Portuguese Passport And Citizenship Guide: How To Get It 

A Portuguese passport holds various benefits and is said to be one of the most powerful passports today. It’s little wonder it attracts a wide range of people, ranging from investors to digital nomads, expats, and families. 

Although applying for a passport can seem overwhelming, with the correct tools and information, it’s a breeze. In this guide, we cover topics including dual citizenship, the steps you need to take to acquire this passport, and the benefits it holds. Read on to discover more.  

Advantages of Applying for a Portuguese Passport 

A Portugal passport or Portuguese citizenship boasts many advantages. One of which is visa-free access to numerous countries across the globe. This benefit makes it one of the most sought-after passports in the world, currently ranking at number four and providing access to over 191 countries.  

Below, we’ve listed a handful of additional benefits:  

• Travel, Work, Live, or Study in the EU: With a Portuguese passport, you can travel without hassle or the requirement of additional visas in the Schengen zone. In addition, with this passport, you can study, live, or work anywhere in the EU. Whether single or looking to move with family, this passport can make for smooth sailing. 

• Quality Healthcare and Schooling: Another benefit of this passport? Access to complementary quality healthcare and education, means you’re covered across Europe, and not just in Portugal. This provides peace of mind for you and your family.  

• Quality of Life: You get to reside in Portugal! Whereby you’ll discover a safe environment, an attractive climate, and rich cuisine. When you embrace remote work opportunities, you can save a great deal of money residing in Portugal, plus you’ll get to embrace a better quality of life.  

• Low Living Expenses: Portugal, in comparison to other EU countries, boasts low living costs. This equates to the cost of food, travel, and accommodation. With this passport, you can get more bang for your buck.  

• Employment Opportunities: With this passport, you can indulge in both part-time and full-time work opportunities without needing to apply for additional work permits or visas, which cost time and money. 

What Are The Requirements?  

Now we’ve discussed the benefits, let’s discuss the ins and outs of applying for a Portuguese passport. Acquiring this document involves presenting the following:  

• If you’re a Portugal resident, you must prove you have spent a minimum of five years in the country, including one year of permanent residence. 

• You’ll need to pass an A2 language test, which involves taking the CIPLE exam. After five years of living with a Portuguese investment visa, you can apply for citizenship.  

• You must hold a SEF-certified criminal record. 

• You will need a flawless health record. The government created the CIPLE exam in 2006 and tests applicants on their ability to understand and use everyday Portuguese expressions. 

How To Apply For A Portuguese Passport 

As an expat, there are various routes you can take to become a Portuguese citizen. We’ve detailed these below: 

• Portuguese Citizenship Through Marriage: If you are marrying or married to a Portuguese native, after three years, you will be eligible for your passport. Even if you separate in the future, your Portuguese citizenship will remain intact. 

• Portuguese Citizen By Descent: If opting for this route, you must have a parent born in the country, or parents serving the Portuguese state. 

• Portugal Passport By Investment or Naturalization: Another prevalent route to Portugal citizenship involves embracing the Golden Visa program. This program attracts investment from foreigners and non-EU/EFTA citizens. 

Processing Times For Portuguese Passport 

Once you have submitted all required documents and met the requirements, the processing time for a Portuguese passport is usually five business days. Depending on your situation, this can be fast-tracked to two working days.  

Dual Citizenship in Portugal 

One of the benefits of acquiring a Portuguese passport is that you’re not required to give up your original citizenship. If you’re keen to embrace dual citizenship, this is a great passport route and one that provides the best of both worlds. 

Renewing your Portuguese Passport 

The Portugal passport boasts a lifespan of five years. Once this period is up, you can apply for its renewal. One important point to note? This must be done whilst there is still a minimum of six months on the existing passport. The renewal fees are €100.  

Additional Passport Costs 

Application fees for citizenship start at €175 and cap at €250. The fees are dependent on your nationality, the route you choose to take, and which category you are applying for. Children who are eligible for citizenship through descent can apply for this passport without incurring any costs at all. 

The Bottom Line 

Holding a Portuguese passport opens up doors to various opportunities, from visa-free travel to dual citizenship, being able to work and study in the EU, and access to quality education and healthcare.  

In addition, it’s a great place to live. The climate, cost of living, and cuisine are all attractive prospects. 

Provided you follow the above tips and understand the application requirements, applying for a Portuguese passport need not be a daunting procedure, but instead, an exciting opportunity that poses numerous benefits, visa-free travel being the biggest advantage.