FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS WE RECEIVE ABOUT PORTUGAL CITIZENSHIP
Can Americans hold dual citizenship in Portugal?
Yes! In Portugal, dual citizenship is entirely allowed, just as it is in the US.
Do I qualify for Portugal dual citizenship?
To become a dual citizen means having a route to citizenship by naturalization (most popularly by investment via the Portugal Golden Visa), by descent, or marriage. Learn more about each way how to get Portuguese citizenship.
How do I apply for dual citizenship in the US?
For Americans and anyone living abroad, you’ll apply through your local Portuguese consulate or embassy and you will need to complete your entire application process here, including your interview.
Check out our complete guide on how to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
How can I get Portuguese citizenship?
You qualify through naturalization after 5 years of residency (a Golden Visa makes this much easier), direct descent (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent), and marriage to or long-term live-in partnership with a Portuguese citizen.
You can find more info here about how to get Portugal citizenship.
How do I qualify for a Portuguese Golden Visa?
You’ll need to make an investment that meets one of the following criteria:
- €500,000 in investment funds
- Creation of 10 full-time jobs
- €500,000 in scientific research
- €250,000 in arts/cultural heritage (20% discount for low-density areas)
Learn more at our complete guide about the Portugal Golden Visa.
How long does it take to get Portuguese dual citizenship?
Portuguese citizenship applications can take 6 to 24 months, but they are generally processed in a year.
How much does it cost to get Portuguese citizenship?
Application fees generally run €250. Costs can rise due to other factors, like how many services you need to make your documents officially recognized (through translation, apostilling, etc.). These fees do not include professional and legal services that will likely be needed to complete the process.
Can an American get dual citizenship in Portugal?
Yes – both Portugal and the USA allow dual citizenship.
Are you a Portuguese citizen if you are born in Portugal?
Generally, yes—especially if one of your parents is a Portuguese citizen at the time of your birth or if you are stateless.
How long do you have to live in Portugal to become a citizen?
Naturalization generally requires 5 years under a residency permit. You start working toward that as soon as you submit your application for a residency permit, greatly reducing the total time needed compared to previous versions of the law.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Portugal?
Yes – Portugal allows dual citizenship.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship if my child is Portuguese?
Not automatically, but you can easily obtain a visa which will help with the naturalization process.
Can I live in Portugal as an American citizen?
Yes! Americans can stay in Portugal up to 90 days without a visa. But to stay longer, you’ll need a temporary residence permit, which is typically granted for work, study, or family reunification. Freelancers, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, retirees, and investors all have special routes to visas. Learn more about different Portuguese visas here.
How long can a US citizen live in Portugal?
90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Longer stays require residence permits.
What is the cost of living in Portugal?
The cost of living in Portugal is about average among Western countries, but it is lower than the US—36.1% lower overall, with rent coming in at 43.7% lower than the US. It’s estimated that a family of four will have €2,402.20 of costs before rent.
Is Portugal expensive to live in?
That depends on where you are moving from. Americans will find it much cheaper, while people from other countries might find it costs more. A single person is estimated to pay about €680 a month to live before rent.
Can a US citizen work in Portugal?
Yes, but you’ll want to have the right visa for this. Check out our full guide on Portugal’s visa system here.
What is a good salary in Portugal?
The average Portuguese person earns €860 per month. That might sound low, but the average worker with a university education is paid €1547 per month.
Can Americans buy property in Portugal?
Yes! In fact, this is the basis for investment visas which are the most popular way for Americans to become Portuguese citizens. Learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa.
Can a US citizen retire in Portugal?
Yes. In fact, thanks to the beautiful climate and lower cost of living, Portugal is the perfect place to retire.
Does Portugal use the euro?
Yes. As part of the Eurozone, Portugal uses the euro as its official currency.
Does Portugal require a visa?
If your stay is under 90 days, US citizens don’t need a visa. But longer stays still require appropriate visas or residency permits.
