How to get Portuguese Citizenship

Portuguese citizenship confers many benefits, including the right to live and work in Portugal and other European Union countries, and access to free public healthcare and education. Portuguese citizens are also able to vote in European Union elections.

There are some ways to become a Portuguese citizen, including through birth, marriage, or ancestry. But, the most common way to get Portuguese citizenship is by applying for naturalization.

To be eligible for naturalization, applicants must have lived in Portugal for a minimum of five years, and must be able to show their knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture.

Once an applicant has fulfilled all the requirements, they must submit an application to the Portuguese authorities. The application process can take several months to complete, but once approved, applicants will be granted Portuguese citizenship.

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Portuguese citizenship comes with some benefits, including the right to live and work in Portugal and other European Union countries. Portuguese citizens also have access to free public healthcare and education, and are able to vote in European Union elections.

Portuguese citizenship can be a valuable asset, and those who are eligible should consider applying for naturalization.If you’re looking for a European country to buy property in, you should definitely consider Portugal. Here are reasons why:

Portuguese Citizenship

If you buy property in portugal and get citizenship in Portugal, you may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship. This is a great way to get a second passport and enjoy all the benefits that come with it, including visa-free travel to Schengen countries and the right to live and work in any EU country.

Affordable Property Prices

Property prices in Portugal are still affordable compared to other Western European countries. You can find properties for sale in Portugal’s major cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, for under €200,000.

Stable Political Environment

It is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, and has a strong commitment to human rights.

Beautiful scenery

Portugal is a beautiful country, with a diverse landscape ranging from beaches and coastal towns, to mountains and forests.

Friendly locals

The Portuguese are known for being friendly and hospitable. You’ll soon feel at home in Portugal.

Delicious food

Portuguese cuisine is varied and delicious, with fresh seafood, hearty stews, and tasty pastries. Yum!

Rich culture and history

Portugal has a rich culture and history, dating back to the Roman empire. There are many historical sites and museums to visit, as well as traditional festivals and celebrations.

Great place to retire

Portugal is a great place to retire, with its low cost of living, temperate climate, and high standard of healthcare. It’s no wonder that many retirees from Northern Europe are choosing to move here.

Portuguese is a global language

With over 250 million speakers worldwide, Portuguese is the fifth most spoken language in the world.

Process of buying property in Portugal

Here is a step-by-step guide to the process, from initial research to signing on the dotted line.

Do your research

The first step is to research the Portuguese property market and find out which areas are most suitable for your needs and budget. Talk to friends and family who have already bought property in Portugal, and read as much as you can online. Once you have a good understanding of the market, you can start to narrow down your search.

Find a reputable agent

The next step is to find a reputable real estate agent who can help you with your search. Ask around for recommendations, and look for an agent who has experience in the area you are interested in. Once you have found an agent you can trust, you can start looking at properties.

View properties

Your agent will help you to view properties that match your criteria. It is important to view as many properties as possible before making a decision, so that you can get a good idea of what is available.

Make an offer

Once you have found a property you like, you will need to make an offer. Your agent will help you to negotiate a fair price with the seller.

Get a survey

Before you exchange contracts, it is important to get a survey carried out on the property. This will help to identify any potential problems that could affect the value of the property.

Exchange contracts

Once you are happy with the survey results, you can exchange contracts with the seller. This is a binding agreement, so make sure you are happy with all the terms and conditions before you sign.

Pay the deposit

Once you have exchanged contracts, you will need to pay a deposit to the seller. This is usually 10% of the purchase price.

Complete the purchase

The final step is to complete the purchase. This involves paying the remaining balance of the purchase price, as well as any associated fees and taxes.

Costs of buying property in Portugal

The costs of buying property in Portugal are not as high as one might think. In fact, they are quite reasonable, especially when compared to other countries in Europe. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with purchasing property in Portugal:

Property Taxes: 

Property taxes in Portugal are relatively low. The annual tax on a €250,000 home would be approximately €750.

Notary Fees: 

Notary fees are also reasonable, costing around €1,500 for a €250,000 home.

Legal Fees: 

Legal fees will vary depending on the lawyer you hire, but you can expect to pay around €2,000 for a €250,000 home.

Mortgage Fees: 

Mortgage fees can vary depending on the lender, but you can expect to pay around €3,000 for a €250,000 home.

Miscellaneous Costs: 

There are a few other miscellaneous costs associated with purchasing property in Portugal, such as the registration fee (€250), the energy certificate fee (€100), and the property survey fee (€250).

In total, the typical costs associated with purchasing a €250,000 home in Portugal would be around €8,000. This is quite reasonable when compared to other countries in Europe.

Pros of Portuguese Citizenship

There are many advantages to Portuguese citizenship. Here are six of the most significant ones:

1. Portuguese citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Schengen Area countries.

2. Portuguese citizens can live and work in any country within the European Union.

3. Portuguese citizens have the right to vote in European Union elections.

4. Portuguese citizens are eligible for a number of scholarships and grants.

5. Portuguese citizenship can be passed down to future generations.

6. Portuguese citizens enjoy a number of social benefits.

1. Visa-Free Travel

As a Portuguese citizen, you enjoy visa-free travel to any of the 26 Schengen Area countries.

2. The Right to Work in the EU

As a Portuguese citizen, you have the right to live and work in any country within the European Union. This includes countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Sweden. You will not need a work permit to take up employment in another EU country.

3. The Right to Vote in EU Elections

As a Portuguese citizen, you have the right to vote in European Parliament elections. This is your chance to have a say in who represents you at the EU level. You can also stand as a candidate in these elections.

4. Scholarships and Grants

As a Portuguese citizen, you may be eligible for many scholarships and grants. These include the Erasmus+ programme, which offers funding for study and internships abroad, and the Horizon 2020 programme, which funds research and innovation projects.

5. Citizenship for Future Generations

Portuguese citizenship can be passed down to future generations. This means that your children and grandchildren will be Portuguese citizens, even if they are born outside of Portugal.

6. Social Benefits

As a Portuguese citizen, you are entitled to some social benefits. These include free healthcare, free education, and a state pension. You may also be eligible for certain tax breaks.