Obtaining Portuguese citizenship can be a great advantage for those seeking a better quality of life in Europe. As a member of the European Union, Portugal offers several benefits to Portuguese citizens, such as freedom of movement and work in any EU country.
Ways to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship
By Descent:
Portuguese citizenship can be obtained in several ways, but the most common is through descent. If any of the applicant's parents or grandparents were born in Portugal, it is possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship by right of blood. To do so, the applicant must gather and submit the necessary documentation that proves the relationship and Portuguese nationality of the ancestor. It is important to note that the applicant must be registered by the Portuguese parent before reaching legal adulthood.
Naturalization:
Another way to obtain Portuguese citizenship is through naturalization. To do so, the applicant must meet certain requirements, such as having legal residence in Portugal for a minimum period of five years and having a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language. Additionally, the applicant must prove they have the financial means to support themselves in the country and must not have a criminal record in Portugal or any other country where they have resided.
By Marriage or Cohabitation:
Alternatively, if someone marries or cohabitates with a Portuguese citizen, they may apply for citizenship after three years. The relationship must be previously registered in Portugal by registering the marriage in the Portuguese civil registry or obtaining judicial recognition of the common-law marriage. Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate ties to the Portuguese national community, although in some cases, this requirement may be waived.
Investment:
Another popular route to obtain Portuguese citizenship is through investment. Portugal offers an investment program known as the Golden Visa, which allows foreign investors to obtain Portuguese citizenship in exchange for a minimum investment in the country. Investors can invest in real estate, businesses, or venture capital funds. The minimum investment amount varies depending on the chosen option but generally ranges between 250,000 and 500,000 euros.
In addition to these requirements, the applicant must submit several documents, including their passport, criminal record certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and proof of residence and financial means. An application and payment of a fee are also required.
Once all the requirements are met and the application is submitted, the process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship can take several months or even years, depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the Portuguese government.
We Become Your Best Ally – Contact Us Now!
In conclusion, obtaining Portuguese citizenship can be a long and complex process, but it offers several benefits, such as the freedom to move and work in the EU, as well as the quality of life that Portugal offers as a country. If the necessary requirements are met, it is possible to obtain citizenship by right of blood, naturalization, marriage, or investment.
At LS Consulting, we can guide you through every step of this unique experience. Don’t hesitate to contact us to make it a legal and effective process.
References:
- https://www.idealista.pt/en/news/legal-advice-portugal/2018/08/02/131-how-get-portuguese-nationality
- https://www.strategoabogados.com/portuguese-nationality
- https://getgoldenvisa.com/en/portugal-citizenship-by-investment