Portugal passport – what does it give and what is its power? Living on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in the warm climate of Portugal, in the most comfortable conditions in all plans, is undoubtedly attractive. But the majority of those who decide to move to this country, nevertheless, put an opportunity to become a citizen of the European Union in the first place. Acquisition of EU citizenship is not just a status for oneself. It is the possibility of a prestigious education for children and grandchildren, it is life in security and stability, and it guarantees and supports business development.
Obtaining a Portuguese passport
The way to become a citizen is as follows:
- Proof of Origin
- Marriage with a person who has already acquired citizenship
- Reuniting with your family (i.e., moving in with relatives)
- Investing
- Living in the country for several years (naturalization)
Please note.Investment is the most advantageous way to obtain the citizenship of Portugal, because the procedure is formalized through a specially designed program.
Any descendant of a Portuguese is eligible for Portuguese citizenship and can obtain Passport Portugal. Moreover, it is not necessary to reside in Portugal. It is enough to provide documents confirming the kinship and the procedure will be started.
Many people choose to marry a Portuguese as the easiest way to acquire citizenship. But you should understand that the passport will be issued three years after the marriage, not earlier. And it will be necessary to confirm that the applicant for citizenship papers, actually lives with his spouse (albeit in another country, but together). In addition, any ties with the Portuguese community must be confirmed. This implies work in the country, studies, or property.
Portuguese people are very careful about their homeland, its development, and culture, so those who want to become citizens require proof of language skills at the level A2 (this is the basic level, which implies the ability to communicate in general). For this purpose, it is necessary to pass the exam and receive the CILPE certificate.
Why Portugal
In addition to climate and safety, there are other advantages that “bring” Portugal to the forefront for those who choose the country to move to.
Much is said about the port, the chic architecture, the ocean, the large-scale festivals regularly held here…But little is said about the security, the level of social progress, the educational and health systems in Portugal, amazingly balanced in their approach to everyone.
And these are very significant factors!
The stable economy not only allows for tangible tax benefits on income earned in the country, but also completely tax-free foreign income (pensions, self-employment, dividends, etc.).
Portuguese people are trusted around the world. They are allowed to travel in countries of Schengen and European Union without visa, presenting only ppassport of Portugal. Those who have Portuguese citizenship can enter Japan, the USA, Australia and Canada under the simplified procedure. And not just enter, but also conclude deals and sign a variety of contracts only with the Portuguese passport.
Naturalization for citizenship
If you have been legally residing in the country for five years with a residence permit, you can prepare documents for citizenship by so-called naturalization. This option is suitable for those who do not have relatives or spouses in Portugal. It is considered the most time-consuming, and also requires an additional test of knowledge of the Portuguese language at the level A2.
It is sufficient to stay in the country for 183 days per year.
It is allowed to cross the border by tourist and national visas. The document confirming the legality of residence in the country is very important. It is issued by the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) (Service for Foreigners). In addition, for naturalization citizenship, a copy of the residence permit in the country, a birth certificate, and a handwritten questionnaire must be provided.
What documents will be needed:
- certificate of proficiency in Portuguese at the A2 level;
- a certificate that there is no criminal record in the home country, certified by the Portuguese consulate, and a certificate of no criminal record in Portugal;
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a certificate of salary issued by the employer or a bank account statement in Portugal;
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a certificate from the social security office about registration there.
All documents must be either translated into or issued in Portuguese. They must be submitted to the immigration office.
It is sufficient to stay in the country for 183 days per year.
It is allowed to cross the border by tourist and national visa. The document confirming the legality of residence in the country is very important. It is issued by the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) (service for foreigners). In addition, for naturalization citizenship, a copy of the residence permit in the country, a birth certificate, and a handwritten questionnaire will have to be provided.
Portuguese citizenship for investment
Participation in the investment programs of Portugal, although it does not provide immediately to obtain citizenship and immediately obtain a Portuguese passport, greatly facilitates this process.
Investment residence permit is easier to obtain than the usual naturalization. It is enough to be in the country only 7 days a year. You do not need to pass the exam for knowledge of Portuguese. The program is called the Golden Residence Permit Program, so it is often called a “golden visa” in Russian. But it is Golden Residence Permit Program with greater opportunities than the standard naturalization and not just a visa.
The most common way to invest in Portugal is the purchase of real estate or land for development. After five years of ownership, the object can be sold, and you can buy something else if plans change.
The price of the new property must be at least 500 000 euros. The intended use is commercial or residential.
If the property is over 30 years old and there is a need for renovation, the price can start from 350,000 euros.
Note:You don’t have to buy one object for the indicated amount of investment. You can buy two or more, and then rent them out, quickly recovering your investment.
Another option how to obtain a Portuguese passport is to open your own business and create for the Portuguese at least 10 jobs + purchase real estate.
To apply for a residence permit, depending on the investment program, you will need the following documents:
- passport;
- visa;
- insurance policy;
- confirmation of tax arrears;
- a certificate of no criminal record;
- documents that confirm the applicant’s participation in the investment program (for example, a contract of sale).
From 2022 it is impossible to invest in major cities. The priority is to buy real estate in the interior regions of the country, as well as in the Azores and Madeira.
Denial of citizenship
If there are not enough documents from the mandatory list if the documents or application contain false information if the level of income does not meet the requirements of the country, and if there is no confirmed connection to the Portuguese community, the citizenship may be denied.
It does not make sense to apply for citizenship for persons who have a criminal record with a term of imprisonment of three years or more, contract servicemen of other countries, as well as civil servants of other countries.
Portugal is a strong, beautiful, independent country where you can lead a quiet, confident and secure life. If you have any questions about paperwork or the move itself, feel free to ask them in the comments. We would be happy to share our experiences!
