Citizenship of Portugal

Citizenship of Portugal. Obtaining and execution of documents

Among people who seek to go to Europe by any means, many choose Portugal. This is a Western European country with a fairly mild stationary climate, unique culture, friendly natives and acceptable living conditions. So that you and your family members could live in security on a permanent basis, study and work, you need to apply for Portuguese citizenship and obtain a passport of this country.

Many people first find employment under a contract and then gradually apply for a residence permit and permanent residence and take their families to Portugal. However, there are other ways to obtain citizenship in Portugal, which we will discuss below. In any case, it will not be possible to do this in 1 day, week or month, even if you are ready to pay a lot of money for such registration. The process of obtaining a passport is quite complicated and time-consuming. But it will give you the legal status of a citizen, additional confidence in your safety and security, as well as many other advantages.

Documents necessary for obtaining citizenship in Portugal

Are you trying to find out how to move to Portugal legally and what is required for this? According to the law as of 2008, this is possible by obtaining a residence permit status with subsequent obtaining citizenship through naturalization, marriage to a Portuguese citizen, or conducting investment activities. Children can automatically obtain the status of a citizen by birth.

The general requirements are:

1. Age of 18 years old and older;
2. Positive reputation;
3. Sufficient knowledge of the language;
4. Ability to financially sustain oneself;
5. Open permission to stay in the country;
6. Willingness to contribute to the development of the Portuguese society and economy.

Residence permit of Portugal through investment with subsequent citizenship

Since 2012 there has been a state program for obtaining Portuguese citizenship through investment. This served as an additional incentive for those who run their own business and want to live in Western Europe. The restrictions for participants are minimal, basically it all comes down to the presence of a certain capital that needs to be invested in the development of the country’s economy (the list of possible ways is prescribed by the legislation). But at the same time there is a rather strict condition – the absence of problems with the law.

How to do so?

Here are the main ways to immigrate to Portugal for investment:

1. Acquisition of real estate objects in the amount of €350,000-500,000, depending on the location;
2. Purchase of shares in one of the Portuguese companies in the amount of €1 million euros or more. An alternative is to purchase government bonds or make a deposit for a similar amount;
3. Investments in scientific research in the amount of €350,000 and more;
4. Investments in national culture in the amount of €250,000;
5. Acquisition of shares in the amount of €500,000.

There is another interesting option for investing in the Portuguese economy, which is appropriate for small and medium-sized businesses. It is necessary to register as an entrepreneur in Portugal and create 10 or more job opportunities in order to receive benefits when obtaining a Portuguese passport and the status of a citizen of the country.

How long does this process take?

In time, such a legalization procedure in Portugal takes up to 6 years. This is how it looks:

• Step 1: Obtaining a residence permit

Initially, a participant in the program for obtaining Portuguese citizenship through investment will obtain a residence permit (the same as under the standard procedure) within 2 months from the date of submission of documents.

• Step 2: Prolongation of a residence permit

After the expiration of the obtained residence permit it shall be extended. At the same time it is important to avoid delays.

• Step 3: Obtaining permanent residence

A permanent residence permit is the second last step towards obtaining citizenship for you and your family members.

• Step 4: Obtaining Citizenship

Next you should draw up and submit an application for citizenship according to the established model. At the same time a mandatory due diligence shall be carried out.

Benefits of a residence permit of Portugal through investment

Obtaining a residence permit in Portugal through investment is appropriate for people who plan to visit this country from time to time (for example, live seasonally, work or relax), but who are not yet ready / are not able to move here permanently.

And now we will talk about the additional advantages that Portugal gives when you immigrate through investment:

• Linguistic “freedom”. You do not need to look for a teacher and study Portuguese intensively, take an exam in knowledge of the language, etc.

• Unhindered border crossing (if you have a golden investor card issued after making investments).

• Minimum requirements for permanent residence (it is enough to stay in the country for 1 week during the first year, and for 2 weeks every subsequent 2 years).

• Great opportunities for travel. You can easily move throughout Europe without a Schengen visa.

In addition you will have:

• Free access to any European bank;

• Tax incentives when starting a business in Portugal;

• Expanded opportunities for teaching children, etc.

Citizenship of Portugal by birth

It is one of the most difficult ways to obtain a Portuguese passport, although at first glance it seems to be simple. Here are the main ways:

1. Foreign families who have lived in the country for at least 10 years with a residence permit can provide a born child with Portuguese citizenship;
2. If one of the spouses is a native and citizen of Portugal, children born in this marriage obtain citizenship immediately;
3. You can get the status of a citizen through adoption.

If the family plans to give birth in Portugal, the child may not automatically obtain citizenship. It all depends on the length of residence and the status of the parents.

Citizenship of Portugal by naturalization

It is a relatively simple and transparent way to obtain Portuguese citizenship under the standard procedure. Here are the main conditions:

1. The period of annual residence in the country must be 183 days or more;
2. A residence permit is required;
3.  It is necessary to renew the residence permit every year within the time limits specified in the legislation;
4. After 6 years an application for citizenship shall be submitted;
5. The person is placed on a waiting line. During this time you will have to learn the language in order to successfully pass the exam and obtain a passport.

It is important to observe all procedures and deadlines, as well as to collect and fill in the documents correctly. The time to obtain a Portuguese passport from the moment you apply for citizenship may vary, and it will not be possible to speed up the procedure.

Citizenship in Portugal through marriage

A method that attracts many women is marriage to a Portuguese man. As a rule, this is the creation of a fictitious family, which is fraught with complications. State authorities can arrange an inspection, and if fraud is detected, refuse to obtain a passport, or they can apply more stringent measures.

According to the legislation of the country, it is necessary to live in a real marriage with a Portuguese citizen for 3 years or more, and also to be proficient in the language. Then you can easily get a residence permit in Portugal and then apply for a passport.

Requirements for obtaining citizenship of Portugal

It is possible to obtain citizenship of Portugal for citizens of the CIS and Ukrainians under a certain procedure. The applicant will need:

1. Standard statement;
2. International passport;
3. Certificates (of birth and marriage);
4. Certificate of mastering the language;
5. A document confirming the availability of an open residence permit (or permanent residence);
6. Extract from the criminal register on the absence of offenses;
7. A receipt confirming the payment of the state duty;
8. Documentary evidence of the stay in the country.