Becoming a Portuguese citizen unlocks all the benefits of the EU passport. The national status secures one’s peace of mind and grants the freedom to work, travel and temporarily reside in other Schengen area countries. This article will guide you through the Portugal citizenship requirements and highlight the important changes in the law.
Current Portugal citizenship requirements
As of January 2026, there are three main ways to obtain a national status.
Naturalisation
How to get citizenship in Portugal: You must reside in the country for more than five years and pass a language exam.
Don’t forget – you must keep on renewing your resident permit without breaks. Otherwise, the year count will be reset to 0.
Documents:
- Application form.
- The applicant’s birth certificate.
- A copy of the residence permit card (confirming your resident status).
- Proof of legal residence in Portugal for at least 5 years from the AIMA migration agency.
- A certificate proving your A2 Portuguese level
- A criminal record certificate from Portugal.
- A criminal record certificate from your country of origin.
- Proof of financial stability.
Note:
- The list of required documents may change. Always verify it before submitting.
- All foreign documents must be translated and legalised.
Marriage
How to get Portuguese citizenship: You must be married/de facto married to a Portuguese national for more than three years. You don't have to reside in Portugal; long-distance relationships count, too. The key is to convince the authorities that your love is genuine.
Documents:
- Application form.
- Marriage certificate (issued in Portugal or legalised if issued abroad).
- The applicant’s birth certificate.
- A copy of the Portuguese spouse’s identity document.
- Criminal record certificates for the applicant (from all relevant countries, including Portugal).
- A certificate confirming the applicant’s current nationality.
- Documents proving connection to Portugal: joint residence registration, property documents, employment or study confirmation, birth certificates of joint children, etc.
Explore: Portugal holidays in 2026.
Descent
How to become a Portuguese citizen: You must have Portuguese roots (parents, grandparents, or, in rare cases, great-grandparents).
Documents:
- Application form.
- Valid ID/Passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Ancestor’s documentation – proof of Portuguese citizenship.
- Marriage certificates. If qualifying through a grandparent or great-grandparent, you must provide marriage certificates to prove that you’re a family member.
- Language proficiency.
- Proof of ties to Portugal.
Portugal is one of the most welcoming countries for expats in Europe. If you follow regulations, behave with dignity and don’t mess up with documentation, gaining Portuguese citizenship is more than real.
Future changes
In 2025, the Government decided to tighten the rules for obtaining citizenship in Portugal. The changes are not yet valid, but there's a good chance they'll take effect in 2026. What may be modified:
- 10 years instead of 5 – the minimum residency period will be extended.
- 7 years instead of 5 – for EU/CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries – Brazil is a member) nationals.
- Starting point – the count will start from the date the first permit is issued, not from the day of application.
Other details and wording are to be decided, as they are now under review.
If you’re already eligible, try to initiate the naturalisation process before the new law is accepted. You may still benefit from the old rules and get your Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of residence.
FAQ – How to get Portuguese citizenship
Can I get Portuguese citizenship if I'm Brazilian?
Yes, it’s not restricted. Choose any path (marriage, descent, naturalisation) and apply as foreigners from other countries do.
Does Brazil allow for dual citizenship?
Yes, Brazil allows dual citizenship.
Is a Portuguese passport strong?
Yes, it's in 5th place in the Official Passport Index Ranking.
What are the benefits of having a Portuguese passport?
- Visa-free entry to 184 countries.
- EU-citizenship benefits (travel, work and life-related).
- Full citizen rights in the country.
- Legal protection.
- Securing a European future for your children.
- Full access to local healthcare.
Learn more: Health insurance in Portugal: an ultimate guide for expats.
How can I send money from Portugal to Brazil?
- Join Profee.
- Add the transfer amount.
- Pick a preferred payment method.
- Enter the recipient’s details.
- Confirm.
