Portugal Dual Citizenship: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners (2026)

What is dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship is a legal status that enables authorities to recognize you as a citizen of two countries at the same time.

With dual citizenship, you enjoy the rights and privileges of both nations, including the ability to live, work, and travel freely in each country.

You must also meet the legal obligations of both countries, such as paying taxes or completing compulsory military service where applicable. However, Portugal does not have mandatory military service, so dual citizens do not face that obligation there.

Holding dual citizenship gives you global mobility and access to social benefits, but you need to carefully follow each country’s laws to avoid conflicts with taxes, legal responsibilities, or diplomatic matters.

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 means individuals can hold citizenship in Portugal and another country simultaneously.

This policy applies to all pathways to citizenship, including by descent, marriage, naturalization, investment, or under the Jewish Law of Return. This is a common practice, and many people, including US citizens, choose to obtain Portuguese citizenship while retaining their original nationality.

In addition to finding a viable pathway to citizenship, applicants will also need to meet other requirements, including proof of Portuguese language proficiency at the A2 level, a clean health record, proof of residency, and a clean criminal record.

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. Find out more in our article on Portuguese passport benefits.

Can US citizens get Portuguese dual citizenship?

Yes, US nationals can obtain Portuguese citizenship through naturalization, marriage, or descent. If you don’t have Portuguese parents or grandparents, then you can get citizenship through naturalization. This means you apply for residency first through visas, like the Portugal Golden Visa, D7 Visa, D8 Visa, and D3 Visa.

Benefits of Portuguese Dual Citizenship

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.

Here are a few benefits of Portugal’s dual citizenship with the US and with other nationalities whose home countries allow dual citizenship.

• Live freely in Portugal: With Portuguese dual citizenship, US nationals and other foreign nationals gain the right to live in one of Europe’s safest and most picturesque countries. This means access to affordable healthcare, world-class education, expanded career opportunities, and a vibrant lifestyle without immigration restrictions.
• Visa-free access and global mobility: With Portuguese citizenship, you get unrestricted access to all 27 European Union member states and enjoy visa-free travel to over 180 countries worldwide.
• Affordable cost of living: Portugal offers a favorable cost of living compared to the US and many Western European nations. For example, the cost of living in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and priciest city, is still almost 40 percent lower than the cost of living in Washington D.C.
• High quality of life and safety in Portugal: Residents of Portugal enjoy a high quality of life with a warm climate, rich culture, and excellent public services. Portugal is the seventh safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index. It offers a safe environment in which to live and raise a family, with very low crime rates. For comparison, the USA ranks 128 on the index.
• Attractive tax benefits: Portugal has double tax agreements and treaties with many different countries, including the US. This helps dual citizens to avoid being taxed twice on the same income. Additionally, Portugal’s IFICI tax regime (Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation) offers qualifying highly skilled workers a flat 20 percent tax rate on local income and foreign income exemptions for 10 years, making it a valuable replacement for the former NHR program (earning its label as the NHR 2.0 in Portugal).

Main Paths to Portuguese Dual Citizenship

To obtain Portuguese dual citizenship, you must meet specific residency, ancestral, or investment-based criteria depending on your situation. Each pathway has specific requirements and proper documentation.

Portuguese dual citizenship by descent

You can obtain Portuguese citizenship by descent, also called Portuguese citizenship by ancestry or origin, if you have Portuguese ancestors. This allows you to claim nationality through jus sanguinis (right of blood), which means you have family ties to Portugal.

To apply, you must prove your direct lineage to a Portuguese parent or grandparent. This usually involves submitting official documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other Apostille-certified records.

Key points to know about citizenship by descent:

• Parents: If you have Portuguese parents, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship by birth. You must provide birth certificates and other relevant records.
• Grandparents: If your Portuguese grandparent retained their nationality, you may also qualify. To be eligible, you must have lived in Portugal for at least three years or be connected to the Portuguese community, including having basic Portuguese language skills.
• Dual citizenship: US citizens or those from other countries can hold dual citizenship, giving you a second passport while keeping your current nationality.

Obtaining Portuguese citizenship by descent is more than tracing your family tree; it’s about proving your legal link to Portugal through recognized ancestors. Following these steps ensures your application meets Portuguese nationality law requirements.

Portuguese citizenship through marriage or partnership

If you are married to a Portuguese citizen or in a de facto relationship for at least three years, you can obtain Portuguese citizenship through spousal eligibility.

To apply, you will need to provide key documents, including your marriage certificate or proof of a de facto relationship, and a copy of your spouse’s Portuguese citizen card.

Portuguese law does not require you to live in Portugal to qualify, and your citizenship will remain valid even if you separate or divorce in the future.

Portuguese citizenship by naturalization (after residence)

Foreign nationals holding legal residency in Portugal for at least five years can apply for citizenship through naturalization. Fortunately, the Portuguese government makes residency in Portugal quite accessible.

You can obtain legal residency through one of Portugal’s many visa programs, such as the Passive Income Visa (D7 Visa), Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa), or Golden Visa.

Portugal dual citizenship by investment

You cannot buy citizenship in Portugal through investment. But you can apply for residency-by-investment (RBI) via the Golden Visa Program. The Golden Visa offers residency, which you can use to qualify for citizenship in five years. You make qualifying investments, such as contributions to research and cultural projects, which start at €250,000.

You can find out more in our guide to Portugal citizenship by investment.

Portuguese citizenship by adoption

You can also obtain Portuguese citizenship through adoption. Portuguese citizens can adopt children between 0 and 18 years of age, which may lead to potential citizenship for the adoptive child.

Prospective parents provide their residency, marital status, identity, and financial stability to begin the adoption process. This process often takes up to 18 months and involves multiple interviews and assessments.

After successful adoption, the child automatically acquires Portuguese citizenship.

Eligibility criteria for Portuguese citizenship by adoption include:

• The adoptive parents must have legal residency in Portugal for at least five years.
• Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the Portuguese language and an understanding of Portuguese culture.
• Written consent from the biological parents or guardians is needed if the child is a minor.
• Prospective parents should show a genuine interest in Portuguese life.
• Valid identification, proof of adoption, and a court order for Portuguese citizenship are required.
• Applicants must undergo all required medical examinations and provide proof of vaccinations in accordance with regulations.

Portuguese citizenship under the Jewish Law of Return

You can obtain Portuguese citizenship if you descend from Sephardic Jews expelled from Portugal in the 15th century. Organic Law No. 1/2013, of July 29, allows the Portuguese government to grant nationality to these descendants.

The law recognizes the historical expulsion of Sephardic Jews in 1496 and opens the door for individuals with Sephardic ancestry to claim Portuguese citizenship. Since 2015, over 250,000 Sephardic descendants have applied, and more than 75,000 have been approved, according to Global Citizen Solutions.

In March 2024, the Portuguese government announced that it would amend the legislation governing Portuguese Sephardic citizenship applications.

In April 2024, the Portuguese government added a new requirement. Applicants must have legal residence in Portugal for at least three years, consecutive or interpolated, in addition to proving their link to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin.

For more information on the recent changes and timelines, check our article on Portuguese Nationality Law.

Citizenship through residence in Portuguese overseas territories

You can claim Portuguese citizenship if you live in, or descend from, one of Portugal’s former colonies:

• Angola
• Cabo Verde
• Portuguese India
• Guinea-Bissau
• East Timor
• Macao
• Mozambique
• São Tomé and Príncipe

To qualify, you will need to prove that you are either a descendant of a Portuguese national or part of a community that practices Portuguese traditions and values.

Who is eligible for Portugal dual citizenship by naturalization?

According to the Portuguese government, non-EU nationals must meet one of the following eligibility criteria.

Applicants can apply for dual citizenship if they:

• Were born in Portugal
• Have Portuguese parents or grandparents
• Have legally lived in Portugal for a minimum of five years
• Are married to a Portuguese national

The Portugal dual citizenship application costs €250, which you can pay by debit card in person or by cheque/postal order if applying by mail.

Portugal Dual Citizenship Requirements

The Portugal dual citizenship requirements include meeting residency rules, showing basic Portuguese language skills, and maintaining a clean criminal record.

• Residency requirements: For Portuguese citizenship by naturalization, you must legally live in Portugal for at least five years. You don’t need to stay full-time, but your residency status must remain valid. In most cases, you cannot be outside Portugal for more than six consecutive months, or eight months in total. Golden Visa holders need only seven days per year in Portugal.
• A2 Portuguese language requirements: You must show basic Portuguese skills, usually A2 level (CEFR). You can prove this by passing a CIPLE exam or taking a certified Portuguese language course. Some applicants may be exempt, such as those educated in Portuguese or with valid medical conditions.
• Clean criminal record: You must have no serious criminal convictions. This means no prison sentence of three years or more and no involvement in terrorism, human trafficking, or crimes against national security.

Visa Options for Moving to Portugal

For most foreigners, the first step toward citizenship starts with residency. Take a closer look at the most popular visa options for gaining residency in Portugal.

Portugal D7 Visa

The Portugal 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, real estate, transferable equity, 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.

Many Americans, UK citizens, and Brazilians in Portugal opt for the D7 Visa to retire easily in the country.

To be eligible for the Portugal D7 Visa, you must:

• Demonstrate a minimum monthly passive income of €920
• Provide proof of residence in Portugal
• Have a clean criminal record
• Spend at least six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa)

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, or D8 Visa, is a residency visa. It is for remote workers who want to reside in Portugal while continuing to work for companies and clients 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 (a temporary visa is up to one year, while a long-term visa grants a renewable residence permit for up to five years).

The main requirement of this visa is that applicants will need to demonstrate that they earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (at least €3,680 per month in 2026) and have at least €11,040 in savings (the minimum wage of €920 × 12 months of the year) to support themselves. This increases by 50 percent per parent or spouse, and 25 percent per child dependent.

Visa holders can work from various locations throughout the country, including co-working spaces, cafés, or the comfort of their homes.

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.

Portugal Golden Visa program

The Portugal Golden Visa Program is a five-year residency initiative for non-EU nationals who invest in the country. This program allows eligible investors and family members to live, work, and study in Portugal.

The minimum amount depends on the investment route you choose:

• €250,000 for arts or cultural heritage support
• €500,000 for scientific research
• €500,000 for venture capital or private equity funds
• Provide a minimum of 10 full-time jobs in Portugal

You will also need a clear criminal record, come from a non-EU/EEA country, and spend an average of at least seven days in Portugal per year.

Portugal D3 Visa

The Portugal D3 Visa is a priority settlement visa for highly qualified professionals. 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 offer 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. The permit is initially valid for two years.

Requirements for the D3 Visa include:

• A valid employment contract or self-employed contract valid for at least one year
• A clean criminal record
• Proof of adequate qualifications to carry out the highly skilled work
• Proof that the annual expected salary is at least 1.5 times the national annual average gross or three times the social support index

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 (not including 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.

Family Reunification Visa

The Family Reunification Visa (D6) is a residence permit for non-EU family members of Portuguese residents to live with them in Portugal.

With the Family Reunification Visa, any family member you sponsor will receive a valid residence permit for the same duration as yours. For example, if you have a two-year residency permit, your partner will get a residence permit for two years.

If you hold a permanent residence permit, the D6 Visa is valid for up to two years. You can renew or extend the permit as long as family ties continue.

Non-EU family members with the D6 Visa will have the same rights as Portuguese nationals in employment, healthcare, education, tax benefits, and social security. Just like all other visas, D6 Visa holders can also apply for Portuguese citizenship after living in Portugal for five years.

How to Get Portugal Dual Citizenship: Step-By-Step Application Process

Step 1: Pick your legal route

Decide how you qualify and which route fits your situation. For example, if you have a Portuguese parent or grandparent, you can apply by descent.

But if you choose any of the Portugal visas, then naturalization can be an efficient pathway.

Step 2: Gather core documents

The documents most applicants need are:

• Completed citizenship application form (in Portuguese)
• Valid passport or national ID (certified copy)
• Long-form birth certificate
• Criminal record certificates from Portugal and every country where you lived since age 16, apostilled and translated
• Proof of A2 level Portuguese (CIPLE certificate or equivalent) for most adult applicants
• Proof of connection to Portugal, if required (tax number, residence, work, property, family, or community ties)
• Receipt showing you paid the nationality application fee

Tip: If your documents are in a foreign language, you need a certified translator to translate them and the issuing authority or designated government office to have them apostilled.

Step 3: Add extra documents by route

A. By descent (parent or grandparent)

Include these in your core pack:

• Birth certificate of your Portuguese parent or grandparent
• Marriage certificates that link to every generation
• If you have a grandparent, provide proof of ties to Portugal, like membership in associations or property ownership

Where to file:

• Portuguese civil registry in Portugal
• Special nationality registry (Conservatória dos Registos Centrais)
• Portuguese consulate abroad

B. By naturalization (after residence)

After living in Portugal for five years with a residency permit, you can be eligible for citizenship.

You will need:

• Valid Portuguese residence permit card
• A certificate of legal residence from the AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo)
• Proof of residence ties: rental contracts, property deeds, utility bills, employment records, or tax statements

Where to file:

• The National Registry (Conservatória da Nacionalidade)
• Citizen Shop (Loja do Cidadão)
• Portuguese consulate or lawyer
• Online via the Portugal nationality portal

Step 4: Submit your application

You complete and sign your application often in front of a notary or consular officer.

Here, you attach the supporting documents and the fee receipt. You submit the application in person or via a representative at a civil registry, consulate, or embassy.

Tip: If something is missing, the authorities usually give you around 30 days to correct it. Mistakes are the main cause of delays.

Step 5: Wait for processing and get your passport

The processing time for Portuguese citizenship applications often takes six to 12 months from the date you submit the application. But every case is different, and the processing time depends on the volume of applicants.

Once you are approved, you are registered in the Portuguese civil registry, which means you are officially a Portuguese citizen.

You can apply for a Portuguese passport and Portuguese Citizen Card at a registry office or consulate. You can keep your original passport if your home country allows dual citizenship.

Tip: After getting your passport, update your bank accounts, the tax authorities, and other institutions with your new nationality.

Key Aspects of Portugal-USA Dual Citizenship

Both Portugal and the USA allow dual citizenship, so you can hold both nationalities at the same time.

For Americans: You can get Portuguese citizenship if you have a Portuguese parent or grandparent, have been married to a Portuguese citizen for at least three years, or have lived in Portugal for at least five years.

For Portuguese citizens: You can become a US citizen by first moving to the United States and obtaining a green card through employment, family sponsorship, or the Diversity Visa Lottery. Most applicants may also need to pass an English test to get US citizenship. After living in the US for five years with a green card, you can apply for naturalization. Marrying a US citizen can shorten the permanent residency timeline.

Taxes in the USA and Portugal: The US taxes worldwide income for all its citizens, no matter where they live. Portugal taxes global income only if you are a tax resident. Dual citizens may need to file in both countries, but the US-Portugal tax treaty helps prevent double taxation through credits or exemptions. To find out more about taxes for foreigners, check our guide to taxes in Portugal.

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.

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