Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation
Long-term legal residents who want to naturalise as Portuguese (and EU) citizens.
The Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation is a Portuguese settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€250 naturalisation fee) and processing time (~12-24 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation is for
Long-term legal residents who want to naturalise as Portuguese (and EU) citizens.
Citizenship is the final step; it grants a Portuguese/EU passport and dual nationality is allowed.
Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation - eligibility criteria
- Legal residence for the required period (historically 5 years; reforms move toward 7-10 years)
- Basic Portuguese language (A2 level)
- No relevant criminal convictions
- Effective connection to the Portuguese community
- Residence-clock counted from the residence permit issuance under new rules
Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation (Portugal) is ~€250 naturalisation fee, with an indicative processing time of ~12-24 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at AIMA (Portugal).
| Type | Citizenship |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a civil registry (Conservatória) or IRN, inside Portugal |
| Length of stay | Permanent (full citizenship) |
| Work rights | Full rights as a citizen |
| Study rights | Full rights as a citizen |
| Government fee | ~€250 naturalisation fee |
| Processing time | ~12-24 months |
| Route to PR | Citizenship is the final step; it grants a Portuguese/EU passport and dual nationality is allowed. |
Pathway & next steps
Citizenship is the final step; it grants a Portuguese/EU passport and dual nationality is allowed.
Many applicants also compare PR · Permanent Residence Permit, EU LTR · EU Long-Term Resident Status, CPLP · CPLP Mobility Residence Permit. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Portuguese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation pitfalls we fix
Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation - frequently asked questions
How much does the Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation cost?
The Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation government fee is ~€250 naturalisation fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at AIMA (Portugal) before applying.
How long does the Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~12-24 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation lead to permanent residence?
Citizenship is the final step; it grants a Portuguese/EU passport and dual nationality is allowed.
Can I work on the Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation?
Work rights: Full rights as a citizen.
Who can apply for the Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalisation?
Long-term legal residents who want to naturalise as Portuguese (and EU) citizens.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Portugal government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- AIMA (Portugal) - official Portugal immigration authority