Portuguese citizenship offers a range of advantages, including the right to live, work, and study in any EU countries, and visa-free/ visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 destinations globally.

Acquisition of Portuguese Citizenship

Portuguese citizenship can be acquired through several means:

• Descent: Individuals with Portuguese parents or grandparents.
• Marriage or Civil Union: Individuals married to or in a civil union with a Portuguese citizen.
• Birth: Individuals born in Portuguese territory.

For those residing in Portugal, including those under the residence by investment program, citizenship can be obtained after five years of legal residence, subject to the following conditions:

1. Age Requirement: The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
2. Residency Requirement: The applicant must have resided in Portugal for a minimum of five years.
3. Language Proficiency: The applicant must have basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 international level).
4. Clean Criminal Record: The applicant must not have been convicted of a crime carrying a penalty of three years or more under Portuguese law.

Additional Considerations

• Demonstrating tangible connections to the Portuguese community can improve the chances of citizenship approval.
• Portugal permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality while becoming Portuguese citizens.

Assistance

Compass offers expert assistance for private clients navigating the citizenship application process, ensuring all requirements are met and helping to streamline the application process.