Looking to establish permanent residency in Portugal? Achieving citizenship is a crucial step. In this post, we’ll delve into the process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship, offering comprehensive insights for your journey. Portugal stands out as a prime destination for immigrants, drawing many individuals seeking a new home. Among expatriates, securing Portuguese citizenship is highly sought-after, enabling individuals to reside permanently and access various benefits, including employment opportunities, healthcare, and education advantages. Let’s explore the intricacies of acquiring citizenship in Portugal in 2024.
How to get citizenship in Portugal
To obtain citizenship in Portugal, there are various pathways available:
1. Birthright or Parentage: If you were born in Portugal or have Portuguese parents, you are automatically eligible for Portuguese citizenship.
2. Residency: If you were born in Portugal but your parents are citizens of another country, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship after residing in the country for 2 years, provided you have completed your primary education in Portugal. Additionally, children born after their father’s residency permit is 2 years old can also apply for citizenship.
3. Long-term Residency: After legally residing in Portugal for between 5 and 6 years, you can apply for citizenship, provided you have reached at least an A2 level in Portuguese language proficiency and have no criminal record.
4. Marriage or Partnership: If you marry a Portuguese citizen or have been living together for 3 or more years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. Official marriage documents or proof of cohabitation registration are required.
5. Adoption: If you are adopted by a Portuguese citizen, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship after residing in the country for 3 years. Similarly, those who adopt a child in Portugal can also apply for citizenship after 3 years.
6. Long-term Illegal Residence: Individuals who have lived illegally in Portugal for 10 years after being born in the country can apply for citizenship if they wish.
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Another pathway to becoming a citizen of Portugal is by residing in the country for 5 years after marrying a citizen of any European Union country. Upon meeting this requirement, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. After submitting your application and ensuring all provided information is accurate, you will undergo the process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship, thus officially becoming a Portuguese citizen.
Furthermore, there are additional details to consider regarding the process of becoming a Portuguese citizen. Let’s explore these facts further. These are the primary pathways through which one can become a citizen of Portugal.
What does it take to get Portuguese citizenship?
To obtain Portuguese citizenship, several conditions must be fulfilled. Here’s what is required:
1. Residency: You must have legally resided in Portugal for more than 5 years and less than 6 years.
2. Criminal Record: You cannot have been sentenced for more than 2 years in your home country or in Portugal. A Police Clearance Certificate must be provided to demonstrate that you have no significant criminal record.
3. Documentation:
- Original Birth Certificate from Bangladesh.
- Original Police Clearance Certificate from Bangladesh.
- Portuguese language certificate, attesting to at least an A2 level proficiency.
- Police clearance certificate from Portugal.
If you possess the necessary information and documents mentioned above, you are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. Additionally, ensure that your Bangladeshi Birth Certificate and Police Clearance Certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Notary Public, Ministry of Law, are original.
To ensure the validity of your documents for obtaining Portuguese citizenship, the following steps are necessary:
1. Verification: Your documents must be verified for authenticity.
2. Attestation: Once verified, the same documents should be attested by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
3. Consular Attestation: After attestation by the Bangladesh High Commission, the documents need to be attested by the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in New Delhi.
4. Translation: Subsequently, these attested documents should be translated into Portuguese.
5. Notarization: The translated documents must then be notarized in Portugal.
After completing these steps and ensuring that all information is accurate, you can proceed to apply for Portuguese citizenship. Upon successful review of your application, you will be granted Portuguese citizenship and officially become a Portuguese citizen.
Ways to be legal in Portugal
To reside legally in Portugal, obtaining a Portuguese visa is imperative. If you intend to live and work in Portugal, securing a Portugal visa is necessary. However, for permanent residency in Portugal, acquiring Portuguese citizenship is essential. The pathways outlined in the “Ways to Get Citizenship in Portugal 2024” can guide you through this process.
Living in Portugal without legal permission carries significant risks, including fines and potential imprisonment. Hence, holding a valid visa is crucial for staying within the bounds of the law. With a valid visa, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship in accordance with the aforementioned regulations. Upon application, the approval process for citizenship can take up to one year.
How long does it take to get citizenship in Portugal?
When visiting Portugal, whether on a work permit visa or a student visa, individuals obtain temporary residency. However, to attain permanent citizenship, one must reside in Portugal for over 5 years but less than 6 years. Additionally, proficiency in Portuguese and a clean legal record are prerequisites for applying for citizenship in Portugal. Citizenship applications are typically processed within 6 months to 1 year.
When applying for Portuguese citizenship, applicants must provide a police clearance certificate. Bangladeshi applicants must submit Police Clearance Certificates from both Bangladesh and Portugal, while applicants from other countries must provide a Police Clearance Certificate from Portugal. These documents, along with others mentioned earlier, must be attested for authentication.
