Obtaining Portuguese Nationality: The Definitive Handbook
Portugal, nestled on the Iberian Peninsula and sharing a border with Spain, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and opportunities for those seeking citizenship. The Portuguese passport ranks third in the Nomad Passport Index, providing immense travel freedom, tax-friendliness, dual citizenship, and general perception benefits.
The Portuguese passport is not just a travel document; it grants visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to 175 countries, making it an excellent addition to a passport portfolio. Portugal's economy, one of Europe's major energy exporters, boasts a developed and diversified high-income economy, one of the largest gold reserves in the world, and a hyper-active services sector.
There are five routes to obtain Portuguese citizenship: Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation, Portuguese citizenship by descent, Portuguese citizenship by birth, Portuguese citizenship by marriage, and Portuguese citizenship by Sephardic Jewish Ancestry.
Citizenship by Naturalisation For those who wish to become Portuguese citizens through naturalisation, the legal entitlement is granted after five years of legal residence, including through investment programs like the Golden Visa. To qualify, applicants must have a clean criminal record, demonstrate legal residency or strong ties to Portugal, and, in most cases, speak basic Portuguese. Health insurance coverage and proof of financial stability are also commonly required.
Citizenship by Descent Portuguese citizenship by descent is the cheapest option among the routes mentioned above. To apply, at least one parent must be Portuguese. Portuguese citizenship can be granted at birth to children born to foreign nationals in Portugal if one of the parents was born and resides in Portugal, or if one of the parents has been resident in Portugal for more than five years at the time of birth. The process for citizenship by descent is generally easier than applying based on grandparents, as gathering necessary documents is usually less complicated.
Citizenship by Marriage Portugal recognises long-term stable relationships, also known as a de facto union, for citizenship by marriage. You can apply if you are married or in a long-term relationship with a Portuguese citizen for three years or longer.
Citizenship by Sephardic Jewish Ancestry To claim Portuguese citizenship through Sephardic Jewish heritage, you must trace your family tree far enough to prove your Sephardic Jewish heritage and present a certificate from the Portuguese Jewish Community in Lisbon or Porto.
Residency Options The D7 visa allows non-EU/ EEA/ Swiss citizens to live in Portugal as long as they fulfil certain passive income requirements. The D2 visa is designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed professionals and allows them to start a business, open a branch of an existing business, or invest in an existing business in Portugal. Both the D7 and the D2 visa are residency options that can lead to Portuguese citizenship for non-EU nationals.
Portugal's capital, Lisbon, is the largest city and the economic and cultural center of the country. The country also includes two archipelagos, Azores and Madeira, which have their own regional governments. Portugal is a stable EU jurisdiction with various personal and corporate benefits for investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads.
At Nomad Capitalist, they help clients reconnect with their Portuguese roots through their exclusive Citizenship by Descent Plan. For those considering Portuguese citizenship, the benefits are clear: a passport that opens doors to 175 countries, a stable EU jurisdiction, and a thriving economy.
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