Anyone can apply for registration of Portuguese citizenship on the basis of their birth during the period of Portuguese sovereignty, even after their death (their descendants). Non|EU Citizen A man who make marriage with Portuguese lady then he will have the capacity to apply for Portuguese national for at any rate following 3 year possibly ready to secure Portuguese citizenship by statement. This civil union may be entered into by any Portuguese citizen or legal foreign resident provided they have lived with their partner for a minimum of two years. Portuguese citizenship by marriage. It is required that the applicant has a connection to Portugal. There are several initiatives, however, to procure special rights for UK citizens already living abroad. Information on other requirements is available here. live, work or even retire in other EU member states. If married to a Portuguese citizen, it is possible to apply for citizenship after three years of marriage. Portuguese nationality law is the legal set of rules that regulate access to Portuguese citizenship, which is acquired mainly through descent from a Portuguese parent ( mother, father, grandfather ), naturalisation in Portugal or marriage to a Portuguese citizen. There are several ways for you to obtain a dual citizenship. This criterion applies to those born abroad but who has a Portuguese grandparent or those who have been married to (or equivalent) a Portugal resident for 3 years. The Portuguese Golden Visa program speeds up the process for foreign investors from non-EU/EFTA countries to obtain a Portuguese residence permit and claim Portuguese citizenship by investment. Passport eligibility depends upon Portuguese citizenship. Gain citizenship through marriage. There is no requirement for any prior period of residence in Portugal, although the applicant must provide documents proving an effective connection to the Portuguese community. We're an English-speaking law office located in Lisbon, Portugal. Portuguese citizenship grants the right to settle, work, and study in all EU countries and allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 186 destinations worldwide. Children eligible for citizenship through descent can apply for free. Have sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language (proven with a certificate or test); Have not been convicted of a crime punishable by a jail sentence of three years or more. Civil Union Law . I am older than 18 and one of my parents (or both) has Portuguese citizenship. You can acquire Portuguese citizenship through marriage. Some applicants for citizenship must submit documentary evidence of effective ties to Portugal and/or the Portuguese community, and the State Attorney may oppose the granting of citizenship if such ties are either too few or too weak. Among other options, a person might apply for Portuguese nationality in case of marriage or civil union with a Portuguese citizen - a civil union occurs when a couple is not married but living in similiar conditions to the ones in which a married couple would, namely by sharing a house and living in it. - Note: In the case of a marriage with a minimum duration of six years, the absence of an effective connection to the Portuguese community does not constitute basis of oposition; Birth Certificate of your Portuguese spouse, with the annotation of your marriage. Permanent Residency and Citizenship. When a candidate is married to a Portuguese citizen, a wish-effect is the relevant pathway. You can also read more in our guide to the Portuguese Golden Visa scheme. One of the most attractive options is the ability to apply for permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years without the need to reside in Portugal. In general, people acquire Portuguese citizenship in one of three ways: wish-effect, adoption, or naturalization. The application needs to made to the Portuguese Ministry of Justice (Instituto dos Registos e do Notoriado – IRN). Portuguese of origin is a Portuguese Citizen born in Portugal or abroad when being son or grandson of Portuguese Citizen of origin. As such, in case the marriage of the applicant’s parents - or even their divorce - is not yet transcribed to Portugal this should be the first step before an application for nationality. During this five-year period, it is not necessary to live continuously in the country. The marriage must be registered in the Portuguese system – to register the marriage of the Portuguese citizen please check the instructions on the “Marriages Registration” on the website; A foreign national who, at the time of the declaration, lives in a de facto union with a Portuguese citizen for more than three years, after judicial recognition of the status by a civil court. citizenship through naturalization: this is a commonly used method by all those who legally reside in the country for a number of years.. citizenship through marriage: after marriage with a national for a number of years, foreigners can acquire Portuguese citizenship.. citizenship by adoption: an option for minors who can acquire citizenship if they are adopted by a Portuguese national. Proof of eligibility for Portuguese citizenship — this article answers questions such as: how to receive Portuguese citizenship, what is the wife’s and children’s status in Portugal, etc. There’s no residency requirement, although you need to prove a connection to the Portuguese community. Many of the rights given to Portuguese permanent residents are the same as Portuguese citizenship benefits. By acquisition, it is possible to acquire the Portuguese nationality by wish effect, by adoption or by naturalization. Example 2. Portuguese Citizenship via Marriage Citizenship Acquisition and Wish-Effect In general, people acquire Portuguese citizenship in one of three ways: wish-effect, adoption, or naturalization. I wish to obtain Portuguese citizenship. In this article we will answer commonly asked questions and explain what you as someone who has received a Portuguese citizenship and is interested in obtaining a Portuguese Passport for family members. from a Portuguese mother or father born in a Portuguese territory; of a Portuguese mother or father born abroad if the parent is there serving the Portuguese state; of a Portuguese mother or father born abroad if they have their birth registered at the Portuguese civil registry or alternatively if they declare they want to be Portuguese; who was born in Portuguese territory to foreign parents if at least one parent was born in Portugal and resides here at the time of birth; that was born in Portuguese territory to foreign parents if they declare they want to be Portuguese and provided that one parent has resided in Portugal for at least five years at the time of birth; born in Portuguese territory that does not possess another nationality. If you divorce or the marriage is annulled at a later date your Portuguese citizenship will not be rescinded. When a candidate is married to a Portuguese citizen, a wish-effect is the relevant pathway. If an application is dismissed at the outset, however, you will be informed within 20 days. How long did the process take? No formal habitation period in Portugal is set down; nonetheless, by and by, learning of the Portuguese dialect and reconciliation into Portuguese society might be required. By marrying a citizen of Portugal, you can apply for residency and, eventually, citizenship. Portuguese Citizenship based on Marriage Acquisition of the portuguese nationality The foreigner married to a Portuguese national can acquire a Portuguese nationality, by indicating the rendering of effect, in accordance with the following provision: Acquisition of the portuguese nationality CITIZENSHIP THROUGH MARRIAGE; CITIZENSHIP THROUGH MARRIAGE . Something went wrong while submitting the form. Anyone can apply for registration of Portuguese citizenship on the basis of their birth during the period of Portuguese sovereignty, even after their death (their descendants). If you are married to a Portuguese citizen. There is no requirement to have had any prior period of residence in Portugal although the applicant is required to provide documents proving an effective connection to the Portuguese community. I am an American citizen. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. By wish effect the acquisition of Portuguese nationality is granted to: * In case of marriage, by means of a statement made during marriage. In life, the applicant may submit the application in person. You can gain Portuguese citizenship through marriage after three years of marriage to a Portuguese citizen or three years of legally recognised cohabitation. The ceremony, whether civil or Catholic, will be conducted in Portuguese. Both citizenship and permanent residence allow you to remain in Portugal indefinitely and access similar benefits, although there are some differences between the two. Acquiring Portuguese citizenship differs depending on whether you are from an EU/EFTA country or from outside the EU. VERY IMPORTANT: In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak we are are committed to maintain a healthy and safe environment for both employees and customers. If the marriage is not registered in Portugal, it is necessary to take care of its registration first. There is no set residency limit for gaining citizenship in Portugal through marriage, but the couple must be married for 3 years prior to the application for citizenship. If you divorce or separate at a later date, your Portuguese citizenship will not be revoked. Portuguese citizenship by marriage. Since 2017 the minimum period of 3 years is suspended in case the couple has Portuguese nationality children. Under the right to Portuguese dual citizenship, British expats who obtain Portuguese nationality before the UK’s exit can retain their rights as EU citizens. A Portuguese spouse visa or family visa allows non-EU citizens to join a relative or partner living in Portugal. Foreign residents can apply for Portuguese citizenship in most cases after six years of residence in Portugal. Conditions apply and it is advisable to seek advice from a Civil Registry Office in Portugal. Portugal has produced streamlined legislation to create an efficient process by which non-EU residents may obtain a residence permit - and citizenship if so desired - based on investment. Dual Citizenship Portugal Allowed. This is a special Portuguese visa program designed to attract foreign investment into Portugal. Portugal does allow gay marriage (and has done since 2010) and all requirements are identical for same-sex partners. The success of the application is not guaranteed. The situation is more straightforward for EU/EFTA citizens; see our guide to Portuguese immigration policy for EU nationals and family. Dual Citizenship Portugal Allowed. born in Portuguese territory or abroad to a parent who has acquired Portuguese nationality after the birth of the child; with at least one grandparent of Portuguese nationality who is sufficiently familiar with the Portuguese language; born in Portuguese territory to foreign parents if the child has lived in Portugal for 10 years. Your submission has been received! There’s no residency requirement, although you need to prove a connection to the Portuguese community. Portugal allows dual citizenship, allowing foreigners to gain Portuguese nationality without having to give up the citizenship of their home country. Since 2017 the minimum period of 3 years is suspended in case the couple has Portuguese nationality children. Some people become eligible for citizenship through marriage to a Portuguese citizen, some through naturalization, and others through the residency-by-investment program (ARI – Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento), commonly known as the Portugal Golden Visa. Minor children or incapacitated whose father or mother acquires the Portuguese nationality; Active connection to the national community; Not to have committed a punitive crime with a prison sentence equal to or greater than the second year, according to Portuguese law (eg Homicide, physical offense, robbery, theft, drug trafficking); Not be a civil servant of a foreign State; Not to have rendered military service, not compulsory, to a foreign State. If the marriage took place in the US, it is mandatory to register the marriage in the Portuguese civil registry system. 9. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. As in most countries, one can acquire citizenship through marriage to a Portuguese citizen. Furthermore, according to the Civil Registry Code marriage is one of the events that is mandatory for Portuguese citizens to register in Portugal - even if living abroad. Portugal Lawyer. Finally, specifically for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries, the Portuguese language test requirement has been removed. In May, the price to obtain citizenship was cut in half thanks to new “Covid-19 Relief” bonds: Through the end of 2020, it’ll cost $250,000 for an individual and $300,000 for a family of four. Non|EU Citizen A man who make marriage with Portuguese lady then he will have the capacity to apply for Portuguese national for at any rate following 3 year possibly ready to secure Portuguese citizenship by statement. Requirements include having a Portuguese Sephardic name as well as familiarity with the language. Previously, the law established that a partner could only apply for Portuguese citizenship after being married for 3 years or in a civil union or if they had relevant ties with Portugal. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. Under the Portuguese Nationality Law number 37/81, citizenship is based on the principle of ius sanguinis, although with this new amendment there are changes towards the principle of ius soli that facilitate the access to citizenship based on this principle, and can be acquired through descent, marriage or naturalisation. It might not work if your grandparents are no longer with us. Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland Europe and a stable, neutral and respected member of the European Union since 2002. Children from abroad aged under 18 who have been legally adopted by a Portuguese citizen can apply for citizenship immediately. Furthermore, according to the Civil Registry Code marriage is one of the events that is mandatory for Portuguese citizens to register in Portugal - even if living abroad. You have to prove that one parent or grandparent is Portuguese, and that means birth certificates, marriage licenses, and any supporting materials. If you later divorce, your citizenship is not revoked. A foreigner married to a Portuguese national for more than three years may acquire Portuguese nationality by means of a declaration made during the duration of the marriage. While residents can stay in Portugal indefinitely by continually renewing their permanent resident, there are certain added Portuguese citizenship benefits to entice foreigners to take on the Portuguese citizenship application process. A Common Portuguese child makes things easier. Please note: WhatPassport.com is a trading name of Philip Gamble and Co. Ltd. Philip Gamble and Co. Ltd is registered in the UK with the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner (OISC) under No. Not quite. proof of sufficient knowledge of Portuguese language, details of date and place of birth, occupation, current residence and list of countries previously resided in. Portuguese permanent residence is available after five years of residence, while citizenship is available after six years, or three years if claiming citizenship by marriage. Descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews expelled from Portugal in the 16th century can acquire Portuguese Sephardic citizenship if they can demonstrate belonging to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin. STILL ON 15 COUNTRIES THAT GRANT CITIZENSHIP BY MARRIAGE . The law affords the same rights to same-sex couples as to heterosexual couples in most areas, and presents certain of the legal protections and recognitions that are afforded by marriage. 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