Are you wondering if Portugal allows dual citizenship? You're not alone— this is what many globally mobile individuals, entrepreneurs, expats, and retirees are asking. There are benefits of holding a second passport, and luckily, Portugal is one of the most dual-citizenship-friendly countries in Europe. Portugal welcomes individuals from various nationalities, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and many more. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore exactly how to get dual citizenship in Portugal and why it might be worth your while.

Can You Be a Dual Citizen of the US and Portugal?

Yes, you absolutely can. Portugal explicitly allows dual citizenship with the United States and other countries. This means you don't have to renounce your original nationality when obtaining Portuguese citizenship. This is particularly beneficial for US citizens who wish to enjoy the benefits of both countries, including visa-free travel in the EU, favorable tax regimes, and increased flexibility.

What’s Changing and Why it Matters

Dual citizenship in Portugal has gained popularity, particularly among entrepreneurs, remote workers, retirees, and crypto investors who value international mobility, asset diversification, and improved quality of life. This rising trend is significant because it opens opportunities for seamless global business operations, favorable tax conditions, and robust personal security. Without forgetting about the absolute freedom of moving between all EU countries.

Touchdown has assisted countless individuals through this process, providing clarity and simplifying bureaucratic steps.

Can US Citizens Get Portugal Citizenship?

Absolutely. US citizens can obtain Portuguese citizenship through several routes, including:

• Naturalization: Typically after five years of legal residency.

• Descent: If you have Portuguese parents or grandparents.

• Marriage or Civil Union: After three years of marriage or a civil partnership with a Portuguese citizen.

Each of these pathways offers distinct advantages, and Touchdown helps identify the best route tailored to your personal and financial situation.

What is the Requirement for Citizenship in Portugal?

Securing Portuguese citizenship involves straightforward yet specific requirements:

• Residency: Typically, five continuous years of legal residency (two weeks per year minimum for Golden Visa holders).

• Language Proficiency: A basic knowledge of Portuguese (A2 level certification).

• No Criminal Record: Proof of a clean criminal record from Portugal and your home country.

Touchdown simplifies this journey by clearly outlining steps and assisting with documentation and residency compliance.

Benefits of Getting Dual Citizenship in Portugal

Wondering if Portuguese citizenship is worth it? Here’s a checklist of tangible advantages:

✅ Visa-free travel across the EU and Schengen Area 

✅ Access to European healthcare, education, and social benefits 

✅ Tax benefits, especially for passive income earners under programs like Non-Habitual Residency (NHR 2.0). More about the benefits of NHR 2.0 here.

✅ Enhanced business opportunities and access to the European market 

✅ Long-term security and flexibility for you and your family

How to Get Dual Citizenship in Portugal: Step-by-Step

1. Find Out If You’re Eligible

There are several ways to qualify for Portuguese citizenship:

• Descent: If one or both of your parents—or in some cases, your grandparents—are Portuguese citizens.

• Marriage or Long-Term Partnership: If you’re married to or have been in a stable relationship with a Portuguese citizen, typically for at least 3 years.

• Naturalization: If you’ve legally lived in Portugal for 5 years or more.

• Sephardic Jewish Ancestry: If you can prove you descend from Portuguese Sephardic Jews.

• Birth or Adoption in Portugal: In some circumstances, being born or adopted in Portugal can also qualify you. Certain conditions apply in these cases.

2. Make Sure Dual Citizenship Is Allowed

Before applying, check whether your current country allows dual citizenship.
For example, if you're from the United States, you can hold both American and Portuguese citizenship without giving one up.

3. Prepare the Required Documents

What you’ll need depends on how you’re applying and your situation, but common documents include:

• A full birth certificate, translated and legalized

• Proof of residency in Portugal

• Criminal background checks from Portugal and your home country

• A marriage certificate, if applicable

• Evidence of Portuguese language skills (A2 Portuguese level)

• Documents showing descent, if you’re applying through family or ancestry

4. Show Basic Portuguese Language Skills

Unless you're applying through descent or marriage, you’ll need to pass the CIPLE exam, which tests Portuguese at an A2 level (basic proficiency).

5. Submit Your Citizenship Application

You can file your application:

• At a Civil Registry Office (Conservatória)

• With the Instituto dos Registos e Notariado (IRN)

• Or through a qualified lawyer or legal representative

6. Wait for the Outcome

Citizenship applications can take anywhere from 6 months to over a year. During the process, you might be asked to provide extra information or additional documents.

7. Get Your Portuguese Documents

Once approved:

• You’ll be issued a Portuguese birth certificate

• Then, you can apply for a citizen card and a Portuguese passport

8. Keep Both Nationalities (If Allowed)

If your country permits dual citizenship, you won’t have to renounce your current nationality after becoming a Portuguese citizen.

Touchdown can handle each step, ensuring your process is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.

Additional Options and Variations

Portugal offers different pathways depending on your profession, investment capacity, and family status:

• Golden Visa: Ideal for investors and high-net-worth individuals

• D7 Visa: Perfect for passive income earners like retirees and digital nomads

• D8 Visa: For remote workers

• Citizenship by Descent: Beneficial for those with Portuguese heritage

Touchdown helps map your situation clearly to the optimal pathway and ensures compliance every step of the way.

Try our free Touchdown Advisor to find out the best way for you to relocate based on your own personal situation.

Process & Support with Touchdown

Navigating dual citizenship applications can seem overwhelming—but it doesn't need to be. At Touchdown, we handle everything from initial consultations to paperwork, applications, renewals, and residency compliance. You won’t have to face confusing bureaucratic hurdles alone; we’re here as your trusted legal experts and relocation partners.

With Touchdown’s help, the process becomes straightforward, saving you time, stress, and uncertainty.

Is It Worth Getting Portuguese Citizenship?

Yes—especially if you value mobility, lifestyle flexibility, security, and financial planning advantages. Portuguese citizenship offers long-term benefits that can significantly enhance your personal and professional life.

Dual citizenship can unlock significant opportunities—but only if done correctly. That’s precisely where Touchdown comes in.

We specialise in relocation, tax strategy, and business setup for global professionals landing in Portugal.

Join a growing, connected international community that is thriving in some of the fastest growing corners of the world. Portugal - now; Spain - soon; the rest of the world - to come. 

👉 Want to know more? We’ll walk you through it – no jargon, just straight answers. Answer a couple of questions in the Touchdown Advisor to book a free introduction call with our team.