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A Complete Guide to Portuguese Citizenship Laws : What Foreign Nationals Should Know
Portugal is one of the most popular European countries for foreign nationals to apply for citizenship. There are various pathways to citizenship available, including through marriage, naturalisation, and descent, the application process for Portuguese citizenship may differ depending on eligibility criteria and recent legislative changes.
This guide will summarise the key information in the Portuguese citizenship laws and explore when applicants should seek expert legal advice.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
- What Are the Fundamental legal requirements for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage?
- A Guide to Golden Visa Laws in Portugal
- What Should Foreign Nationals Know About Portuguese Nationality Laws?
- How to Obtain a Portuguese Passport
- How Can Giambrone & Partners Help?
Discover recent law changes impacting the application process.
The benefits of a Golden Visa and how it can lead to Portuguese citizenship.
Read amendments to the Portuguese Nationality Law and how this affects citizenship applications.
Read the application process for a passport in Portugal and what a Citizen Card is.
Discover how expert immigration lawyers can assist your citizenship application in Portugal.
What Are the Fundamental Legal requirements for Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage?
Marriage to a Portuguese spouse is a highly popular pathway to obtaining citizenship in Portugal. Governed by the Portuguese Nationality Law (Law No. 37/81 of 3rd October) allows a foreign national married to a Portuguese citizen to apply for citizenship after three years of marriage or civil union (De Facto Union).
Read more about the application process for becoming a Portuguese citizen through marriage here.
The 2020 revision to the Nationality Law amended certain requirements for Portuguese citizenship by marriage. Foreign spouses are no longer required to demonstrate an effective connection to Portuguese society if they have children with their Portuguese spouse, or have been married or living together for more than six years.
Childless couples or those who have been married for less than six years may still need to prove a connection to Portugal, which may include proficiency in the language or legal residency.
Portuguese authorities have the right to inspect the validity of your marriage, which may lead to future interviews. Fraudulent marriages based solely on an attempt to obtain citizenship will lead to rejection and potential prosecution.
For more information, read our complete guide on Portuguese citizenship by marriage and its governing laws here.
A Guide to Golden Visa Laws in Portugal
First introduced in 2012, Autorização de Residência para Actividade de Investimento, commonly known as the “Golden Visa”, is a popular pathway for foreign nationals to gain a residence permit in Portugal. With many benefits, including visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area, the Golden Visa route can also lead to future citizenship when foreign nationals resided in Portugal for at least five years (by naturalisation).
Learn about the application process for a Portugal Golden Visa and how this leads to citizenship here.
Recently, the Portuguese government made significant changes to the Golden Visa scheme. The "Mais Habitação” law, introduced in October 2023, altered the qualifying investments and removed options regarding real estate investment, real estate-related funds and capital transfers of €1,500,000.
The Portugal Golden Visa benefits foreign nationals who are looking to live and work in Portugal. After five years of permanent residency, Golden Visa holders may apply for Portuguese citizenship to strengthen ties to the country and remove the requirement for a visa or permit.
Recent law changes have included the date of submitting the Golden Visa application as the start date of the required residency. This shortens the waiting period and simplifies the application process for Portuguese citizenship.
For more information, read our expert guide on the Golden Visa in Portugal and governing laws here.
Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements for Portuguese citizenship by seeking assistance from experienced immigration lawyers (Advogados).
Request a callback to discuss your particular circumstances.
Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements for Portuguese citizenship by seeking assistance from experienced immigration lawyers (Advogados).
Request a callback to discuss your particular circumstances.
What Should Foreign Nationals Know About Portuguese Nationality Laws?
The Portuguese Nationality Act is the primary law governing citizenship in Portugal. First coming into effect in the 1980s, Law No. 37/81 of 3rd October (the Portuguese Nationality Law) has undergone various amendments, reflecting Portugal’s evolving social, political, and legal landscape.
In 2024, the Nationality Law underwent significant legislative changes, which impacted different pathways to Portuguese citizenship. Effective from 1st April, Law No. 1/2024 marked the tenth major amendment, which included:
- Faster Path to Citizenship: Applicants must have lived continuously in Portugal for at least five years, reduced from six. Additionally, the start date has been revised to the date the residence permit (such as the Golden Visa) was first submitted, rather than the date it was granted.
- Revisions to Sephardic Jewish Eligibility: Applicants must provide official certification that is recognised by the Portuguese government, including academics in Sephardic studies and Portuguese Jewish authorities.
- Children of Portuguese Nationals: From 2020, children born in Portugal to foreign parents can now apply if just one parent has been living legally in Portugal for at least one year.
Legislative changes can affect both new and ongoing citizenship applications, so it’s important to seek guidance throughout the process. Portuguese immigration lawyers (Advogados) stay current on legal updates and ensure you remain eligible for citizenship.
For more information, read our full guide to Portuguese Nationality Laws here.
How to Obtain a Portuguese Passport
According to the 2025 Passport Index, which ranks the countries of the world according to mobility and overall power, Portugal ranks third globally. Regardless of the route to Portuguese citizenship, successful applicants are all eligible for a passport as soon as the citizenship has been recognised by and recorded by Portuguese authorities.
Once your citizenship application has been completed, you can then apply for a Portuguese passport. To do this, you will need a Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão), which serves as your primary identification in Portugal. You can obtain a Citizen Card at an IRN or a Citizen’s Shop, where you will undergo biometric identification.
In Portugal, the passport application process is fairly straightforward. Schedule an appointment online at one of the designated locations and bring your Citizen Card. At the appointment, you will have your photograph taken and be asked to provide your fingerprints and signature for the passport. The cost of a Portuguese passport ranges from €65 to €120.
Read more about the eligibility criteria for a Portuguese passport and the application process here.
How Can Giambrone & Partners Help?
Giambrone & Partners is an international law firm that specialises in cross-border matters. Our Portuguese immigration lawyers (Advogados) are aware of differing and changing laws regarding gaining citizenship and the respective eligibility criteria. They will guide you through every stage of the application process.
Request a callback with Giambrone & Partners Portuguese lawyers for more information.