguese Embassy located in your area. The consulate or embassy close to you is probably the easiest option open to you.

tHow much is the passport renewal fee?

The Portuguese passport renewal fee starts from €100 and costs more if you get a new one because the previous one was stolen.

Can I buy a Portuguese passport?

No, you cannot buy a Portuguese passport. You can obtain a passport in Portugal by making a qualifying investment in the nation, usually in real estate, through the Portugal Golden Visa program. You will need to hold your investment for five years and fulfill all the requirements under Portuguese law.

Increasingly though, people are opting to rehabilitate old buildings at the value of €350,000 or are investing in funds to the value of €500,000, and as such, can get a Portuguese passport after five years.

What are the documents required to apply for Portuguese citizenship?

If you are a resident of Portugal, you will need to have spent five years in the county. Following this, you can apply for a permanent residence permit and go about obtaining Portuguese citizenship.

You will also need to present the following:

  • At least A2 level in the Portuguese language
  • Clean health record
  • Criminal record certified by SEF
  • Portuguese residency evidence

In order to obtain Portuguese citizenship, you will need to pass a simple A2 test. The Portuguese government created the CIPLE exam in 2006, which tests the applicant’s ability to understand everyday Portuguese expressions.

What are the advantages of owning a passport from Portugal?

According to the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index, the Portuguese passport is ranked at number 31, allowing free travel across 174 countries and visa-free access to all 27 EU countries. With a very high mobility score, it is one of the most attractive passports in the world.

If you get a Portuguese passport, there are many advantages, including the right to enjoy full EU citizenship status in the country and travel, work, and live freely anywhere within the EU. A Portuguese passport means you have free access to excellent health care and public schooling in the country. To top it off, you can enjoy a favorable tax regime.

Portugal also allows for dual citizenship, so you won’t have to relinquish your previous passport from your home country (as long as your home country also allows dual citizenship). When you travel to Portugal, you can show your Portuguese passport when you are entering Portugal, whether it is mainland Portugal or the autonomous islands of Madiera and the Azores, and face no issues with visa requirements.

How long does it take to obtain a passport from Portugal?

Passports are issued in Portugal and usually take five business days if all the documents required are correct. If necessary, there is a fast-track option of two business days. Obviously, armed with a Portuguese EU passport, you can enter Portugal whenever you want, and, as EU citizens, you can live, work, and study across the European Union.

How do you renew a Portuguese passport?

The standard Portuguese passport validity is for five years. You can apply for a replacement passport if it is due to expire within six months.

Note that, generally speaking, you will get a Portuguese electronic passport. This comprises all the data that is needed to identify Portuguese citizens who travel out of the European Union and to any Schengen country. Only in exceptional cases of great urgency may a temporary passport that is not electric be issued.

What is Portugal’s passport power?

A passport from Portugal is very strong. In Global Citizen Solutions’ pioneering Global Passport Index, Portugal ranks in the 31st position. This takes into account enhanced mobility, investment opportunities, and quality of life indicators.

Which countries can I travel to with a Portuguese passport?

If you get a Portuguese passport, you have visa free-access to 174 countries, showing that Portuguese citizenship has many mobility benefits. This obviously includes being able to travel to Portugal for however long you want.

More details can be found about Portugal’s performance in Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index. Once you obtain Portuguese citizenship and get a Portuguese passport, you have excellent mobility, including free movement across the EU and other Schengen countries. The Portuguese passport benefits extend to Canada, the UK, and the USA, where there is easy mobility to these countries.

Who is eligible for a Portuguese passport?

You can apply for a Portuguese passport after acquiring Portuguese citizenship and having lived in Portugal for at least five years. With a Portuguese passport, you can enter Portugal whenever you choose, and when you exit Portugal, you will have visa-free access to 174 countries.

How do I get a golden passport in Portugal?

There are many ways to secure the golden passport in Portugal, by descent, marriage, or naturalization. Also, the Portuguese Golden Visa program allows individuals and their family members to indirectly obtain a golden passport in Portugal.

You will be granted residency, and as long as you hold your investment for five years and fulfill all the requirements under Portuguese law, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship and obtain a golden Portuguese passport.

What is the Portugal passport processing time?

Passports are issued in Portugal and usually take five business days if all the documents required are correct. If needed, there is a fast-track option of two business days. Armed with a Portuguese EU passport, you can enter Portugal whenever you want, and, as EU citizens, you can live, work, and study across the European Union.

What is Portuguese nationality processing time?

Obtaining Portuguese citizenship will completely depend on the route that you are opting for. The time taken to secure Portuguese nationality will differ depending on if you are applying through naturalization, if you are marrying a Portuguese citizen, if you are applying through citizenship by descent, or obtaining citizenship after five years from being a Golden Visa applicant. The Golden Visa is an easy way to secure residency. After five years of holding your Golden Visa investment, you can apply for citizenship. 

For example, an individual married to a Portuguese citizen can apply after three years, provided they meet all the criteria, while a person will have to have lived in Portugal for five years to obtain citizenship through naturalization. Golden Visa applicants will also need to have held their investment for five years and fulfilled the stay requirement in the country. Some of the requirements under Portuguese nationality law include providing a clean criminal background check and having an A2 level in the Portuguese language. 

Portugal also has dual citizenship, so you won’t have to give up your home nationality (provided that nationality also allows dual citizenship) if applying for Portuguese nationality. Portuguese nationality comes with an array of benefits, including visa-free access to 174 countries and greater financial and personal freedoms.

What are the Portuguese passport requirements?

What are the Portuguese passport requirements?

If you are a resident of Portugal, you will need to have spent five years in the county. Following this, you can apply for a permanent residence permit and, subsequently, Portuguese citizenship.

You will also need to present the following to gain Portuguese nationality:

  • At least A2 level in the Portuguese language
  • Clean health record
  • Criminal record certified by SEF that also serves as proof of five years of having a legal residence permit in the country
  • Portuguese residency evidence

In order to obtain Portuguese citizenship, you will need to pass a simple A2 test. The Portuguese government created the CIPLE exam in 2006, which tests the applicant on their ability to understand everyday Portuguese expressions.

How to get Portuguese citizenship by descent?

To obtain Portuguese citizenship by descent, you must have a Portuguese parent or Portuguese grandparent. Getting Portuguese citizenship through parents or grandparents is probably the most straightforward route to obtain citizenship. 

How can you acquire Portuguese citizenship by marriage?

You can become a Portuguese citizen by having a Portuguese parent or grandparent, being married or in a non-marital relationship with a Portuguese citizen for more than three years, or having been living in Portugal for five years and gaining citizenship through naturalization. 

Under the Portuguese Golden Visa program, you can acquire residency in the country. After five years, you can then apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law and maintain your investment during this time.

Was there a new Portuguese nationality law 2021?

You can become a Portuguese citizen by having a Portuguese parent or grandparent, being married or in a non-marital relationship with a Portuguese citizen for more than three years, or having been living in Portugal for five years and gaining citizenship through naturalization. 

Under the Portuguese Golden Visa program, you can acquire residency in the country. After five years, you can then apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law and maintain your investment during this time.

Is it easy to get citizenship in Portugal?

Portugal is one of the easiest countries in the EU to acquire citizenship. You will need to have Portuguese parents or grandparents, be married or in a de-facto relationship with a Portuguese national for more than three years, or secure citizenship through naturalization. 

Under the Portuguese Golden Visa program, you can acquire residency in the country. After five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law and maintain your investment during this period. Note that the Golden Visa is coming to an end, so if you are interested in applying for the program, we strongly recommend that you lodge your application now – time is of the essence. 

How long does it take to become a citizen of Portugal?

Becoming a citizen of Portugal through naturalization will take five years. For foreign citizens who are married to a Portuguese national or are in a non-martial relationship with a Portuguese national, then it will take three years to become a citizen of Portugal. The process to gain citizenship through descent will be significantly faster, provided you have the correct documentation.

How do you get Portuguese citizenship?

Through the Portuguese Golden Visa program, you can acquire residency in the country. After five years, you can then apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law and maintain your investment during this time period. Note that the Golden Visa program is coming to an end. If you are interested in applying for the program, we recommend that you lodge your application now.

If you are looking to gain citizenship without having to make a significant investment in the country, options include the following:

  • Having a Portuguese parent or grandparent
  • Being married or in a non-marital relationship with a Portuguese citizen for more than three years
  • Having been living in Portugal for five years and gaining citizenship through naturalization

How much does it cost to become a citizen of Portugal?

You cannot buy Portuguese citizenship. However, through the Portugal Golden Visa residency by investment program, you can secure residency in the country. After a five-year period, provided you maintain your investment and fulfill all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law, you can apply for citizenship. There are a range of investment options, with the minimum investment beginning at €200,000 (cultural Golden Visa if the project is located in a low-density area).

Can you have dual US citizenship with Portugal?

As Portugal and the USA both allow dual nationality, you can have both US and Portuguese citizenship.

What are the requirements for Portuguese dual citizenship?

To secure Portuguese dual citizenship, you will need to ensure that your country of origin allows dual citizenship.

For example, Portuguese citizens applying for another citizenship will not lose their Portuguese citizenship, as Portugal allows dual nationality.

What are the benefits of dual citizenship in Portugal?

Dual citizenship provides an array of benefits, including increased mobility, financial freedoms, and the right to live, work, study, and vote in both of the countries that you have citizenship in. Plus, you can take advantage of social services, healthcare, and education opportunities in both countries.

You also have added security in cases of political or economic turmoil and citizenship for your children.

Does Portugal allow dual-citizenship?

Portugal allows dual citizenship. Portuguese citizens can acquire another citizenship and will not need to relinquish their passport, provided the other country allows dual citizenship. Similarly, someone acquiring Portuguese citizenship can keep their original citizenship.

Is there a limit to how many passports you can have?

Theoretically, there is no upper limit to the maximum number of passports you can acquire. It is possible for you to possess three, six nationalities, or even more. However, certain countries have laws that prohibit dual citizenship, which means that you will have to renounce your previous citizenship. For example, in Austria, foreigners will need to relinquish their previous passports. In short, the number of passports that you can acquire will depend on the citizenship laws in each nation that you are a citizen of.