How to obtain Portuguese citizenship as a Russian citizen in 2021

Design options

Portugal is home to about 140 nationalities from all over the world. The destination has earned a positive image due to the absence of criminal factors and the possibility of a long stay in the following countries:

  1. For Russians, the procedure is simplified by the fact that when their relatives are in the country, a simplified scheme for obtaining citizenship is offered to them.
  2. Special conditions have also been created for Jews; they can obtain a local passport in a simplified manner if they were expelled from the country due to the political situation 500 years ago. In this case, the principle of fairness applies.

Registration process

The procedure itself for obtaining Portuguese resident status currently implies the need to collect the required documents, as well as submit an application according to the established form.

In the case when a person registers according to the general procedure, he will need to live in the country for 6 years in order to then receive a passport.

If a person has grounds for acquiring citizenship through a simplified procedure, then the period will be noticeably reduced. It is important to remember that the total period for consideration of an application under the simplified procedure will be no more than 3 months, and under the general procedure no more than 1 year.

Buying a property

Purchasing an apartment or villa is one of the ways to obtain Portuguese citizenship. The initial registration of real estate gives the right to a residence permit for 1 year. After this, you can apply for citizenship.

The following requirements apply to the property:

RegionShould not be densely populated, which is conducive to the development of areas
PriceFrom 400 thousand euros, such a contribution to the country’s economy will provide an opportunity to establish connections with Portugal without restrictions
Year of constructionNo more than 30 years old, property that is not old or dilapidated is accepted
PurposeFor residence, commercial or industrial activities

How to get a residence permit in Portugal?

Many guests are so enchanted by this place that they want to stay here forever. They are faced with the question of obtaining a residence permit in Portugal. Why they love Portugal Our fellow citizens planning to move to this country usually explain their desire with the following reasons:

  • excellent living conditions - sun, sea, clean beaches;
  • relatively affordable real estate prices;
  • moderate requirements for new residents compared to many other EU countries;
  • agreements with the Russian Federation and many other countries on the prevention of double taxation;
  • membership in the EU - the opportunity to freely travel throughout the Schengen countries without wasting time on obtaining visas; a completely stable economic situation;
  • relatively low prices for food and everyday goods; safety, low crime rate.

When do you need a residence permit in Portugal?

A residence permit is required if a visitor to the country seriously intends to live here for at least several months a year. The first residence permit can be obtained 4 months after entry with a visa. Its validity period is one year, then 2 extensions for 2 years are possible.

After 5 years, the resident can apply for permanent residence status, and a year later - for Portuguese citizenship. In order to maintain and extend the one-year residence permit, the resident must not leave the country for more than 6 months in a row. Several long-term departures per year are acceptable, but they cannot last more than 8 months in total.

The holder of a two-year residence permit is required to reside in the country for at least 8 months a year. If these rules are violated, the residence permit will be revoked.

For Golden Residence Permit holders (this visa is issued to businessmen and investors) this restriction does not apply; A 7-day stay is sufficient for a one-year residence permit and a 14-day stay for a two-year residence permit.

Obtaining a residence permit in PortugalFor entry and long-term stay in Portugal, a guest needs a Residence Visa or resident visa. The validity period of this document is 4 - 6 months, and if the migrant intends to stay in the country for a longer period, he needs to apply for a residence permit during this period.

A visa is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit, but it does not guarantee success. By applying for a new document, the migrant confirms that he is fulfilling the purposes for which he entered the country. It is these goals that determine the type of immigrant visa.

For those entering Portugal for a few months, the following options are available:

  1. work visa;
  2. independent worker or entrepreneur visa;
  3. student visa;
  4. visa for scientific activity, teaching, employment in highly qualified specializations;
  5. visa of a missionary or member of a religious organization.

The document must be obtained in your own country; applying for a resident visa after entering Portugal on a tourist visa from another Schengen state is fraught with trouble.

In addition to the passport and application, confirmation of intentions (for example, an employment contract or a certificate from a university), financial solvency, and availability of housing is required. The residence permit is issued by the Department of Immigration and Border Control (SEF). Unlike processing a visa application, which takes up to several weeks or even months, the procedure for a residence permit takes 7 to 14 days.

To obtain it, the following documents are required:

  • a valid, non-expiring passport;
  • 2 color photographs;
  • a document confirming the existence of compelling reasons for long-term residence in the country (for example, a copy of a contract with an employer, a marriage certificate, a certificate of enrollment in a university, a company registration certificate, etc.);
  • confirmation of sufficient funds; documents confirming the presence of a permanent place of residence - purchased or rented real estate;
  • certificate of no criminal record;
  • additional documents upon request - the department may request registration from social security authorities, health insurance, papers from the tax office, etc.;
  • application for a residence permit.

Types of residence permits in Portugal

Residence permit for the purpose of training

A student admitted to a Portuguese university provides a certificate of enrollment and a document confirming the availability of sufficient funds to pay for study and living expenses. This can be your own money in the account, as well as scholarships and grants.

The minimum cost of training corresponds to 1.3 times the minimum wage; a year at a university costs, on average, 900 - 1300 euros.

Residence permit for the purpose of employment

To obtain such a residence permit, employment in a Portuguese company is necessary, and the vacancy must be confirmed by the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training.

The migrant also needs to obtain a work permit (initially issued for six months with the right to extend), a tax code and a social security number. It is important to note that the unemployment rate in Portugal is quite high - more than 8%; among some population groups - over 25%.

At the same time, the visitor will have to compete with local citizens and representatives of other EU countries.

The best prospects are for foreigners conducting research at government institutions, as well as highly qualified workers and Blue Card EU holders.

Residence permit for the purpose of doing business

To open a business in Portugal, an entrepreneur must register the name of the company and receive a temporary identification card. Next, the notary registers the Deed of Incorporation of the company.

Within 3 months after the identification card is issued, you must notify the tax office about the start of the enterprise's activities. Also within a month it is required to obtain accident insurance and register with the Portuguese Ministry of Economy or the Directorate General of Enterprises (DGE)

Residence permit for the purpose of family reunification

The concept of family in this case is interpreted narrowly. Spouses and minor children of a Portuguese resident can apply for a residence permit; as well as adult children, parents over 65 years of age, brothers and sisters if they are his dependents.

For a positive decision, it is necessary to confirm the availability of sufficient funds and living space for all family members.

“Golden Visa” - Residence Permit for Investment

This option is for the wealthiest guests of Portugal. The advantage of such a residence permit is absolutely minimal requirements for time of residence in the country (from 7 days in the first year, from 14 for a two-year extension).

The amount of investment is from 250 thousand euros (for investments in the development of the arts sector). 350 thousand euros is the minimum amount for investing in the field of science, 500 thousand - for purchasing shares of local funds. There are no restrictions for investments over 1 million euros.

Another option for obtaining a residence permit is the purchase of real estate for an amount of 350 thousand euros (subject to a number of conditions). If the object costs 500 thousand euros or more, there are no restrictions

The AAAA ADVISER company will help you become a participant in investment projects in countries that are interested in the entry of financially independent persons. AAAA ADVISER is a licensed agent of official citizenship programs based on migrant investment. With us you will receive help and expert advice on all issues of obtaining a residence permit or Citizenship by Investment.

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Investments

When investing capital in the state's economy, it is possible to obtain a Portuguese passport subject to the following conditions:

  • volume from 280 thousand euros;
  • part of these funds should be used to create jobs - at least 10;
  • the possibility of organizing a business, production;
  • the money can be directed to the development of another enterprise, it is not necessary to organize your own business, it is also necessary to comply with the condition of organizing at least 10 places for employees.

If these requirements are met, a passport will be issued valid for 1 year. For investors from abroad, a “golden visa” is issued, which the investor can use for an unlimited time. It gives the same rights as all Portuguese citizens, with the exception of the ability to vote. The document has limitations:

  • It is not allowed to use loans for investments;
  • the company can be closed only after 5 years;
  • Every year you need to stay in the country for at least 7 days.

Portugal Golden Visa

Successful applicants are initially granted a temporary residence permit in Portugal for one year, which can be renewed twice for two years, subject to meeting the minimum period of residence requirement. All applicants must spend at least 7 days in Portugal during the first year.

Investment options

Currently, the Portuguese residence permit program offers investors three investment options to choose from.

Real Estate Investments

Applicants must invest in one of the following options to choose from:

  • Purchase of real estate with a minimum value of €500,000. It must be owned for at least 5 years.
  • Purchase of real estate for major renovation with a minimum cost of €350,000. Such real estate must be built more than 30 years ago or be located in areas under reconstruction.

Investments

Investors are offered several investment options to choose from.

  • Purchase of shares and interests in Portuguese companies – minimum €1,000,000.
  • Investment in research and development activities – minimum €350,000.
  • Investments in the restoration and preservation of national cultural heritage, as well as the support of talent - a minimum of €250,000.
  • Acquisition of shares in investment funds and venture capitals for the capitalization of small and medium-sized companies - minimum €350,000.
  • Investment in a new or existing Portuguese company with the creation of 5 permanent jobs for a period of at least three years - minimum €350,000.

Job creation

The main applicant must provide evidence of the creation of at least 10 jobs as a result of its activities.

Requirements and conditions

  • The main applicant must not be under 18 years of age.
  • Dependents can be spouses, minor children, financially dependent children and parents.
  • All applicants have a clean criminal and immigration history.
  • Good health and health insurance for all applicants.
  • Availability of housing.
  • Confirmation of availability of funds for investment.
  • The source of funds must be outside Portugal.
  • Investments cannot be withdrawn earlier than 5 years after investment.
  • Personal presence in Portugal for all applicants.
  • Residence permit or Schengen visa for citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.

other methods

Other grounds for issuing a Portuguese passport can be considered:

NaturalizationAllowed when crossing the state border of Portugal as a tourist. A residence permit is issued within 90 days; you must live in this status for 1 year. The applicant must be 18 years of age at the time of application. Obtaining a local passport is possible after 6 years with permanent residence in the country. 5 years of which are in residence permit, the rest of the time - permanent residence. It is necessary to have a permanent income based on an official employment contract.
BirthIt is possible to obtain documents by blood law if the mother or father has citizenship of the country. Children apply for citizenship at the Portuguese embassy if they have a passport from at least one of their parents.
OriginWhen living in the country of relatives up to the 2nd generation, if they have Portuguese passports and they have been in the state in the status of a residence permit or permanent residence for at least 10 years. The child of such citizens can obtain a local identity card.
AdoptionWhen the court makes a decision on the adoption of a child with foreign citizenship. Citizenship is also issued to a child if he is in the country and his parents could not be found.

Portugal passport


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The passport of sunny Portugal not only guarantees the right to live in a stable and prosperous state, but also secures for its holder the status of an EU citizen, expanding his opportunities far beyond the borders of one country. Portugal has been a respected member of the European Union since 1986, and since then its passport has automatically become three times more desirable for potential immigrants.

The current legislation, which regulates issues of acquiring citizenship, provides several options that allow a foreigner to obtain a Portuguese passport . According to generally accepted practice, the two most reliable among them are citizenship through investment in the economy, or naturalization, which involves 5 years of stay in the country before applying for citizenship status. You can read more about naturalization in Portugal in the article Portuguese citizenship.

Naturalization in Portugal

According to current legislation, a foreigner has the right to acquire Portuguese citizenship through naturalization. In order to apply for this, you must first have documentary evidence of legal residence in the country for the last six years.

Advantages of a Portuguese passport
  • Visa-free entry to more than 170 countries
  • The right to live and legally find prestigious work in developed EU countries
  • Loyal tax legislation for business
  • Affordable education and quality medical services for you and your family members.
What does a Portuguese passport look like?

According to the EU standard, the passport of Portugal, as a member state of the European Union, has a maroon cover with a gold coat of arms of the state located to the left of golden lines consisting of the full official name of the state (“PORTUGAL”) and the words “UNIAO EUROPEIA”.

A biometric passport for a Portuguese citizen is required if the holder intends to leave the European Union. To travel within its borders, it is enough to have a personal ID card with you.

Almost any adult foreigner has the right to obtain Portuguese citizenship, but not everyone meets the requirements imposed by immigration law. 1 million euros to invest in the economy versus five years of stay in the country - both options seem almost unrealistic. Fortunately, immigration options are not limited to them. Those who intend to become EU citizens in a shorter period of time are trying to obtain a passport in a more loyal state and for now, their eyes are most often turning towards Romania. You can obtain a Romanian passport much faster than in most other European countries, while its holder retains the right to move to any country at his discretion.

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Registration procedure

Obtaining Portuguese citizenship is carried out in several stages:

Entry into the countryThe grounds include a work or tourist visa. Then a residence permit is issued for a period of 1 year.
Registration of permanent residenceValidity period: 5 years. To obtain it, you must meet the following conditions: passing a language test, confirmation of no criminal record, providing a certificate of ownership of real estate in Portugal, rental property, employment contract and official income in the country - financial solvency.
StatementThe applicant draws up a petition and submits it to the Portuguese Ministry of Justice in the area where he is located in the country.

Citizenship by Investment

Investments in the country's economy are not a reason for issuing a Portuguese passport. No matter how much money a foreigner contributes, he has the right to obtain citizenship only on a general basis - after living in the Atlantic state for 6 years. Any investment (in real estate, land, job creation, etc.) only allows you to obtain a residence permit.

Property taxes in the country

Portuguese citizenship gives foreigners who receive it all the rights of native residents, with the exception of voting rights. The republic's passport not only erases the borders within Schengen, but also opens visa-free entry into many countries of the world. In addition, Portuguese citizenship provides the opportunity to live and work in EU countries.

Documentation

An applicant for Portuguese citizenship must provide official documents:

StatementCompiled and filled in according to the sample
international passportDesigned in Russia in copy and original
4 photosLike a passport size 3 x 4
Residence permitResidence permit or permanent residence
Income proofAny legal document - an employment contract, a certificate from the employer about the amounts received
Availability of depositsBank account statements to obtain a guarantee of financing for residence in the country
TaxesCertificate from the tax service confirming payment of mandatory fees
Ministry of Internal AffairsConfirmation of a citizen's status as law-abiding
ConclusionMedical confirmation that the citizen does not have HIV or tuberculosis.
CertificateAbout knowledge of the Portuguese language
MarriageCertificate of an official family union or confirmation of joint residence and common household management, expenses
HousingLong-term lease or ownership agreement

Expert opinion

When applying for a Portuguese passport, the applicant is asked not only for the reasons for issuing a local identity card, but also for the possibility of renouncing citizenship of the country of origin from which the person comes. With Russia, Portugal is allowed to have dual citizenship, so the moment of refusal is allowed, but not mandatory. When requesting documentation from outside the EU, they must be legally certified.

Reshetnikov N.G., lawyer on migration issues

Portuguese citizenship by investment: possible or not?

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In my practice, I have repeatedly heard the question from clients: “Is there an official program for Portuguese citizenship by investment?” I will say right away that there is no such program. But there is a program called the “Golden Visa” of Portugal (otherwise known as residence permit for investment), which allows foreigners to get closer to EU citizenship. I will tell you in detail how to take part in the residence permit program, because after a five-year period you will be able to apply and receive a passport, which gives almost all the rights available to citizens of the European Union.

Living conditions in Portugal

First, let’s figure out what a legal move to Portugal with a residence permit gives to immigrants from Russia and other CIS countries. First, this will provide an opportunity to become a tax resident of this state (while qualifying for a ten-year tax holiday under the NHR program). Secondly, it will provide benefits for business activities and give freedom of movement within the Schengen area.

As I already mentioned, Portuguese citizenship can only be obtained after 5 years of owning a residence permit card, in other words, through naturalization. Please note that to obtain citizenship, knowledge of the Portuguese language is mandatory - you will need to pass an exam.

Pros and cons of a residence permit in Portugal:

  • The advantages are undeniable: the opportunity to take advantage of tax holidays, European business conditions, unhindered opening of a bank account, access to European education for children and medical services for the whole family. In addition, this is an opportunity to live in a stable country with a developed economy, a low crime rate and an excellent warm climate.
  • Disadvantages: there are certain requirements for applicants, in particular the absence of criminal records, sanctions, restrictions or bans on entry into the EU, for example due to inclusion in the SIS “black list”, and others.

The standard of living in Portugal is truly European, and the prices for accommodation will please expats. Compared to many European cities, you can live quite comfortably in Portugal with a monthly income ranging from EUR 2,000 for a family of two. According to statistics, the average income of one household per year in the country is about EUR 18,000.

Portugal is the most popular retirement destination for most Europeans.

Housing in Lisbon and other large cities is more expensive than in smaller cities. Due to the warm climate, utilities do not require particularly large expenses. In addition, almost the entire country is covered by WiFi. The cost of food and public transport is one of the lowest in Europe.

How to obtain Portuguese citizenship?

I propose to go through all the possible options that lead to obtaining citizenship in Portugal:

  • By right of birth, but subject to a number of conditions. In order for a person born to a foreign family in Portugal to receive citizenship status, it is necessary that his parents have lived in the country for at least 10 years and have a residence permit. However, with a child born into a family where one of the parents is Portuguese, it is a little different. He receives citizenship automatically.
  • Through marriage, but the conditions for obtaining citizenship here are strictly controlled to exclude fictitiousness. Thus, spouses must live together for some time on the territory of the state (at least three years) and the current requirement for foreigners is knowledge of the Portuguese language.
  • By naturalization, but for this you must live legally in the territory for at least five years. This process is quite complicated: you will need to obtain a residence permit, which will have to be renewed every year and you will have to live in the country for at least six months.
  • By investing under the Green Visa program, which provides for an investment of EUR 500,000 in the following sectors: agriculture, renewable energy generation, ecotourism, etc.
  • With the help of the Golden Visa program, this is the most popular way among CIS residents to obtain a residence permit, and then a second citizenship (not to be confused with dual citizenship).

The Portuguese government launched the opportunity to obtain residency by investment in 2012. This was caused not only by significant emigration of the local population, but also by the consequences of the economic crisis, from which the state could not recover. A law was passed especially for investors, according to which, when purchasing real estate, citizens of another country were provided with excellent migration opportunities.

According to official SEF data for February 2021, more than 7 thousand investors from all over the world received a “Golden Visa”; to this figure it is worth adding another 12 thousand additional family members (dependents), who, along with the investor, received a residence permit.

Portugal: how to move for permanent residence

Business immigration to Portugal is a multi-stage operation, including the purchase of real estate, and then collecting a package of documents and submitting it to obtain a residence permit. To qualify for residency, and subsequently citizenship, the investor must meet the requirements and fulfill a number of conditions.

Requirements for investors:

  • Reaching the age of majority and meeting the age limits of the relatives specified in the collective application.
  • If children aged 18 to 26 years are included in a collective application, you will need to confirm that they are not financially independent persons. To do this, you can provide evidence that they are continuing their studies at the university.
  • Legal presence in the country and compliance with the established investment period.
  • The source of investment must be legal and officially confirmed.
  • Health insurance must be valid for Western European countries.
  • To renew a residence permit, it will be necessary for the investor himself and the relatives indicated in his family collective application to confirm the period of residence in Portugal in the first year for seven days or more, and in subsequent years - from 14 days in two years.
  • Compliance with the investment program must be confirmed - the acquisition of real estate is documented and not lower than the permissible value, which must be held for at least 5 years.

How much does a residence permit in Portugal cost?

The Portugal Golden Visa offers many options for investors:

  • Transfer of capital in the amount of at least EUR 1,000,000 in favor of your business. To do this, a private entrepreneur is registered or an LTD is established individually.
  • Creation of at least 10 jobs (8 in sparsely populated regions), which includes the investor obtaining a social security certificate and concluding individual employment contracts. The amount of investment can be calculated, because it is known that in 2019 the minimum annual salary is EUR 7,798.
  • Registration of real estate in your name for an amount of at least EUR 500,000.
  • Acquisition of real estate older than 30 years with subsequent reconstruction or provided that it is located in the territory of urban restoration, for an amount of at least EUR 350,000. The fact of acquisition of such “preferential” real estate must be confirmed.
  • Investments of EUR 350,000 or more in research activities carried out by public or private institutions belonging to the Portuguese technological or scientific system.
  • Investments of EUR 250,000 or more in artistic works or investments aimed at supporting the arts, conservation and restoration of national heritage.
  • Purchase of shares in investment funds for an amount of at least EUR 500,000.

Learn about the steps to obtain a residence permit in Portugal. To do this, watch the video:

The most popular way to leave the Russian Federation or another non-EU country in order to obtain a residence permit in Portugal is to purchase personal or commercial real estate in the amount of EUR 500,000 or more. This can be one expensive acquisition, a group of real estate properties, or participation in equity investment.

The main advantage is that this asset can later be sold. In addition, of all types of real estate abroad, Portuguese is one of the most profitable. This is due to the improving economic situation in the country and rising living standards, which leads to higher prices for residential and commercial properties.

To collect a package of documents, submit an application to the committee, go through the verification procedure, and also purchase income-producing real estate, you will need expert advice. You can do it on your own, but keep in mind that collecting documents always takes a considerable amount of time and patience, thus delaying the deadline for filing an application. The sooner a residence permit in the country is issued, the sooner the five-year countdown begins. A Portuguese residence permit is the first step towards becoming an EU citizen.

Information provided by Christina Ruzhilo - immigration expert, managing partner, member of the Investment Migration Council.

Price and term

There is a fee of 450 euros for the passport issuance service. Funds are deposited at the Migration Department. There is no fee for persons with refugee status and their families.

The time required to review documents ranges from several months to one year. The issuance of a Portuguese passport is carried out during the recitation of the anthem and the text of the oath in the City Council in a solemn atmosphere.

Important: According to Portuguese law, passing a language exam is mandatory for admission to citizenship. This requirement is justified by the need for integration into the social life of the country. There is no requirement to apply for a certificate for refugees and their families, as well as foreigners who receive citizenship due to special service to the fatherland. Candidates are asked to comment on several provisions of the Portuguese Constitution, answer questions, and read the national anthem. After this, a state-issued certificate is issued by the Migration Department.

List of required documents

The application submitted to the Service for Foreigners and Borders is accompanied by a package of supporting documents:

  • Russian Federation international passport and a copy of all pages;
  • original and copy of Russian passport;
  • 4 photographs of the required format;
  • residence permit and photocopy;
  • a salary certificate from the place of work and a receipt for the last salary payment;
  • certificate of absence of offenses in Portugal;
  • a certificate of no criminal record in the Russian Federation (not older than 3 months);
  • tax return for the previous year;
  • medical certificate;
  • confirmation of language knowledge (certificate of completion of training and passing the exam);
  • certificate from place of residence
  • Russian military ID (if available).

Documents not written in Portuguese must be translated, notarized and accompanied by an apostille. Due to the possibility of dual citizenship, the application must indicate the number of valid passports in the future. A standard application form is available on the official website of the Service. There you will also find the most up-to-date information on how to obtain citizenship in Portugal.

Portuguese citizenship for Russians can be obtained at the consular section of the embassy.

Exams

The traditional language proficiency and integration exam consists of three parts. First, you need to talk with the examiner; they may ask you for the national anthem, the top officials of the state. Afterwards you need to take a test of 10 questions and write an essay.

If you pass the exam successfully, you will receive a certificate of passing the exam.

Processing time and cost

The state fee for obtaining citizenship is 450 euros. It is not paid by refugees and people receiving citizenship for services to the country. To obtain refugee status, you will have to confirm persecution in your homeland. The decision to issue a Portuguese passport is made within two weeks to a year from the date of acceptance of the application.

The official passport presentation ceremony is notified in advance. Obtaining Portuguese citizenship takes place in the local administration building. The applicant must swear allegiance to the country.

In what cases can they refuse?

Portuguese citizenship will be denied if:

  • the candidate intentionally provided incorrect information;
  • the applicant has participated in terrorist organizations, is being prosecuted for criminal acts, or has violated the laws of the country;
  • the applicant is an employee of the intelligence services or military personnel of other states;
  • Portuguese or European immigration laws have been violated.

The refusal letter always indicates the reason. If the decision can be influenced (for example, by providing missing documents), then you are allowed to apply for citizenship a second time.

If the candidate considers the reason to be illegal, then the decision can be challenged in court. An appeal must be filed within 2 months from the date of receipt of the refusal.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of Portuguese citizenship are:

  • EU passport, which exists on a par with national citizenship and provides additional privileges for citizens;
  • free movement within European countries. The ability to choose a country to live, work and study without having to fill out documents and confirm your status;
  • stable social system. European legislation aims to protect and support citizens;
  • relatively low taxes;
  • low level of bureaucracy.

Among the disadvantages, one can note the high level of unemployment; migration on a work visa is unlikely. Vacations in Portugal are much shorter than in Russia. The fines for any offense are very high.

Obtaining a passport from this country is a lengthy process, but the government rarely rejects applicants who meet all the conditions.

Despite the disadvantages of living in Portugal, they are loyal to foreigners who want to move to a calm, stable country.

Pros of obtaining Portuguese citizenship

There are plenty of advantages for those living in Portugal. Among the advantages of obtaining citizenship are:

  • a calm and measured lifestyle, suitable for those who are tired of noisy, large cities;
  • the ability to travel around 170 countries without a visa;
  • standard of living, social security;
  • the opportunity to defend your rights in any European representation;
  • low level of bureaucracy;
  • relatively loyal tax system.

Some cons:

  • high unemployment;
  • short holidays;
  • high fines for any type of offense.

Portuguese citizenship, like a passport of any European country, gives all the privileges. The country is considered stable and calm, and refusals for those wishing to move for permanent residence are relatively rare.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. It is not correct to submit an application for Portuguese citizenship immediately after entering the country. To do this, you first need to confirm your connection with the country - residence for at least 5 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit - residence permit or permanent residence.

Error 2 . It is not allowed to claim Portuguese citizenship if the applicant’s relatives live in the country - citizens of the country or a person with original Portuguese origin who is not naturalized. First you need to live in temporary status and confirm your connection with the country.

Question answer

Question 1. When can I obtain Portuguese citizenship if I have been living in the country for about a year? – To obtain citizenship, you must reside in the country for at least 5 years.

Question 2. I gave birth to a child in Portugal. My husband and I are on a residence permit, but with Russian passports. Can we obtain Portuguese citizenship for a child? – If you have been in the country for more than 10 years, you can apply to the Ministry of Justice for a Portuguese identity card for your child.

Passport by birth

Every child born to foreign parents in Portugal has the right to claim citizenship of the country. Key terms:

  • Mother and father lived in a European country for at least 10 years.
  • The entire period of stay of the parents was in the status of residence permit.
  • The child completed the first 4 years of school.

In some cases, the 10-year period of residence is reduced to 6 years. A mandatory requirement is that the parents are citizens of a country where Portuguese is one of the official languages. Such states include, for example, Brazil.

Children born in Portugal to short-term visitors (for example, tourists) do not automatically become citizens of the state.

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