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Portuguese citizenship through naturalization

Portuguese citizenship through naturalization

Obtaining a Portuguese passport for a comfortable life in the EU

  • Visa-free access to 170+ countries worldwide
  • Right to live and work in any EU country
  • Access to quality healthcare services

Apply now to get expert advice

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Brief overview of the program

The Portuguese naturalization program is regulated by the Citizenship Law No. 37/81. Citizenship status can be obtained after at least 10 years of legal residence in the country.

The main naturalization requirements include reaching the age of majority, Portuguese language proficiency at A2 level, no serious criminal offences and no threats to national security.

A Portuguese passport can be obtained without renouncing your original citizenship, making this program attractive for individuals seeking the benefits of living in the EU while maintaining their national ties.

Visa-free access 170+ countries
Eligibility for citizenship after 10 years

Benefits of Portuguese citizenship

  • Residence and employment in the EU

    Freedom of movement across all European Union countries, as well as full access to diverse job opportunities within the European labour market.

  • Access to healthcare services

    The opportunity to receive necessary medical assistance through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in all EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK under the local healthcare system conditions.

  • Social security and protection for citizens

    Access to the European social protection system, including various benefits, subsidies and allowances, as well as pensions and unemployment support.

  • Visa-free travel to 170+ countries

    The right to visit the UK, Canada and the USA with electronic travel authorization, and travel without a prior visa to Singapore, China, the UAE, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong.

  • Access to world-class education

    Free education at prestigious universities and schools with international recognition, as well as the opportunity to obtain a globally recognized degree.

  • Comfortable living conditions

    Permanent residence in a country with a low crime rate, developed social infrastructure, a tolerant population, a warm climate and access to the ocean.

  • Favourable conditions for business development

    Reduced corporate tax rates (IRC) for certain categories of companies, access to European banking and financial services, as well as the right to establish a business in any EU country.

  • Right to hold multiple citizenships

    The legally established right to multiple citizenships allows individuals who obtain citizenship through naturalization to retain their original passport and maintain ties with their country of origin.

Unlock business and financial opportunities with the program

  • Banks and accounts Portuguese citizens can open personal and corporate bank accounts both in person and remotely. Portuguese banks operate with international currencies (EUR, USD, GBP) and are part of the SEPA zone, which significantly simplifies international transfers.
  • Asset protection Portugal’s financial system is known for its stability and transparency. With a Portuguese passport, you have access to the creation of international holding structures, investment funds or trusts with full legal protection of assets and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Taxes For new tax residents, Portugal offers reduced rates on certain types of domestic income. In addition, favourable tax conditions are available in the country for innovative companies.

Step-by-step guide to a Portuguese passport

  • Specific requirements and expected costs
  • A clear step-by-step plan for obtaining Portuguese citizenship
  • Up-to-date citizenship options in 2026
Step-by-step guide to a Portuguese passport

Fill out the form and get a detailed guide about the service from iWorld specialists

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Visa-free travel map

The Portuguese passport allows holders to travel to more than 170 countries worldwide without obtaining visas in advance, including all EU and Schengen Area countries, South American jurisdictions, as well as China, the UAE, Japan and Singapore. Passport holders also benefit from simplified entry to the UK, Canada, the USA and New Zealand through an electronic travel authorization (ETA).

  • Mobility index 173
  • Visa-free travel 119
  • Visa on arrival 43
  • E-visa 11
  • Passport power ranking 4
map

Visa-free travel to 170+ with a Portuguese passport

The Americas

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • The USA
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela

Asia

  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bangladesh
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Mongolia
  • Nepal
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam

Africa

  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • Burundi
  • Cape Verde
  • Comoros
  • DR Congo
  • Ivory Coast
  • Djibouti
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • Rwanda
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Tunisia
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Europe

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Kosovo
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Ukraine
  • The UK
  • Vatican City

Oceania

  • Australia
  • Fiji
  • Kiribati
  • Marshall Islands
  • Micronesia
  • New Zealand
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Vanuatu

Middle East

  • Bahrain
  • Egypt
  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Oman
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Syria
  • Turkey
  • The UAE

Obtain Portuguese citizenship with the support of immigration lawyers

  • Access to healthcare services in 27 European countries
  • Business expansion opportunities in a market with 450 million consumers
  • Retaining your original citizenship when obtaining a Portuguese passport
  • Visa-free travel to 170+ countries worldwide, including all EU countries

Apply now to get expert advice

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The path to citizenship begins with residency status

Foreign nationals begin the naturalization process in Portugal by obtaining a residence permit based on investment in the economy, employment, education or business activities in the country.

After 10 years of legal residence in Portugal and meeting all immigration requirements, you may become eligible to obtain a Portuguese passport.

iWorld will support you throughout all stages of immigration to Portugal — from selecting the most suitable residency program to assisting with obtaining citizenship through naturalization.

Comparative overview of Portuguese citizenship and other popular countries

Category
Portugal Portugal
Spain Spain
France France
Visa-free destinations
170+
170+
170+
Minimum residency period
10 years
10 years
5 years
Personal income tax
from 12,5%
from 19%
from 0%
Corporate tax
19%
from 15%
from 15%
For the whole family
yes
yes
yes

Citizenship application procedure

Obtaining a residence permit in Portugal

You undergo the necessary consultations and, with the support of iWorld specialists, obtain a residence permit in Portugal on one of the selected grounds. The residence permit process generally takes 12 to 15 months, and the initial permit is valid for up to 2 years.

Learn more

Meeting the residence requirements

During the first year after obtaining your residence permit, you are required to spend only 7 days in Portugal. Thereafter, to maintain and renew your resident status, you must spend at least 14 days in Portugal during each two-year period.

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Integration and preparation for naturalization

During this period, you continue to meet the minimum residence requirements, integrate into Portuguese society, comply with Portuguese law, and study Portuguese to A2 level.

Learn more

Preparing to apply for citizenship

After legally residing in Portugal for the period required by law, you may apply for citizenship. With the support of iWorld lawyers, you collect all required documents, learn about Portuguese culture, history, and political system, and familiarize yourself with the legal rights and obligations of Portuguese citizens.

Learn more

Submitting the citizenship application

With the assistance of an iWorld lawyer, you submit your application to the Central Registry Office or a regional registry office serving your place of residence in Portugal. The application may also be submitted online through the NacionalidadeOnline portal by a lawyer holding a digital certificate. You also pay a government fee of EUR 250.

Learn more

Obtaining Portuguese citizenship and a passport

Once your application has been approved, the competent public authority issues a decision granting you Portuguese citizenship. The acquisition of citizenship is then officially registered and your details are entered into the relevant registry. This allows you to apply for a Portuguese identity card (Cartão de Cidadão) and a Portuguese electronic passport (Passaporte Eletrónico Português).

Learn more

Get a personalized cost estimate for Portuguese citizenship

iWorld specialists will prepare a tailored estimate covering each stage, expected timelines, your family situation, eligibility grounds, and all applicable fees.

Get a personalized cost estimate for Portuguese citizenship

Citizenship by naturalization: alternative programs

Spain Country Spain
Cost upon request
Residency requirements from 10 years
Key advantages
  • Visa-free access to 176 countries worldwide
  • Access to healthcare and education systems
  • Freedom of travel, work, and living in the Schengen Area
Learn more
France Country France
Cost upon request
Residency requirements from 5 years
Key advantages
  • Visa-free access to 175 countries worldwide
  • Freedom of movement, work, and residence in the Schengen Area
  • Access to healthcare and education systems
Learn more
See All Programs

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FAQ

How long do you need to live in Portugal to obtain citizenship?

Under Portuguese law, the period of legal residence required before applying for citizenship is 10 years.

Do you need to renounce your original citizenship?

Portuguese law allows multiple citizenships, so you are not required to renounce your original citizenship.

What level of Portuguese is required?

Your Portuguese language proficiency must be at least A2 level. This can be confirmed by a certificate showing that you have passed the relevant language exam or successfully completed an integration course.

Can you apply for citizenship with only a residence permit?

You do not need to obtain permanent residence before applying for Portuguese citizenship. You may submit a naturalization application after completing the legally required period of lawful residence on the basis of a valid residence permit.

Does the time spent waiting for a residence permit count toward naturalization?

Yes. Since 2024, the 10-year period has been calculated from the date the residence permit application was submitted, provided that the application is subsequently approved.

Can family members obtain Portuguese citizenship?

Yes. Family members may obtain Portuguese citizenship if each of them meets the requirements established by law. Minor children may acquire citizenship on the grounds provided for under the Portuguese Nationality Law.

How long does the citizenship application process take?

Portuguese law does not establish a fixed processing time for citizenship applications. In practice, the process generally takes from 12 months and depends directly on the workload of the competent authorities.

What should you do if your citizenship application is refused?

In this case, the decision may be appealed through the Portuguese administrative courts. After the reasons for refusal have been addressed, a new application may also be submitted.

What documents are required for a citizenship application?

The document package generally includes a birth certificate, passport, proof of Portuguese language proficiency at the required level, criminal record certificates from Portugal and the country of origin, a correctly completed application form, and photographs.

How much does it cost to obtain Portuguese citizenship?

The government fee for submitting a citizenship application is EUR 250. Additional costs may include document translation and legal services.

Get expert advice — contact us today

You can schedule a consultation with a company specialist either in person at our office or online. During the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed case analysis, a service cost estimate, and personalized recommendations tailored to your goals.

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