Portugal Citizenship law eligibility and criteria update 2024
By birth
Portugal Citizenship law by birth allows people born within the territory, or to those who were born outside but have at least one parent who was born here to apply. If you were born in here, you are automatically a national by birth. If you were born outside of Portugal but one of the parents was born in here, then you are also eligible for Citizenship by birth.
By Descent - through Parents or Grandparents
One of the most straightforward ways to get Portuguese Passport law is through your parents or grandparents. This is called by descent, and it's possible for people who have at least one parent or grandparent who was born in here.
By Marriage
Passport by marriage is a route to that allows to become a citizen based on the marriage to a citizen. This route is only available if you have been married to your spouse for at least 3 years, and your marriage is registered in the system.
Naturalisation Route (Residency)
If not eligible for under Portugal Nationality Law by birth or descent, then you may be able to apply for citizenship through naturalization. To qualify for this route, you must be able to prove that you have been living legally and uninterruptedly for at least five years before applying. It is also needed to be able to demonstrate proficiency or knowledge in the language and knowledge of culture. To prove your language proticiency, you must pass a language exam at the CIPLE A2 level. The exam tests your ability to use basic vocabulary and grammar structures in daily life situations.
The new citizenship law of 2024 allows the total counted time to be started from submission of the residency request at year zero, instead of waiting for the final residence card. This alows savings on the total time spent to get the passport.
By Investment
Citizenship by Investment or golden visa is one of the most popular route to the porugal nationality law. It is one of the fastest route to residence, with only a few months of processing time and a quick entry point to the legal entry and stay.