Last Updated on September 21, 2025 by Emily Hopkins
Moving to Portugal comes with plenty of benefits, and one of the biggest is the possibility of obtaining European citizenship. This privilege isn’t reserved only for Portuguese natives, expats from other countries can also become eligible.
So why is it important for me to consider obtaining EU citizenship? Well, let’s put it this way, Portugal has so many opportunities for living a good life; you will be opening yourself to a world of opportunities from the 28 EU country states.
If EU citizenship is part of your long-term plans, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll walk you through three different paths to obtaining European citizenship in Portugal. Curious to know more? Keep reading!
Get to know the 3 ways to obtain European citizenship in Portugal
Again, obtaining EU citizenship for a non-EU member is possible, and the good news is that you can acquire the status right here in Portugal. Let’s look at some ways you can make this dream a reality for yourself!
Moving and living in Portugal for more than 5 years
The pathway to eventually becoming a citizen of the EU begins by moving and living legally in Portugal for more than 5 years.
This is the most common process for expats in Portugal to attain Portuguese citizenship and also begin their process of eventually becoming a citizen of the EU.
Gaining citizenship through naturalization may take longer than other routes, but it’s the only path where you have complete control over the process.
Other than living in Portugal for a minimum of 5 years, you must have fulfilled other legal requirements and present documentation as proof of them.
Getting married to a Portuguese national
While this might not be the most conventional approach, it is indeed one of the ways you can obtain European Citizenship in Portugal.
This method is not applicable to everyone because the process of finding love that eventually leads to marriage doesn’t happen to everyone.
It is also important to mention that simply marrying a Portuguese national isn’t enough. The marriage must have lasted for at least three years to qualify.
Also, the marriage needs to be registered in the Portuguese records, and if you don’t have children yet, you will need to provide sufficient evidence of links with the Portuguese community.
However, if the marriage happened more than 6 years ago, it is assumed that you have already developed significant Portuguese community links.
It’s also worth mentioning that same-sex marriages are also recognized by Portuguese law as legal. If your marriage qualifies under the set rules, then you are eligible for Portuguese nationality.
Find your Portuguese Lineage
Out of the possible ways of getting European Citizenship in Portugal, finding your Portuguese lineage has got to be the easiest and fastest route.
The only sad part is that this method is only exclusive to those who can prove descent from a Portuguese family.
So if you have Portuguese grandparents or parents, you are eligible to apply for citizenship in Portugal even if you have never lived in the country for a single day.
Since Portugal is a member state of the EU, then getting Portuguese citizenship gives you the right to claim European citizenship.
Another way of demonstrating Portuguese lineage acceptable under the law is by proving you are a descendant of Sephardic Jews.
After the forced expulsion of Jews in 1496, many Portuguese Jews fled the harsh reality of the new royal decree, settling mainly in Mediterranean countries or Northern Europe.
With the introduction of Decree-Law 30-A/2015, their descendants now have the right to reclaim Portuguese nationality by presenting documents that prove their lineage.
The Portuguese government grants nationality through naturalization to the descendants of Sephardic Jews who were exiled from Portugal and Spain several centuries ago.
Can anyone obtain Portuguese citizenship?
Absolutely, anyone is eligible for Portuguese citizenship if they qualify and have the required documentation.
You can request Portuguese citizenship if you fall in the following categories:
- Having lived in Portugal legally for more than 5 years;
- If you have Portuguese parents or grandparents;
- Marriage to a Portuguese national for a minimum of 3 years;
- If you were born in Portugal.
These are the options that foreigners have when it comes to getting Portuguese citizenship. However, previous convictions for a crime that is punishable in Portugal and attracts a more than three-year sentence will immediately disqualify you from getting citizenship.
It is also important to mention that qualification is just the beginning of the entire process. You will need to provide documents that show proof.
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Can anyone have dual Citizenship?
Unfortunately not. It would be great to have citizenship in your native country and also in Portugal.
However, while some countries allow dual citizenship, there are other nations around the world that only restrict their nationals to single citizenship.
For instance, in some countries, such as India, it is not legally permitted to have dual citizenship. Indian citizens who acquire citizenship of another country are required to renounce their Indian citizenship. Similarly, in countries such as Japan, China, and Singapore, the law either strictly limits or prohibits dual citizenship.
In such cases, you’ll need to renounce your original citizenship before applying for Portuguese nationality.
The reasoning behind single-citizenship policies differs from country to country, but it usually centers on questions of national identity, loyalty, and security.
On the flip side, if you are fortunate enough to come from a country allowing dual citizenship, you don’t have to worry about revoking your citizenship status in your home country.
You should remember that sometimes even in countries where dual citizenship is allowed, there may still be restrictions on certain rights or privileges. Such as the right to vote, hold public office, or join the armed forces. In some cases, dual citizens may be required to choose one nationality over the other. This is in order to access these rights or perform certain duties.
Benefits of having European Union Citizenship
Becoming an EU citizen opens you up to so many opportunities and possibilities all over Europe!
Healthcare, education, safety, and job opportunities are just the beginning. Everyday life in countries like Portugal really improves your quality of life tenfolds.
And the benefits don’t end there, you can also extend these privileges to your family. Let’s take a closer look at what you gain once you become an EU citizen.
You don’t need a Visa to travel around and live in Europe
The EU passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world. With this passport, you have the freedom to travel to more than 153 countries without having a visa.
What’s more, citizens of the EU do not need a visa to travel, study, work, or even retire in any EU country. Imagine all the time and effort you’re saving!
The rule to travel and live in any EU country does not require a residence permit for any EU country. Which means you can go from Portugal to Spain to Greece to France on a vacation whenever you want.
However, in some countries, you might need to show proof of income and ability to sustain yourself comfortably.
Access to Public Healthcare
The existing EU law ensures that holders of the European Union passport receive reciprocal healthcare whenever they are in an EU member state.
What this means is that you get medical treatment at similar conditions and prices as the locals of the country would get. As for Portugal, you receive free of cost healthcare all around the country, like all other legal residents.
Regardless of the nature of your travels, whether a short trip, holiday, or for study purposes, you are entitled to standard healthcare in any EU member state.
On top of that, Europe is known for having some of the best healthcare systems in the world. You’ll have access to modern facilities, highly trained doctors, and strict safety standards you can rely on.
- Check out how expats can Access Public Healthcare in Portugal!
Education and Scholarships
Other than the quality of education in Europe, there are plenty of other reasons you should study there.
Right from the prospects of networking, a better quality of life, rich diverse environments, and the possibility of getting better job.
Members of the EU have access to the best universities across Europe at affordable tuition fees.
Of course, non-EU citizens can also study at these institutions, but for EU citizens the process is usually simpler and more affordable.
Holding an EU passport also opens the door to opportunities like the well-known Erasmus+ exchange program.
This program gives students the opportunity to study in another EU country. And to develop their skills and improve their employability prospects for the future.
Safety
Consular protection is one of the many advantages EU citizens enjoy. Any EU citizen in any country where their home country has no representation is entitled to diplomatic assistance from any EU authority present.
All 28 EU member states have representation only in the US, Russia, and China. This means you could find yourself in a country where your own nation doesn’t have diplomatic representation.
In the event of any crisis, any EU member state is required to offer adequate assistance to any EU citizen in that particular country.
Read also: Safety In Portugal For Expats
Employment
Having EU Citizenship also means having the right to find employment in any EU country without needing a work permit.
This means that EU citizens can apply for any job they qualify for, without worrying about restrictions on acceptance based on nationality. Considering the number of businesses thriving in the EU, finding a job you’re passionate about is not impossible.
In addition, EU employment laws safeguard workers’ rights, ensuring strong workplace protections for EU citizens. This creates an environment where you can thrive professionally while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
Read also: Portugal Job Seeker Visa: How to enter Portugal
Do you need help applying for Portuguese Citizenship?
If moving to Portugal and getting the much-coveted Portuguese citizenship has been your dream all along, it is a good idea to let professionals help you out.
The bottlenecks and bureaucracy in the Portuguese system can be quite overwhelming, especially if it is your first time.
Our professionals at Viv Europe are well versed in issues to do with immigration in Portugal. Contact us today, and let’s discuss how best we can help you achieve your dreams.
Also, check out our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats with over 15,000 expat members. It is the perfect place to interact with others who have gone through the same process as you.
