Portuguese citizenship by naturalization

Portuguese citizenship by naturalization is another pathway to acquire Portuguese citizenship, and it is available to foreign nationals who meet certain eligibility criteria.

How to get citizenship by naturalization in Portugal

Here’s an overview of the process:

Residency Requirement

To apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization, you generally need to have legally resided in Portugal for a specified period. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the residency requirements are as follows:

  • Ordinary Residency. If you have legally resided in Portugal for at least five years continuously, you may be eligible for citizenship.
  • Residency for Portuguese-Speaking Community Members. If you are a citizen of a Portuguese-speaking country and have legally resided in Portugal for at least six years continuously, you may qualify for citizenship.
  • Residency for Sephardic Jews. Sephardic Jews of Portuguese origin may be eligible for citizenship by demonstrating their ties to the Portuguese-Sephardic community and fulfilling specific requirements. The residency period may vary in these cases.

Additional Eligibility Criteria

In addition to the residency requirement, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization. These criteria typically include:

  • Legal Stay. You must have had a valid residence permit throughout your residency in Portugal.
  • Criminal Record. You must have a clean criminal record and not have been convicted of any serious crimes.
  • Language Proficiency. You will generally need to demonstrate proficiency in the Portuguese language. This can be done through language tests or by completing Portuguese language courses.
  • Integration. The Portuguese government assesses your integration into Portuguese society, including factors such as community involvement, cultural knowledge, and ties to the country.

Approval and Ceremony

If your application is approved, you will receive a formal approval notification. After this, you may be required to attend a citizenship ceremony where you will take an oath of allegiance to Portugal.

Documentation and Application

The application process for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization involves gathering the necessary documentation, completing the application forms, and submitting them to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) or the relevant authority responsible for citizenship applications. Here is a general outline of the process:

Eligibility Check

Before starting the application process, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, including the residency requirement, language proficiency, clean criminal record, and other relevant criteria based on your specific circumstances.

Gather Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documents to support your application. The specific documents may vary, but typically include:

  • valid passport or travel document;
  • proof of legal residence in Portugal for the required period;
  • Birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage certificate;
  • Criminal record certificate from your home country and any other countries where you have resided;
  • Evidence of language proficiency in Portuguese;
  • Proof of integration into Portuguese society (e.g., employment records, community involvement, cultural activities);
  • Any additional documents required based on your situation (e.g., proof of Sephardic Jewish ancestry for the Sephardic citizenship option).

Complete Application Forms

  • Fill out the application forms accurately and provide all the required information.
  • Submit Application. Submit your completed application forms and supporting documents to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) or the relevant authority responsible for citizenship applications.
  • Application Review. The immigration authorities will review your application and assess your eligibility for Portuguese citizenship.

Citizenship Interview

The interview is conducted to assess your knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture, and integration into Portuguese society.

Dual Citizenship

Portugal allows dual citizenship, which means that you can retain your current citizenship while obtaining Portuguese citizenship by naturalization. In other words, you don’t have to renounce your existing citizenship in order to become a Portuguese citizen.

FAQ

How long do I need to reside in Portugal before applying for citizenship by naturalization?

The general residency requirement is five years of continuous legal residence in Portugal.

Do I need to give up my current citizenship when obtaining Portuguese citizenship by naturalization?

No, Portugal allows dual citizenship. You can retain your current citizenship while acquiring Portuguese citizenship by naturalization. Portugal does not require you to renounce your previous citizenship.

Is there an age limit for applying for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization?

There is no specific age limit for applying for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria, such as the residency requirement and language proficiency, regardless of your age.

Do I need to pass a Portuguese language test for citizenship by naturalization?

Yes, proficiency in the Portuguese language is generally required for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization. The specific language requirements may vary, but typically applicants need to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Portuguese.

Can I include my family members in my citizenship application?

Yes, you can include your family members, such as your spouse, minor children, and dependent parents, in your application for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization. Each family member will need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the required documentation.

Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization if I have criminal records?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from applying for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization. However, it may impact the outcome of your application. Each case is evaluated individually, and the nature and severity of the offenses will be taken into consideration.

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