Portuguese citizenship by naturalization is another pathway to acquire Portuguese citizenship, and it is available to foreign nationals who meet certain eligibility criteria.
Here’s an overview of the process:
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:
In addition to the residency requirement, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization. These criteria typically include:
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.
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:
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.
Collect all the necessary documents to support your application. The specific documents may vary, but typically include:
The interview is conducted to assess your knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture, and integration into Portuguese society.
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.
The general residency requirement is five years of continuous legal residence in Portugal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.