Foreigners Legally Resident in Portugal

• Main criteria:

  • At least 5 consecutive years of legal residence (valid and renewed authorization).

  • Demonstrate integration into Portuguese society.

• Possible variations:

  • Continuous residence (no long periods outside Portugal).

  • Residents benefiting from special programs, such as the Golden Visa.

2. Minors (Children of Foreigners)

• Main criteria:

  • Foreign parents residing legally in Portugal for at least 5 years.

• Possible variations:

  • Children born in Portugal to legally residing parents (even if less than 5 years), if school attendance is proven.

  • Children of parents with subsidiary protection status or refugees.

3. Residents with Special Status

• Includes:

  • Refugees or individuals benefiting from humanitarian protection.

  • Individuals with special authorizations issued by SEF.

4. Stateless Individuals

• People without nationality recognized by any country, with legal residence in Portugal.

5. Citizens of CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries)

• Simplified benefits for nationals of countries such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, and East Timor.

• Possible facilities:

  • Exemption from certain documents, such as proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language.

  • Shorter residence periods to apply for nationality.

6. Individuals with Effective Ties to Portugal

• Main criteria:

  • Demonstrable cultural, economic, or social integration.

• Examples:

  • Long-term residence with contributions to Portuguese society.

  • Active participation in associations or community events.

Documents Required to Obtain Portuguese Nationality by Residence

Documents Required to Obtain Portuguese Nationality by Residence

• Application Form
  Available online or at the Civil Registry Offices.
  Must be filled out, signed, and accompanied by a declaration under oath.

• Birth Certificate of the Applicant
  Original and legalized/apostilled (if issued outside Portugal).
  Sworn translation if not in Portuguese.
  Must indicate parentage, place, and date of birth.

• Residence Title in Portugal
  Proof of legal residence issued by the Portuguese Immigration and Border Services (SEF).
  Valid residence card or history of residence permits (if there have been changes).

• Proof of Knowledge of the Portuguese Language
  One of the following:

  • CIPLE Certificate (Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign Language), level A2 or higher, issued by institutions recognized by CAPLE.

  • Certificate of completion and approval in basic, secondary, or higher education in Portugal.

  • Declaration of completion of a recognized course in CPLP countries where Portuguese is an official language.

• Criminal Record Certificates
  Issued by:

  • The applicant’s country of origin.

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

  • Portuguese criminal record certificate (obtained in Portugal at the Registry Office).
    Must be legalized/apostilled and translated when necessary.

• Proof of Financial Means
  IRS declaration or other proof of stable income, such as:

  • Employment contract or salary slips.

  • Declaration of self-employment activity.

  • Documents proving passive income (rent, investments, etc.).

• Proof of Effective Connection to the Portuguese Community
  Optional for residents of more than 5 years, but may be required in specific cases. Examples:

  • Declaration of participation in cultural or social activities in Portugal.

  • Proof of children enrolled in Portuguese schools.

  • Stable and proven residence in the country.

• Photocopy of Valid Identification Document
  Passport or foreign identity card.

• Payment of the Application Fee
  Proof of payment of the required fees, which may vary depending on the type of request (usually between €175 and €250).