Updated: December 19, 2024
As more people explore their options for living overseas, Portugal is quickly becoming a go-to destination. With its affordable living costs, high quality of life, and stunning landscapes, it’s easy to see why many people choose to live and work in the Iberian Peninsula.
But if you want to take your residency in Portugal one step further, you might consider dual citizenship in Portugal. This will make you a Portuguese citizen and you’ll be able to get a Portuguese passport after you obtain citizenship.
And as a bonus, some citizens don’t have to renounce their current citizenship when acquiring Portuguese citizenship. In this article, we’ll look at how dual citizenship in Portugal works and the options available to you.
You’ll also find out more about:
What is dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship is a legal status where an individual is recognized as a citizen of two countries simultaneously.
This status allows individuals to enjoy the benefits and privileges of both countries, including the right to live, work, and travel freely in both jurisdictions.
Depending on the country, dual citizens also have legal obligations tied to each nation, such as tax responsibilities or compulsory military service.
While dual citizenship provides global mobility and access to social benefits, it requires careful navigation of each country’s laws and potential conflicts, such as diplomatic protection or tax compliance.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship. The country does not require individuals to renounce their previous citizenship when obtaining Portuguese nationality. This policy applies to all pathways to citizenship, including by descent, marriage, naturalization, investment, or under the Jewish Law of Return.
Portugal’s acceptance of dual citizenship enables individuals to enjoy the benefits of Portuguese citizenship—such as EU rights, visa-free travel, and access to public services—while retaining the rights and privileges of their original nationality.
US policy on dual citizenship
The United States permits dual citizenship but does not officially endorse or promote it. US citizens acquiring another nationality are not required to relinquish their American citizenship, but they must continue to fulfill their obligations, such as filing US taxes on worldwide income.
The US government acknowledges dual citizens’ rights and responsibilities, but it also emphasizes that allegiance to the United States must remain intact, particularly in national security matters.
Benefits of Portuguese Dual Citizenship with US
From smooth travel within the European Union to broader career opportunities and access to Portugal’s excellent healthcare and education systems, dual citizenship opens avenues for both personal and professional growth.
Live, work, and study in Portugal
With Portuguese dual citizenship, US nationals gain the right to live in one of Europe’s safest and most picturesque countries. They can access affordable healthcare, world-class education, and a vibrant lifestyle without immigration restrictions. As a citizen, you can work and study freely in Portugal and other EU countries, expanding your career and educational opportunities.
Visa-free access and travel to other European Union countries
Portuguese citizenship provides unrestricted access to the 27 EU member states and visa-free travel to over 180 countries worldwide. This benefit benefits frequent travelers and professionals seeking global mobility, simplifying international travel, and enhancing business opportunities.
Affordable cost of living and high quality of life
Portugal offers a favorable cost of living compared to the US and many Western European nations. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with a warm climate, rich culture, and excellent public services. Dual citizenship ensures full access to these benefits without the constraints of limited visas or residency permits.
Read our Guide on Portugal Citizenship by Investment
How to Get Dual Citizenship in Portugal
To obtain dual citizenship in Portugal, you must meet specific residency, ancestral, or investment-based criteria depending on your situation. Each pathway has specific requirements, and proper documentation is crucial.
For example, proving ancestry or the validity of your investment plays a key role in a successful application.
Portuguese citizenship by investment
The Golden Visa program allows individuals to secure residency and eventual citizenship by making qualifying investments, such as contributing to research and cultural heritage projects. After maintaining the investment and residency for five years, applicants can apply for citizenship.
Portuguese citizenship by descent
Portuguese citizenship by descent, also known as Portuguese citizenship by ancestry or origin, allows individuals to acquire Portuguese citizenship based on their familial or ancestral ties to Portugal.
If you can demonstrate that you have Portuguese ancestors, you may be eligible to claim Portuguese citizenship by ancestry. This process is governed by Portuguese Nationality Law, which is based on the principles of jus sanguinis (inheritance from Portuguese ancestors) and territoriality (birth within Portuguese territory).
The citizenship application process involves providing documentation that proves your Portuguese ancestry. You must demonstrate a direct lineage to a Portuguese ancestor by submitting Apostille documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant records.
However, obtaining Portuguese citizenship is not just about tracing your ancestral lineage. Eligibility is contingent upon your parents or grandparents being officially recognized as Portuguese citizens.
This legal requirement sets the process apart from simple genealogy records and emphasizes the importance of a direct familial link to Portuguese citizenship.
Portuguese citizenship by marriage: Spousal eligibility
If you have been in a de facto relationship with or married to a Portuguese citizen for three years, you can obtain Portuguese citizenship through spousal eligibility.
To apply for citizenship, you will need to provide the necessary documents, including a marriage certificate and a copy of your spouse’s Portuguese citizen card.
Portuguese law does not impose a minimum residency requirement for this process, and your citizenship will remain valid even if you divorce or separate in the future.
Portuguese citizenship under the Jewish Law of Return
The Organic Law No. 1/2013, enacted on July 29, allows the Portuguese government to grant nationality to the descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Portugal in the fifteenth century. This law has been in effect since its implementation in 2015.
The law acknowledges the historical expulsion of Sephardic Jews from Portugal in 1496 and extends citizenship eligibility to their descendants. This initiative enables individuals with Sephardic Jewish ancestry to reconnect with their Portuguese heritage and acquire Portuguese citizenship.
Since 2015, over 250,000 Jews of Sephardic descent have applied for Portuguese citizenship through this program, with more than 75,000 applications accepted. Successful applicants have immediate access to the European Union.
In March 2024, the Portuguese government announced that they would change the legislation affecting Portuguese Sephardic citizenship applications, adding an extra condition for all applicants.
From April 2024, Sephardic descendants can still obtain Portuguese nationality. However, in addition to proving their links to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin, all applicants will be required to have legal residence in Portuguese territory for at least three years, consecutive or interpolated.
Portuguese citizenship by naturalization for foreign residents
Foreign nationals residing in Portugal for at least five years can apply for naturalization. They must demonstrate basic Portuguese language skills (A2 level), and a clean criminal record.
Portuguese citizenship by adoption
You can also obtain Portuguese citizenship through adoption. Portuguese citizens can adopt children aged 0 to 18, which may lead to potential citizenship for the adoptive child.
Prospective parents must establish their identity, residency, marital status, and financial stability to initiate the adoption process. This process typically takes up to 18 months and involves multiple interviews and assessments.
Upon successful completion of the adoption, the child automatically acquires Portuguese citizenship.
Citizenship through residence in Portuguese overseas territories
You can claim Portuguese citizenship in certain cases if you are a resident of one of the following former Portuguese colonies:
- Angola
- Cabo Verde
- Portuguese India
- Guinea-Bissau
- East Timor
- Macao
- Mozambique
- São Tomé and Príncipe
Visa Options for Americans Moving to Portugal for Dual Citizenship
Portugal Golden Visa program
The Portuguese Golden Visa Program, formerly the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, is a five-year residency initiative designed for non-EU nationals who invest in the country. This program allows eligible investors and family members to live, work, and study in Portugal.
Introduced by the government in 2012, the Golden Visa initiative aimed to attract foreign capital and enhance the Portuguese economy.
The Golden Visa program has become one of the most popular options for investors worldwide. Since its launch, over 20,000 Golden Visas have been issued to family members globally (and over 15,000 main applicants), raising more than €4 billion in funds.
Portugal D3 Visa
The Portugal D3 Visa is a priority settlement visa aimed at attracting highly qualified professionals to Portugal. Also known as the Portugal Highly Qualified Activity Visa or the Highly Qualified Individuals Work Visa, this special long-term visa can be obtained by individuals with either a confirmed work contract or a self-employed contract to provide services to a Portuguese company.
This visa is designed for those with a promise of employment, a promise of a self-employed contract, or a valid self-employed contract in Portugal, with a minimum duration of one year. It allows the visa holder and their family to enter the country and apply for a residence permit that is initially valid for two years.
After legally residing in Portugal for 18 months, holders of the D3 Visa can apply for the European Union (EU) Blue Card. This Blue Card permits them to live and work in 25 EU countries (excluding Ireland and Denmark). However, if D3 Visa holders wish to relocate to another EU country after 18 months, they must apply for that specific country’s Blue Card.
Portugal D7 Visa
The D7 Visa, introduced by the Portuguese government in 2007, allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who have a regular passive income to apply for residency in Portugal. This passive income can come from pensions, transferable equity, real estate, intellectual property, or financial investments.
Commonly referred to as the Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa, the D7 Visa is particularly popular among non-EU retirees looking to establish a base in Portugal and enjoy the country’s beautiful landscapes and high living standards. To be eligible for the Portugal D7 Visa, applicants must demonstrate a minimum required income of €820.
One key benefit of the D7 Visa is that it allows holders to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency in Portugal, provided they meet the requirements.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, officially known as the D8 Visa program, was introduced by the Portuguese government in 2022. This visa is aimed at remote workers who wish to live and work in Portugal.
The D8 Visa offers a long-term residency option for remote workers who want to reside in Portugal while continuing their employment with companies outside the country.
Part of Portugal’s broader initiative to attract digital nomads, the D8 Visa allows non-EU/EEA nationals to stay in Portugal (temporary visa is up to one year, while the long-term visa is residency) with the possibility of renewal.
This visa is primarily designed for digital nomads and remote workers, allowing them to continue their employment or freelance work for clients outside of Portugal. Visa holders can work from various locations throughout the country, including co-working spaces, cafés, or the comfort of their homes.
As a D8 Visa holder, you also have the freedom to travel within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries, for up to 90 days within 180 days. This makes exploring other parts of Europe convenient while residing in Portugal.
Additionally, you can access certain public services in Portugal, including healthcare (with appropriate health insurance) and public transportation. One of the D8 Visa’s subcategories permits family reunification, allowing you to bring your spouse, children, or other dependents to Portugal under specific conditions.
Family Reunification Visa
The Family Reunification Visa (D6) is a residence permit that allows non-EU family members of Portuguese residents to live with them in Portugal.
With the Family Reunification Visa, any family member you bring to Portugal will receive a valid residence permit for the same duration as yours. For example, if you have a two-year residency permit, your spouse or partner will be granted a residence permit for the same two-year period.
If you hold a permanent residence permit, the D6 Visa is valid for up to two years. This permit can also be renewed and extended as long as family ties continue.
Non-EU family members with the D6 Visa will have the same rights as Portuguese nationals in employment, education, healthcare, social security, and tax benefits. D6 Visa holders can also apply for Portuguese residency after living in Portugal for five years.
Goldcrest: How We Can Help You
Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.
If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.
Why choose Goldcrest?
- Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
- Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
- Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
- Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
- Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal Dual Citizenship
What is dual citizenship, and does Portugal allow it?
Dual citizenship means holding citizenship in two countries simultaneously. Portugal permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their nationality while becoming Portuguese citizens, provided their original nationality also permits dual citizenship.
What are the main ways to obtain Portuguese citizenship?
The primary pathways include:
- By descent: For those with Portuguese ancestors.
- By marriage: Spouses of Portuguese citizens are eligible.
- By investment: Through programs like the Golden Visa.
- By naturalization: After living in Portugal for five years.
- By the Jewish Law of Return: For Sephardic Jews with ancestral ties to Portugal.
Can Americans have dual citizenship with Portugal?
Yes, the United States allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship, and Portugal does not require renouncing previous citizenship. This makes it possible for Americans to hold both Portuguese and US citizenship.
What are the benefits of Portuguese dual citizenship?
Key benefits include:
- The right to live, work, and study in Portugal and the EU.
- Visa-free travel to over 180 countries.
- Access to Portugal’s affordable healthcare and high quality of life.
- The ability to pass citizenship to descendants.
Can I lose Portuguese citizenship if I acquire another?
No, Portugal allows dual citizenship, so acquiring another nationality will not result in the loss of Portuguese citizenship.
What taxes will I pay as a dual citizen of Portugal?
Portugal taxes residents on their worldwide income.
Does Portuguese dual citizenship provide EU benefits?
Yes, Portuguese citizenship grants the right to live, work, and travel across the European Union, as well as access to EU education and healthcare systems.
Can children of Portuguese dual citizens automatically become citizens?
Yes, children born to Portuguese citizens can automatically acquire dual citizenship in Portugal, even if born outside Portugal, ensuring the continuity of citizenship for future generations.
