Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalization (Residency)
Naturalization through legal residency in Portugal is the most common pathway to Portuguese citizenship for those without Portuguese ancestry or family connections.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for citizenship through naturalization, you must:
- Have legally resided in Portugal for at least 5 years
- Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level)
- Have no criminal record with convictions of 3+ years
- Not be involved in terrorist activities or violent crimes
- Have means of subsistence
Qualifying Residence Permits
The following permits count toward the 5-year requirement:
- Standard residence permits
- Golden Visa
- D7 Visa (passive income)
- D2 Visa (entrepreneurs)
- D3 Visa (skilled workers)
- D4 Visa (students, after graduating)
- Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
- Temporary stay visas converted to residence permits
Important 2024 Update on Residency Calculation
As of March 2024, the 5-year period now begins counting from the date you submit your residence permit application, not from when it’s issued. This significant change benefits applicants given the administrative delays in processing permits in recent years.
Documentation Required
- Residence permit or proof of legal stay in Portugal
- Proof of Portuguese language proficiency (CIPLE A2 certificate)
- Criminal record certificates from Portugal and your country of origin
- Proof of means of subsistence (tax returns, employment contracts)
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Application form
Application Process
- Ensure you’ve maintained legal residence for the required period
- Complete the Portuguese language requirement
- Gather and authenticate all required documents
- Submit your application at a Civil Registry Office
- Pay the €250 application fee
- Wait for processing (typically 18-24 months)
- Receive your citizenship certificate
- Apply for your Portuguese ID card and passport
Special Considerations
- You must maintain legal status throughout the entire application process
- Short trips outside Portugal do not interrupt the residency period
- The residency can be non-continuous but must fall within a 15-year period
- Time spent in Portugal on a student visa counts at 50% rate for the first 5 years
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