Acquiring a passport from Portugal offers many advantages, including visa-free access to over 170 countries, unrestricted movement within the Schengen Area, and the freedom to reside, work, and study throughout the European Union. Portugal is known for welcoming foreign citizens, which aligns with the country’s national interest in growing the economy and enhancing diversity.
With a Portuguese electronic passport, the prospect of living in Portugal—an increasingly sought-after destination renowned for its picturesque Atlantic coast, abundant sunshine, and delectable cuisine—makes it a prime choice for expatriate families.
This article covers important information about applying for a Portuguese passport, such as;
- Portuguese passport benefits
- How to apply for Portuguese citizenship and citizen card
- Processing time and costs
Types of Portuguese EU Passports
Portugal issues several types of passports. Regardless of the type of passport holder, a valid identity document must always accompany each option. These official travel documents are designed for different purposes:
- Regular passport (Passaporte Eletrónico Português): This is the standard Portuguese electronic passport issued to citizens for international travel. It contains a microprocessor chip with personal data to enhance security.
- Temporary passport (Passaporte Temporário): This is issued in emergency situations where a regular passport cannot be issued promptly. It has a validity period of one year. If traveling via other countries, ensure that you check it will be accepted at the border.
- Diplomatic passport: This passport is issued to members of the Portuguese government, diplomats, and high-ranking officials and offers certain privileges and immunities.
- Passport for foreign citizens (Passaporte para Estrangeiros): This is issued to stateless individuals or those who cannot obtain a passport from their home country but legally reside in Portugal.
- Special passports – These are issued to individuals entitled to certain privileges due to their specific job or mission. This includes military personnel, lawmakers, and certain public administration officials.
Portuguese Passport Benefits
Live in the
EU
Quality schooling
Excellent quality of life
Employment opportunities
Low living
costs
Schengen privileges
The right to live, study and work in the EU
Portuguese citizens can legally live and work anywhere in the European Union.
Free access to quality schooling
Enjoy free education in some of the world’s best institutions and government-sponsored healthcare programs offering coverage across Europe.
Excellent quality of life
Portugal is a wonderful place to live, with a warm climate, a safe environment, and excellent Mediterranean cuisine.
Employment opportunities
Enjoy full- or part-time employment without the required additional work permit.
Low living costs
Portugal is relatively affordable compared to its European Union neighbors.
Schengen privileges
Portuguese and EU passport holders enjoy Schengen privileges, meaning they can travel freely across the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders.
This allows borderless travel within this zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This agreement simplifies traveling across European countries, reducing the need for multiple visas and easing cross-border business and tourism.
Portugal Passport Power
It’s important to note that the Portuguese passport bears significant power when traveling around the EU.
Portuguese passport holders and Portuguese citizens have visa-free access to countries worldwide. In Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index, Portugal ranks 31st. This makes it one of the most powerful passports in the world for mobility and quality of life, ranking 12th in the Enhanced Mobility Index and 13th in the Quality of Life Index.
In addition, it’s possible to travel from Portugal to 147 countries without a visa, 30 countries where a visa is granted on arrival, and 12 countries requiring an electronic visa.
Country Visa Condition
AlbaniaVisa free
AndorraVisa free
AngolaVisa free
AnguillaVisa free
Antigua and BarbudaVisa free
ArgentinaVisa free
ArmeniaVisa free
ArubaVisa free
AustriaVisa free
BahamasVisa free
BarbadosVisa free
BelarusVisa free
BelgiumVisa free
BelizeVisa free
BermudaVisa free
BoliviaVisa free
Bonaire, St. Eustatius and SabaVisa free
Bosnia and HerzegovinaVisa free
Botswana
BrazilVisa free
British Virgin IslandsVisa free
BruneiVisa free
BulgariaVisa free
Cape VerdeVisa free
Cayman IslandsVisa free
ChileVisa free
ColombiaVisa free
Cook IslandsVisa free
Costa RicaVisa free
CroatiaVisa free
CuracaoVisa free
CyprusVisa free
Czech RepublicVisa free
DenmarkVisa free
DominicaVisa free
Dominican RepublicVisa free
EcuadorVisa free
El SalvadorVisa free
EstoniaVisa free
EswatiniVisa free
Falkland IslandsVisa free
Faroe IslandsVisa free
FijiVisa free
FinlandVisa free
FranceVisa free
French GuianaVisa free
French PolynesiaVisa free
French West IndiesVisa free
GabonVisa free
GambiaVisa free
GeorgiaVisa free
GermanyVisa free
GibraltarVisa free
GreeceVisa free
GreenlandVisa free
GrenadaVisa free
GuatemalaVisa free
GuyanaVisa free
HaitiVisa free
HondurasVisa free
Hong KongVisa free
HungaryVisa free
IcelandVisa free
IrelandVisa free
IsraelVisa free
ItalyVisa free
JamaicaVisa free
JapanVisa free
KazakhstanVisa free
KiribatiVisa free
KosovoVisa free
KyrgyzstanVisa free
LatviaVisa free
LesothoVisa free
LiechtensteinVisa free
LithuaniaVisa free
LuxembourgVisa free
MacaoVisa free
MalaysiaVisa free
MaltaVisa free
Marshall IslandsVisa free
MauritiusVisa free
MayotteVisa free
MexicoVisa free
MicronesiaVisa free
MoldovaVisa free
MonacoVisa free
MongoliaVisa free
MontenegroVisa free
MontserratVisa free
MoroccoVisa free
MozambiqueVisa free
NamibiaVisa free
NetherlandsVisa free
New CaledoniaVisa free
NicaraguaVisa free
North MacedoniaVisa free
NorwayVisa free
PalauVisa free
Palestinian TerritoriesVisa free
PanamaVisa free
ParaguayVisa free
PeruVisa free
PhilippinesVisa free
PolandVisa free
ReunionVisa free
RomaniaVisa free
Saint Kitts and NevisVisa free
Saint LuciaVisa free
SamoaVisa free
San MarinoVisa free
Sao Tome and PrincipeVisa free
SenegalVisa free
SerbiaVisa free
SingaporeVisa free
SlovakiaVisa free
SloveniaVisa free
Solomon IslandsVisa free
South AfricaVisa free
SpainVisa free
St. HelenaVisa free
St. MaartenVisa free
St. Pierre and MiquelonVisa free
St. Vincent and the GrenadinesVisa free
SurinameVisa free
SwedenVisa free
SwitzerlandVisa free
TaiwanVisa free
TajikistanVisa free
ThailandVisa free
Timor-LesteVisa free
TongaVisa free
Trinidad and TobagoVisa free
TunisiaVisa free
TurkeyVisa free
Turks and Caicos IslandsVisa free
TuvaluVisa free
UkraineVisa free
United Arab EmiratesVisa free
United KingdomVisa free
UruguayVisa free
UzbekistanVisa free
VanuatuVisa free
Vatican CityVisa free
VenezuelaVisa free
Wallis and FutunaVisa free
ZambiaVisa free
BahrainVisa free
BangladeshVisa on arrival
Burkina FasoVisa on arrival
BurundiVisa on arrival
CambodiaVisa on arrival
ComorosVisa on arrival
EgyptVisa on arrival
Guinea-BissauVisa on arrival
IndonesiaVisa on arrival
IraqVisa on arrival
JordanVisa on arrival
KuwaitVisa on arrival
LaosVisa on arrival
LebanonVisa on arrival
MadagascarVisa on arrival
MalawiVisa on arrival
MaldivesVisa on arrival
MauritaniaVisa on arrival
NepalVisa on arrival
NiueVisa on arrival
OmanVisa on arrival
QatarVisa on arrival
RwandaVisa on arrival
Saudi ArabiaVisa on arrival
SeychellesVisa on arrival
Sierra LeoneVisa on arrival
SomaliaVisa on arrival
TanzaniaVisa on arrival
TogoVisa on arrival
ZimbabweVisa on arrival
American SamoaVisa on arrival
AustraliaeVisa
CanadaeVisa
GuameVisa
New ZealandeVisa
Norfolk IslandeVisa
Northern Mariana IslandseVisa
Puerto RicoeVisa
South KoreaeVisa
Sri LankaeVisa
United States of AmericaeVisa
US Virgin IslandseVisa
How to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship
The Portuguese government offers several pathways to getting a Portuguese passport.
First, you need to qualify for naturalization by being a legal resident of Portugal for at least five years. After obtaining Portuguese citizenship, you can apply for a Portuguese passport. The process typically takes a couple of months.
Obtaining Portuguese citizenship depends on your personal situation. There are also several application routes that descendants of Portuguese nationals or expats can take.
Non-EU citizens or those looking to acquire a valid passport for Portugal without lineage, a valid identification document, or similar can apply to join the European Union via any of these routes.
Passport through marriage
Marriage is a common way to obtain citizenship. You must be married to a Portuguese citizen or passport holder for at least three years or currently cohabit with them. You do not need to have resided previously in Portugal, although you must provide documents proving that you are a married couple and have a connection to the Portuguese community.
Any married couple that applies for and receives citizenship but later becomes legally separated is still entitled to keep their citizenship after separation.
You can request digital marriage certificates through the Civil Online website. For paper marriage certificates, you can apply at civil registry offices, Citizen Shops, or the IRN’s Registry Spaces.
Portuguese citizenship by descent
You must have a Portuguese parent or Portuguese grandparent to be eligible to become a Portuguese national by descent. To make a citizenship application via this route, you’ll need the document proving parental lineage such as an original birth certificate or a certified copy. You will also need the birth certificates of your parents or grandparents, and at least one of these ascendants must be listed in the Portuguese civil registry.
Portuguese citizenship by investment
If you want to invest in Portugal and get citizenship, the Portugal Golden Visa should be considered. This investment initiative grants qualifying investors passports, provided they contribute to the country’s economy and maintain the respective investment for at least five years.
Sephardic Jewish heritage
If you’re of Sephardic Jewish heritage, you’re also eligible to claim Portuguese citizenship and apply for a passport as part of the Portuguese Jewish community and of Sephardic Jewish descent. In 2024, parliament is discussing changes to this legislation that could impact the regulations for descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews.
Getting Portuguese Citizenship by Investment
To be eligible for Portuguese citizenship by investment, you first must apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa. The scheme allows foreign investors and their direct family members to acquire a temporary residence permit and apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years.
In order to qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, investors must make a significant investment in Portugal’s economy.
The investment options are:
- Job creation: Create at least 10 jobs in Portugal. This option doesn’t require a specific amount of investment but demands the creation and maintenance of jobs.
- Scientific research activities: Invest at least €500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions in Portugal.
- Arts, culture, and heritage: A minimum investment of €250,000 supporting the arts or the reconstruction or refurbishment of national heritage projects.
- Venture capital or investment funds: Invest at least €500,000 in venture capital funds or investment funds dedicated to the capitalization of companies.
Golden Visa holders must spend average of seven days per year in Portugal, guaranteeing a total of 14 days during the validity of each residence card (issued with a validity of two years).
Portugal citizenship through the Golden Visa is also only possible after the applicant maintains his investment in Portugal for five years.
Other requirements include:
- Obtaining a criminal record certificate proving you have been a legal resident in Portugal for at least five years.
- Presenting proof of sufficient knowledge of the language.
- Providing details of your Portuguese residency and your unique tax identification number (NIF) in Portugal.
After getting Portuguese citizenship, you’re eligible for your Portuguese electronic passport which can be used throughout the European Union (EU).
Take a look at our
Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide by local experts
Portuguese Passport Requirements
Required documents for Portuguese passport
When putting in your request for your electronic passport, you’ll need to present the following documents:
- Valid Portuguese identity document or citizen card (the Bilhete do Cidadão)
- Your original, valid passport with open visa pages inside
- Completed written application signed form
Portuguese passport language requirements
The requirements depend upon which path you take for Portuguese citizenship. If you’re a foreign citizen who wants to become a citizen of Portugal, you must have resided in Portugal for five years. However, this is reduced to three years for foreign citizens who have been married or have a certified agreement establishing a partnership with a Portuguese national for three years.
It’s important to note that not all applicants are required to take the Portuguese language test. If you are from a foreign national from a country that speaks Portuguese (Brazil, Mozambique, Angola), you are not required to take the test.
Requirements under Portuguese nationality law include the following:
- At least A2 level in the Portuguese language. You can prove your Portuguese language proficiency by taking a CIPLE language test.
- Clean health record
- Criminal record certified by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA); formerly known as SEF
- Paperwork that proves lawful residence in Portugal
- Completed application form
The government of Portugal developed a Portuguese language test, known as a CIPLE exam, in 2006 to test the candidates’ capacity to understand and apply common Portuguese phrases. If you’re already familiar with European languages, it’s not too tricky, but it might be difficult for native English speakers.
Portuguese Passport Processing Time
Once the required paperwork is submitted, your passport will be processed in approximately five business days. In urgent cases, and at the applicant’s request, the passport processing time can be fast-tracked to two working business days for an additional fee.
Where to apply for a Portuguese electronic passport
You can apply for your passport at any of these institutions:
- Insituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) offices
- Autonomous regional governments of the islands of Madeira and the Azores
- Passport kiosks at the airports in Lisbon and Porto
- A Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate in your area of residence if you aren’t in Portugal
Portugal Passport Costs
New passport costs
The passport application fee is just €65 if you’re applying for Portuguese citizenship in the Portuguese national territory. This cost does not include a citizen card if yours has expired.
If applying from outside of Portugal, you’ll need to produce documentation to the local authorities, such as:
- The applicant’s current passport
- Valid identification document
- Applicant’s personal contact details
Portuguese passport renewal
Your passport for Portugal is a renewable document and valid for five years. If your current passport is set to expire within the next six months, you can apply for its renewal.
The renewal cost is €100 and can be renewed within six months of expiration. An additional fee will be applicable in cases of early renewal, regardless of the reason (such as a stolen or lost passport).
You’ll need to produce the following documents:
- Cartão de Cidadão (citizen card)
- Your original valid passport (for renewal)
Once your passport reaches its expiration date, renewal isn’t an option. Instead, you must apply for a new passport and undergo the complete passport application process from scratch.
Dual Citizenship in Portugal
Portugal permits dual citizenship, meaning you can maintain your previous passport when securing one in Portugal.
To request your Portuguese electronic passport, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Lived lawfully in Portugal for five years
- Were born in Portugal
- Possess any document proving parental lineage
- Be married or have a de facto relationship with a Portuguese citizen
If you were born abroad, to maintain your previous passport, check with your country of origin laws to see if dual citizenship is permitted. If not, you may have to renounce your home passport to receive a Portuguese passport.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portuguese Passport
How can you get a passport in Portugal?
You can get your passport by marriage, descent, or investment. In some cases, you must show a connection to the Portuguese community.
How do I apply for a passport for Portugal online?
No, you cannot apply online. To get your passport, you’ll need to apply in person from the Passport Outlets at Lisbon Airport and Porto Airport, the registry offices (Conservatories and Citizen’s Stores), the Governments of the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira, and in Portuguese Consulates.
How much is the passport renewal fee for Portugal?
The passport renewal fee starts from €100, and there’s an additional charge if you get a new one because the previous one was lost or stolen.
Can I buy a Portuguese passport?
No, you can’t buy a passport for Portugal. You can obtain a passport in Portugal by making a qualifying investment in the nation through the Portugal Golden Visa program. You’ll then need to hold your investment for five years and fulfill all the requirements under Portuguese law.
What are the documents required to apply for Portuguese citizenship?
If you’re a resident of Portugal, you’ll need to have spent five years in the country. You can then apply for a permanent residence permit and go about obtaining Portuguese citizenship.
You will also need to present the following:
- Proof of at least A2 level in the Portuguese language
- Clean health record
- Criminal record certified by AIMA (formerly SEF)
- Portuguese residency evidence
What are the advantages of owning a passport from Portugal?
The Portuguese EU passport allows free travel across 174 countries and visa-free access to all 27 European Union countries.
As a valid passport holder, there are many advantages, including the right to enjoy full EU citizenship status in the country and travel, work, and live freely anywhere within the EU. You also have free access to excellent health care and public schooling in the country.
Portugal also allows dual citizenship, so you won’t have to relinquish your previous passport from your home country (as long as that country also allows dual citizenship).
How long does it take to obtain a passport from Portugal?
Passports are issued in Portugal and usually take five business days if all the required documents are correct. There is a fast-track option of two business days.
Consider this before planning your next trip so that you can be a valid passport holder for the European Union.
How do you renew a Portuguese passport?
The standard passport for Portugal is valid for five years. You can apply for a replacement passport if it is due to expire within six months.
Which countries can I travel to with a Portuguese passport?
If you get a Portuguese electronic passport, you have visa-free access to 189 countries. This includes being able to travel to Portugal for however long you want.
Once you obtain Portuguese citizenship and receive your passport, you have excellent mobility, including free movement across the EU and other Schengen countries. These passport benefits extend to Canada, the UK, and the USA, where there is easy mobility to these countries.
What is the Portugal passport processing time?
Passports are issued in Portugal and usually take five business days if all the documents required are correct. If needed, there is a fast track option of two business days.
How can you acquire Portuguese citizenship by marriage?
You can become a Portuguese citizen by having a Portuguese parent or grandparent, being married or in a non-marital relationship with a Portuguese citizen for more than three years, or having been living in Portugal for five years and gaining citizenship through naturalization.
Is it easy to get citizenship in Portugal?
Portugal is one of the easiest countries in the EU to acquire citizenship. You will need to have Portuguese parents or grandparents, be married or in a de-facto relationship with a Portuguese national for more than three years, or secure citizenship through naturalization.
Under the Portuguese Golden Visa program, you can acquire residency in the country. After five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law and maintain your investment during this period.
How long does it take to become a citizen of Portugal?
Becoming a citizen of Portugal through naturalization will take five years. For foreign citizens who are married to a Portuguese national or are in a non-martial relationship with a Portuguese national, then it will take three years to become a citizen of Portugal. The process to gain citizenship through descent will be significantly faster, provided you have the correct documentation.
How do you get Portuguese citizenship?
Through the Portuguese Golden Visa program, you can acquire residency in the country. After five years, you can then apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law and maintain your investment during this time period.
If you are looking to request Portuguese nationality and gain citizenship without having to make a significant investment in the country, options include the following:
- Having a Portuguese parent or grandparent
- Being married or in a non-marital relationship with a Portuguese citizen for more than three years
- Having been living in Portugal for five years and gaining citizenship through naturalization
How much does it cost to become a citizen of Portugal?
Through the Portugal Golden Visa residency by investment program, you can secure residency in the country. After a five-year period, provided you maintain your investment and fulfill all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law, you can apply for citizenship.
There are a range of investment options, with the minimum investment beginning at €200,000 (cultural Golden Visa if the project is located in a low-density area).
Can you have dual US citizenship with Portugal?
As Portugal and the USA both allow dual nationality, you can have both US and Portuguese citizenship.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship. Portuguese nationals can acquire another citizenship and won’t need to relinquish their passport, provided the other country allows dual citizenship. Similarly, someone acquiring Portuguese citizenship can keep their original citizenship.
What are the Portugal passport requirements for US citizens?
US citizens must become Portuguese citizens (by descent, naturalization, or marriage) and get their Portuguese Citizen Cards before requesting their passport.
As a foreign citizen, you may have to produce other paperwork, such as an identity document, previous passport, valid visa, a citizen card or ID card.
How do I request a Portuguese electronic passport?
Generally, all passports issued in Portugal since 2006 are electronic and include a contactless microchip.
They can be requested from the passport bureaus in Lisbon and Porto airports, the Governments of the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira, the IRN’s desks that provide this service, or at the Portuguese consulate of your residence area
Temporary travel documents are not considered a Portuguese electronic passport and are only issued in exceptional cases. It’s important to note that not all countries accept temporary or emergency travel documents.
Is a Portuguese passport better than a US passport?
Both Portuguese and US passports offer valuable travel privileges. While a passport for Portugal grants access to the EU and its associated benefits, a US passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide, including Canada, Japan, and Australia.
Is a citizen card the same as a passport?
No. A Portuguese citizen card is your valid identification document. Your passport is for travel and crossing borders. If you are an existing resident of Portugal, you’re required to have a valid identification document (card) before renewing your passport.
How to apply for a Portuguese passport from abroad?
If you are outside of Portugal, you can apply for your citizen card or Portuguese electronic passport at your local Portuguese Embassy or Consulate.
