Become a Portuguese Citizen — Your Path to an EU Passport
Portugal offers a clear and attainable route to citizenship by naturalization, making it one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for immigrants, investors, and expatriates. Whether you’re living in Portugal on a D7, D2, D3, Golden Visa, or through marriage or descent, citizenship gives you the right to live, work, and travel freely across the European Union.
At Borderless Lawyers, we help you secure Portuguese citizenship with expert legal guidance — every step of the way.
✅ Who Can Apply for Portuguese Citizenship?
There are several common paths to citizenship in Portugal:
1. Citizenship by Naturalization
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Live legally in Portugal for 5 years (continuous or non-continuous)
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Hold a valid residence permit (D7, D2, D3, Golden Visa, etc.)
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Meet basic Portuguese language requirement (A2 level)
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Clean criminal record in Portugal and country of origin
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Integrated into Portuguese society
2. Citizenship by Marriage or Civil Union
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Married to or in a civil partnership with a Portuguese citizen for at least 3 years
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Proof of genuine relationship and integration
3. Citizenship by Descent
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Parent or grandparent is/was Portuguese
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Proof of ancestry and cultural connection
4. Citizenship for Sephardic Jews (2025 Update)
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Available to descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews with ties to the country
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Requires historical, genealogical, and community certification
(Note: Rules have become stricter in recent years.)
🔍 Requirements for Citizenship by Naturalization (Most Common)
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Minimum 5 years legal residency in Portugal
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Basic Portuguese proficiency (A2 level or higher — tested by the CIPLE exam)
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Clean criminal record
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Proof of residency status and integration (NIF, bank account, address, employment, etc.)
No requirement to give up your current nationality if your country allows dual citizenship.
📋 Portugal Citizenship Application Process
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Eligibility Assessment
We review your visa history, residence permits, and other factors. -
Document Preparation
Includes criminal record certificates, language test results, SEF history, proof of legal residency. -
Application Filing with Conservatória dos Registos Centrais
We submit your application to the Portuguese authorities. -
Processing Time
On average, 12–24 months (may vary by complexity and backlog). -
Approval & Certificate Issuance
Once approved, you receive your Portuguese citizenship certificate. -
Apply for Portuguese Passport & ID (Cartão de Cidadão)
We assist with final registration at a local registry office.
💡 Why Choose Portuguese Citizenship?
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Full EU citizenship — live, work, study in 27 EU countries
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Visa-free travel to 190+ countries with Portuguese passport
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No residency requirement after naturalization
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Eligible for public healthcare and social services
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Easier access to education, business, and global opportunities
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Pass citizenship to your children
🧾 Additional Legal Services
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CIPLE language test registration and preparation
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Citizenship for children born in Portugal
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Citizenship reactivation (for lapsed nationals)
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Sephardic Jewish heritage claims
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Appeal support for rejected applications
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Assistance with NIF, SEF records, and registration documentation
🌐 Ready to Become a Portuguese Citizen?
With our experienced legal team, you get expert support from assessment to approval.
✨ What You Can Expect:
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✅ Personal eligibility review
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📑 Document and language test support
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🛂 Application filing and updates
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🔄 Passport and ID registration after approval
🚀 Begin Your Portugal Citizenship Application Today
Book a consultation with our citizenship experts.
🔒 Confidential, professional, multilingual legal support.