Everything You Need to Know About Dual Citizenship in Portugal

A second passport could be about more than travel freedom; it gives you options. 

If you’re looking for long-term stability, securing rights in the place you’ve chosen to live in, or want to pass down legal benefits to your children, dual citizenship in Portugal offers a legal path to do all of that while staying connected to your home country.

Portugal has become one of the most appealing places in Europe to establish a second citizenship. Whether you’re planning to live here full-time or just want to make your position in the country more permanent, it’s worth understanding how Portugal’s dual citizenship works and what it can offer you.

Does Portugal Allow Dual Citizenship?

Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship without requiring you to give up your original nationality. That applies whether you’re from the U.S., Brazil, the U.K., or most other countries with reciprocal policies.

This means you can become a Portuguese citizen and still hold your current passport, keeping your voting rights, property rights, and healthcare access in both countries. 

You’re recognized fully in both legal systems. Portugal does not penalize or restrict people for holding another citizenship alongside Portuguese, and this policy is written into the law.

This matters a lot for people with long-term plans. 

Let’s say you’ve been living in Portugal for several years, paying taxes, enrolling your kids in school, or maybe even running a business. Gaining Portuguese dual citizenship would let you vote in national elections, get an EU passport, and avoid having to constantly renew residency permits or worry about future immigration changes. 

And you can do it all without losing your original citizenship.

What Exactly is Dual Citizenship in Portugal?

Dual citizenship in Portugal means you’re legally recognized as a citizen of both Portugal and your original country. You don’t have to choose one over the other; you hold the rights and responsibilities of both. That includes things like the ability to vote, access healthcare, own property, and work freely across the EU.

What’s important to understand is that dual citizenship is not the same as residency. Residency gives you permission to live in the country, but it comes with conditions: renewals, minimum stay requirements, and limited political rights. Citizenship, on the other hand, is permanent. You can leave the country for years and still come back with full legal rights.

Citizenship also gives you access to a Portuguese passport, which is one of the strongest in the world. As a citizen, you can live and work in any EU country without a visa, and you get consular protection anywhere in the world from both countries you’re a citizen of.

Why Choose Portugal for Dual Citizenship?

Portugal isn’t the only country that allows dual citizenship, but it’s one of the most accessible and practical countries for long-term residents. 

For people already living there, or seriously considering a move, it’s one of the best European countries to get naturalized in, and the benefits stretch far beyond the border.

One major reason people choose dual citizenship in Portugal is the access it provides to the European Union. A Portuguese passport gives you the legal right to live, work, and study in any EU member state without needing a visa. This can completely change your career options, investment strategy, or family planning.

Healthcare and education are also a big part of the draw. Portugal’s public healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world in terms of cost-to-quality ratio. As a citizen, you can use it without restrictions. Public universities are affordable, and your children, if they’re also citizens, are eligible too.

From a legal and financial standpoint, citizenship brings more stability. You’re not tied to the changing rules of a visa or residency permit. There’s no need to constantly reapply or prove your income.

Who Is Eligible for Portuguese Dual Citizenship?

Portugal offers a relatively accessible path to citizenship compared to many other EU countries. Whether you’ve been living in Portugal for years or have family ties to the country, the system is built to accommodate long-term integration. 

Best of all, Portugal fully allows dual nationality, so if your home country does too, you won’t have to renounce anything.

Here’s a breakdown of the main routes to obtaining dual citizenship in Portugal, and what each one involves:

Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)

If you have at least one Portuguese parent, you’re likely already eligible. You don’t need to meet a residency requirement or pass a language test. All you need is documented proof of your lineage: birth certificates, marriage certificates, and official records that show the family link.

If your grandparent was Portuguese but your parent didn’t claim citizenship, you can still apply, provided you show a meaningful connection to Portugal. That can include time spent in the country, cultural ties, or even language skills.

This option is often used by Brazilian, Angolan, Cape Verdean, or Goan nationals with Portuguese ancestry, but it applies to anyone with the appropriate lineage.

Citizenship by Marriage or Civil Union

If you’re married to a Portuguese citizen or have been in a legally registered civil partnership for at least three years, you can apply for citizenship through that relationship. The process is simpler than naturalization and doesn’t require continuous residency in Portugal.

You will, however, need to prove the relationship is genuine and ongoing, and pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level). Living in Portugal can help strengthen your case, but it isn’t strictly necessary.

Be aware that “de facto unions” (non-married couples living together) are recognized if they’re registered properly and meet the minimum duration requirement. This is often overlooked by applicants who assume it’s only for legally married couples.

Citizenship by Naturalization

This is the most common route for expats, digital nomads, and immigrants who’ve built their lives in Portugal.

To qualify, you must:

• Have lived legally in Portugal for at least 5 years.
• Be able to speak basic Portuguese (A2 level).
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Be registered with the Tax Authority (Finanças) and Social Security if applicable.
• Provide proof of stable accommodation and income.

The five-year clock starts from the date you receive your first legal residence permit, not from when you arrive as a tourist. Time spent on visas such as D7, D8 (digital nomad visa), or golden visas counts toward this.

If you came through Portugal’s Golden Visa program, you’re still eligible for dual citizenship in Portugal through naturalization. The key advantage is that you don’t need to live in Portugal full-time, just an average of seven days per year over five years. 

While real estate investment is no longer part of the program, qualifying investments in Portuguese funds or job-creating businesses still apply.

The application process can take a year or longer, and bureaucracy can be tedious in Portugal, but many people complete it with the help of a lawyer or by following official guidance closely.

Once granted, you’re a Portuguese citizen for life, even if you leave the country.

Citizenship for Children Born in Portugal

Children born in Portugal to foreign parents may be eligible for citizenship if at least one parent has legally resided in the country for one year or more. This is a progressive policy compared to other EU countries.

Citizenship is not automatic at birth, but it can be claimed quickly and easily after birth registration.

This rule has encouraged many immigrant families to settle long-term, knowing that their children will have a secure future as full EU citizens.

Citizenship for Sephardic Jewish Descendants

Portugal’s historic law granting citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews, whose ancestors were expelled during the Inquisition, was one of the most generous in Europe. Applicants had to prove Jewish heritage and a connection to Portuguese culture or community.

However, as of recent legal updates (2022 onward), the process now includes tighter conditions:

• You must show ancestry and a lasting connection to Portugal, such as property ownership or frequent visitation.
• A recommendation letter from a recognized Portuguese Jewish community is still required.

While the window hasn’t closed entirely, the government has made clear that applications going forward will face more scrutiny. Still, this remains a viable option for those with documented heritage.

How Hard Is It to Get Citizenship in Portugal?

Compared to many other countries in the EU, Portugal makes it relatively straightforward to obtain citizenship, especially if you’ve lived in the country legally and consistently. But “straightforward” doesn’t mean fast, and it doesn’t mean effortless. 

You’ll still be dealing with paperwork, waiting times, and government processes that can feel frustrating.

The biggest hurdles are usually:

Time

You need to legally reside in Portugal for five years (a new bill has been proposed that could increase it to 10 years for most cases) before applying. That means keeping your residency permit valid and up to date the entire time.

If you’re on a Golden Visa, “residency” doesn’t mean full-time living. The law only requires you to spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal over those five years. As long as you maintain your investment and meet the minimum stay, it still counts toward eligibility for dual citizenship in Portugal.

Language

You’ll need to pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level), which requires some studying, especially if you haven’t picked it up naturally while living here.

Documentation

The application process involves gathering official documents from both Portugal and your home country, many of which need to be apostilled, translated, and notarized. Missing one piece can cause delays.

Waiting

Processing times for citizenship applications can stretch beyond a year. Some people hear back in 8-10 months, while others wait 18 months or more, depending on the workload at the local registry office and how clean their paperwork is.

But, there is no vague or impossible criteria. There’s no requirement to prove cultural integration so far (although it has been proposed in the new bill) beyond the language test. No need to pass interviews. No arbitrary denials if you meet the criteria. The rules are clear, and the system is relatively consistent.

What Is the New Citizenship Law in Portugal?

While updates in 2023 streamlined certain aspects, a government proposal from June 2025 could significantly reshape the path to dual citizenship in Portugal. Here’s where things stand:

Key Changes Already in Place

• Residency requirement reduced from 6 to 5 years (as of 2023) – good news for naturalisation applicants.
• Golden Visa still counts: Investors only need to spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal during the qualifying period.
• Standardised A2-level language test and clearer cultural integration guidelines.

New Proposal Raises Residency to 10 Years

On June 23, 2025, the government introduced a draft law to increase the residency requirement from five to ten years for most foreign applicants, with some exceptions:

• Non‑CPLP nationals (e.g., U.S., Canada, India, Ukraine) would need 10 years of legal residence.
• CPLP nationals (Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, etc.) would require 7 years

The proposal also adds stricter requirements:

• A cultural integration exam to demonstrate knowledge of Portuguese rights, duties, and history.
• Mandatory declaration of support for democratic principles.
• Citizenship could be revoked for serious crimes.
• The Sephardic route may face tighter scrutiny or potential restrictions 

This proposal must pass through Parliament and receive final approval before becoming law.

Impact on Golden Visa Applicants

• Under current law, Golden Visa applicants only need to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal to meet the residency requirement.
• The new proposal would not affect Golden Visa holders, as their qualifying residency is defined by investment, not physical presence.
• However, the overall citizenship timeline could shift dramatically if passed

If you’re part of the Golden Visa program and applying soon, your application will be governed by the rules in effect at the time of submission. After that, any new applications would fall under the updated (longer) timelines.

Where Things Stand Today

Nothing has changed yet; these proposals are still pending parliamentary approval. Current applicants and existing Golden Visa holders won’t be affected retroactively. But new applications after the law’s enactment would follow the updated timeline.

What You Should Do

• Already in the process? Continue as planned under the current 5-year framework.
• Considering the Golden Visa now? It’s wise to apply before any new law takes effect to benefit from the shorter timeline.
• Planning long term, especially if you’re not CPLP‑national: brace for a potential 10-year wait and begin preparing, language, integration evidence, and documentation, so you’re ready when it’s time to apply.

Portuguese Dual Citizenship vs. Permanent Residency: Which Suits You Better?

If you’ve been living in Portugal for a while, you’ve probably heard the argument: why go through the trouble of applying for citizenship when permanent residency already gives you most of what you need? 

Let’s break it down.

Why It Matters

Permanent residency lets you live and work in Portugal, buy property, access healthcare, and renew your permit every few years, so for many people, it’s “good enough.” But it’s also a status that can be taken away if you fail to meet requirements like physical presence or legal renewals.

Citizenship is permanent. It cannot be revoked unless acquired fraudulently. You can live abroad for years and still return at any time with full rights. You can vote, travel freely across the EU, and pass citizenship on to your children automatically.

Let’s say you’ve lived in Portugal for over five years, have a stable setup, but occasionally spend long stretches abroad for work. A permanent residence permit might not survive long absences. Applying for dual citizenship in Portugal ensures you never lose your legal footing, no matter how global your lifestyle gets.

Tax Implications of Holding Dual Citizenship in Portugal

Getting dual citizenship in Portugal doesn’t automatically mean you owe more taxes. What matters is whether you’re a tax resident, not just a citizen. Portugal taxes people based on where they live, not what passport they have.

So, if you spend more than 183 days a year in Portugal, or it’s clearly your main home, then you’re a tax resident. If you’re not living there most of the year, Portugal likely won’t tax you at all.

For people who do become tax residents, Portugal used to offer the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime, which gave a bunch of tax breaks for 10 years. That program ended in 2024, and it’s been replaced with something more limited (IFICI regime). 

The new system only applies to specific professionals, mostly people working in science, research, or innovation fields. If that’s not you, there’s no special treatment anymore.

If you’re from the U.S., you’ll still need to file taxes back home no matter what. But Portugal and the U.S. have a tax treaty, and there are credits and exclusions to avoid double taxation. It’s not necessarily simple, but it’s manageable, especially with an accountant who understands expat taxes.

Portugal’s dual citizenship doesn’t automatically create new tax problems. It just gives you more flexibility. If you live in Portugal full time, you’ll pay taxes like everyone else. If you don’t, you probably won’t. And if you’re coming from a country like the U.S., you already know you’ll be filing in both places anyway.

Maintaining Your Dual Citizenship in Portugal

Once you’re granted dual citizenship in Portugal, it’s not something you have to constantly manage. Portuguese citizenship is for life unless it’s revoked for serious reasons like fraud during the application process. That said, there are a few things to be aware of to keep everything in good standing.

Renewing Your Portuguese Passport

Portuguese passports are valid for 5 years (for children) or 10 years (for adults). You can renew your passport in Portugal or at any Portuguese consulate abroad. It’s a straightforward process, and it doesn’t require proof of ongoing residency or income.

Voting and Civic Duties

You’ll now have the right to vote in local and national elections. You’re not required to, but if you’re living in Portugal, it makes sense to register and have a say. If you live abroad, you can vote from wherever you are, just make sure your voter registration is updated.

There’s no military service requirement, and Portugal doesn’t have civic duties like jury service for citizens living abroad.

Obligations to Your Other Country

Because Portugal dual citizenship is fully recognized, you can hold both nationalities without conflict, so long as your home country also allows it. That means you may still have responsibilities like:

• Filing taxes in your home country (especially if you’re from the U.S.).
• Renewing your original passport.
• Notifying both governments if your personal info changes (name, marital status, etc.).

Portugal doesn’t monitor or restrict your movements abroad, but some countries require citizens to enter and exit using their own passports. Always check both sides when traveling or updating documentation.

A Quick Example

Let’s say you’re a dual U.S.-Portuguese citizen living in Berlin. You can renew your Portuguese passport at the consulate in Germany, vote in EU Parliament elections, and access EU healthcare when needed. You don’t need to live in Portugal to keep any of those rights.

Bitizenship Guides the Way Toward Dual Citizenship

For anyone pursuing dual citizenship in Portugal, knowing the law is only part of the equation. 

You also need a clear, compliant path and a team that understands how to navigate it without delays, surprises, or confusion. That’s where Bitizenship comes in.

We work exclusively with clients applying through the Unbound Fund, a fully qualifying investment fund under Portugal’s current Golden Visa rules. With Golden Visa, you get Portugal residency. From that first decision to invest, we manage everything that follows and stay with you through the full residency process. After 5-10 years, you’re eligible to apply for dual citizenship in Portugal.

That includes:

• Coordinating the fund subscription and legal structuring
• Handling immigration paperwork and document prep
• Connecting you with licensed Portuguese lawyers and tax professionals
• Ensuring full compliance from day one to the passport

Our goal is to make sure your investment leads to long-term outcomes, namely, a Portuguese passport and all the second passport benefits that come with it: EU mobility, more freedom to live and work abroad, and greater security for your family’s future.

If you’re ready to invest in alternative citizenship through Portugal, Bitizenship offers a direct, well-supported path from the first step through to the last.

Final Thoughts

Getting dual citizenship in Portugal can offer a way out of the uncertainty that comes with a temporary status. You stop worrying about renewing your residency every few years. You stop planning your life around visa rules. You gain the right to vote, to come and go without restrictions, and to give your kids EU citizenship without starting from scratch.

If you’re willing to commit to staying legally, learning enough Portuguese to pass the test, and gathering the documents to prove your timeline there, Portugal makes it worth it.

FAQs 

Ale is the co-founder of Bitizenship. He cares about the craft of building quality products that make life better for people. He writes about these topics, as well as freedom, wealth, and global mobility, in a newsletter read by thousands of modern citizens.