PORTUGAL PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
APPLYING FOR A PORTUGUESE PASSPORT OR PASSPORT RENEWAL
Getting a Portugal passport is always one of the primary reasons people want dual citizenship with Portugal.
The Portugal passport gives you visa-free travel to 189 destinations. That is why Portugal is almost consistently ranked in the top 10 passports worldwide.
With Portuguese citizenship, you can travel, work, live, get healthcare, or receive an education in any of the 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen Zone.
Like any coveted passport, it has requirements to obtain one. However, if you use one of these methods to get Portuguese citizenship, obtaining the Portugal passport prove fairly simple. As we’ll see, there is an option to get a Portuguese passport even if you aren’t a citizen.
What are the benefits of a Portugal passport?
Portugal’s passport is ranked 6th best in the world by Visa Index. That ranking is based on several factors: the number of visa-free destinations, the number of visa-required destinations, and the ease of obtaining it.
With 89% of world destinations open to every holder of Portugal passport, this is up there among the best of its kind.
Furthermore, the Portuguese passport means even more for world travelers. It guarantees protection from both the country of Portugal and the body of the EU. The EU recognizes multiple international treaties that protect and uphold human rights, and the bloc has the economic, diplomatic, and military power needed to back that up. If you find yourself in a bad situation abroad, chances are your Portugal passport is one of the tools you can use to protect your rights.
A Portugal passport opens up the world for you to explore, and it gives you peace of mind while you take in the many wonders you find out there. That makes it one of the most valuable assets you’ll ever own. It’s one of the major benefits of becoming a Portuguese citizen. (Unlike many other countries, the Portugal passport requirements are unique as in some cases you can get a passport even if you are not a citizen.)
Portugal Passport Requirements
There are only a handful of actual Portugal passport requirements that must be complete to obtain your Portuguese passport:
- Be a valid citizen of Portugal (for the most part, this is a requirement, check out the section below if you are not a Portuguese citizen)
- Have proof of your identity (Portuguese ID, citizen card, or residence permit)
- Completed application form
- Original passport with open visa pages (if renewing)
As you can see, being a citizen of Portugal is very important for getting a passport. For more information on that, check out this guide to learn the requirements for Portugal citizenship.
However, in the section below, we’ll explain how to get a Portugal passport if you aren’t a citizen.
Can I get a Portuguese passport if I’m not a citizen?
The answer to this question is a hesitant yes.
To qualify for a passport without being a citizen, you’ll need to reside in Portugal. You will need to fit into one of the following categories:
- citizen of a country that has no embassy or consulate in Portugal
- a stateless person
- a person who has proof they can’t get a passport from their country
The process to get a Portugal passport then follows this path:
- Email pep.estrangeiro@irn.mj.pt and provide your full legal name and your residence card or permit number
- Fill out the application that the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) sends you
- Go to a scheduled appointment at an IRN service desk (you’ll get information on place, date, and time by email)
- Either pick up your passport at the service desk where your appointment was at or have it delivered to your home for an extra €10
How to get a Portuguese passport? - Where to apply
Passports can be applied for at any IRN service desk, which can be found around the country.
If you live in the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores, you’ll need to go to a government office there.
If you are at the Lisbon or Porto airports, you can use one of the passport kiosks.
Finally, if you are living abroad, you will complete the entire process through the local Consulate or Embassy.
How long does it take to get a Portuguese passport?
Typical processing is 5 business days starting from the time you turn in your application.
Expedited processing cuts that time down to 2 business days, which is lightning-fast in the world of government documents. But with this faster timeline comes an additional fee.
How much does a Portugal passport cost?
This all depends on your situation:
- New passport applied for in Portugal: €65
- New passport applied for outside of Portugal: €100
- Renewal: €100
- Delivery fee: €10
How long is a Portuguese passport valid for?
For many years, the Portuguese passport was only valid for 5 years. But, beginning in 2026, the Portuguese Electronic Passport will extend that period to 10 years.
Get Your Portugal Passport
Are you looking for help filling out your application? Or do you want expert advice on how to become a citizen so you can get your own Portugal passport? Then you’re in the right place—PDC has helped people just like you get a Portugal passport and citizenship.
That all begins with a free consultation call. This puts you on the line with one of our team members, who will discuss your situation and the best next steps for you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible for a Portuguese passport?
All citizens of Portugal are eligible for a passport. If you aren’t a citizen, however, you might still be eligible. You’ll need to legally reside in Portugal. You’ll also need to be either a stateless person, a person with proof they can’t get a passport from their country, or a citizen of a country that has no embassy or consulate in Portugal.
How many countries can Portuguese travel without a visa?
A Portugal passport gives visa-free access to 189 countries, making it the sixth-best in the world.
This page was last updated with with help by Marco Permunian
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