Foreigners Residing in Portugal
Main Criteria:

• Legal residence in Portugal for at least 5 consecutive years.

• Sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language (level A2 or higher).

1. Minors
   Main Criteria:

   • Children of foreigners residing in Portugal who attend Portuguese schools.

   • Minors born in Portugal, even without legal residence of the parents, as long as they prove school attendance.

2. Stateless Persons
   Individuals without nationality recognized by any country who reside legally in Portugal.

3. Refugees or Beneficiaries of International Protection
   Individuals with refugee status recognized by the Portuguese State or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.

4. Individuals with Effective Links to Portugal
   Relevant social, cultural, or economic connections to Portugal. Examples:

   • Participation in community activities.

   • Employment or business in Portugal.

5. Descendants of Portuguese without Direct Nationality Rights
   People who do not qualify as children or grandchildren but have Portuguese ancestry and a significant connection to the country.

6. CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) Nationals
   Beneficiaries of simplified criteria due to multilateral agreements.

7. For Merit or Significant Services to Portugal
   Granted to individuals who have provided significant services to the State or have international recognition in areas such as science, culture, or sports.

Documents required to obtain Portuguese nationality by naturalization

• Application Form

  • Form filled out and signed, available at the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN) or at the Civil Registry Offices.

  Applicant's Birth Certificate

  • Original and legalized/apostilled (if issued outside Portugal).

  • Sworn translation, if not in Portuguese.

  Residence Title in Portugal

  • Proof of legal residence issued by the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

  • Can include temporary or permanent residence authorizations.

  Criminal Record Certificate

  • Issued by:

    • Country of origin.

    • All countries where the applicant has lived after the age of 16.

    • Portuguese authorities (Judicial Police).

  • Must be legalized/apostilled and translated when necessary.

  Proof of Knowledge of the Portuguese Language

  • Portuguese proficiency certificate (CIPLE, level A2 or higher).

  • Alternatives:

    • Diploma of basic, secondary, or higher education in Portugal.

    • Equivalent document from Portuguese-speaking countries.

  Proof of Effective Connection to the Portuguese Community (if required)

  • Declarations or documents proving integration into society, such as:

    • Participation in cultural associations.

    • Continuous residence in Portugal.

    • Social or professional relationships with Portuguese citizens.

  Proof of Financial Means

  • Income declaration (IRS), employment contract, or other document showing financial capability.

  Photocopy of Valid Identification Document

  • Passport or other identity document.

  Proof of Payment of the Fee

  • Receipt or proof of payment, usually between €175 and €250.