Portuguese Citizenship: Conditions and Methods of Obtaining

Portuguese Citizenship: Optimal Methods of Obtaining

Portugal is known as a developed European country, a member of the EU and the Schengen Zone. These advantageous characteristics attract the attention of foreigners, including citizens of the former Soviet Union, who are interested in obtaining Portuguese citizenship.

However, the country values its reputation enough not to hand out Portuguese passports to just anyone, unlike some Caribbean nations. The path to citizenship is not quick and requires meeting several conditions.

Portuguese Passport through Investment

How can you obtain Portuguese citizenship? If we exclude a limited group of people with familial ties to the country, which allows them to become citizens relatively quickly, it is possible through the government’s investment program. This program has been in place since 2012, and during this time, a significant number of foreigners have obtained a Portuguese passport through investment. It’s worth noting that in 2017, this program was recognized as the best among similar programs in European countries.

However, a financial contribution to the economy alone does not grant the right to purchase Portuguese citizenship. This is only possible after 5 years of residency status and 1 year as a permanent resident.

How to Obtain Portuguese Residency?

Portugal’s Investor “Golden Visa”

This term refers to the status of an investor who has made a capital investment in Portugal’s economy through one of the following six methods:

1. You are purchasing “decent” real estate worth at least 500,000 euros or 350,000 euros for properties requiring renovation.
2. Investing at least 500,000 euros in small and medium-sized Portuguese enterprises.
3. Purchasing securities worth at least 1 million euros or depositing the same amount.
4. Opening a business that creates at least 10 jobs.
5. Investing a minimum of 250,000 euros in Portuguese cultural or educational objects such as museums, libraries, art galleries, etc.
6. Investing in research projects with a minimum of 350,000 euros.

Despite the wide range of options, in practice, over 90% of applicants for Portugal’s investor “golden visa” choose the first method—purchasing real estate.

Advantages of the Investor’s Golden Visa

While it would undoubtedly be nice to buy a Portuguese passport without intermediate stages, a residence permit holder already enjoys significant benefits:

• The ability to visit and leave Portugal at any time, i.e., to spend vacations there. The mandatory residence requirement is only 7 days per year in the first year and 2 weeks in subsequent periods of residence.
• Visa-free travel to all European countries.
• The golden visa allows investments and assets to be placed in European banks.
• The possibility of educating children in European universities and receiving treatment in prestigious clinics.
• The opening of businesses with tax benefits.
• The prospect of dual citizenship in Portugal.
• Portugal as a “backup plan” in case of upheavals in the home country.

Portuguese Citizenship in 2020

The country’s investment program is continually improving. In 2015, additions were made regarding how to obtain Portuguese citizenship. Potential investors can receive a loan to purchase real estate (up to 40% of the value) at 1.5% per annum. The holder of a “golden visa” also has the right to a 10-year tax holiday.

Discussions continue on the fair redistribution of investments between more and less attractive regions. It is expected that the issue of Portuguese citizenship in 2020 will be further discussed by the country’s government, with relevant proposals submitted to parliament.

It is possible that in 2020, investing in the well-developed areas of Lisbon and Porto will be prohibited, and the minimum investment amount may increase. However, even if such changes are adopted, potential investors have at least six months to “play by the old rules.” Therefore, we advise you to act quickly.

The emigration center “Garant.in” will be happy to consult on the current state of affairs on this issue and provide professional services in obtaining a residence permit.

New Conditions for Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship for Children of Foreigners Born in the Republic

Portugal is considered one of the most accessible countries for immigration and obtaining citizenship.

Political views on the legalization of the status of foreigners in Portugal vary significantly. The latest amendments, dated July 24, 2020, address the conditions for obtaining citizenship by children born in the Republic to foreign parents. The parents' wishes alone are not sufficient; one of the following conditions must be met:

• The mother and/or father hold a Portuguese residence permit.
• The parents have resided in Portugal for at least one year. What has changed? Before the amendments, this period was 2 years, and even earlier (before 2018) — 5 years. The time criterion was chosen by the United Nations and the European Union to determine the purpose of foreign citizens' stay in the country: tourism, business trips, permanent residence, etc.

This decision contradicts the position of centrists, who hold a conservative view and call what is happening a “devaluation of the nation.” Nevertheless, the Social Democrats, who are the majority in the republic’s parliament, are pursuing a “generous” migration policy. Analysts note that the Portuguese authorities are on course to grant citizenship at birth based on the “right of soil” regardless of the mother’s and father’s status.

Lively debates and the proposals submitted for consideration indicate that the adopted norm is a compromise, and new amendments to the Citizenship Law can be expected shortly.