Portuguese citizenship entitles you to a powerful EU passport - being an EU citizen gives you the right to live and work throughout the European Union, and in several other non-EU countries.

You can obtain Portuguese nationality through a variety of routes. The two most common routes I deal with are by naturalization or through marriage to a Portuguese citizen.

The Portuguese government has updated the process, and as a lawyer I now have access to the online submission system.

Naturalization

If you have been legally resident in Portugal for at least 5 years, you are entitled to apply for Portuguese citizenship. You must meet several criteria:

• Be able to demonstrate familiarity with the Portuguese language. Normally this will be done by having passed the A1/2 language test at an approved Portuguese institution. These language courses are available throughout Portugal for very low cost and most candidates can reach this standard from scratch in less than a year.
  (the language requirement is waived for those from Lusophone countries)
• Have no serious criminal convictions.

Marriage

If you are married to a Portuguese citizen for more than three years, you are entitled to apply for Portuguese citizenship. 

• Proving language proficiency is not required, you must however demonstate some level of interest and connection to Portuguese society. This is easier for those resident in Portugal, but can also be done for those living overseas.
• Have no serious criminal convictions.

If you think you meet either of the critieria above and would like help applying for Portuguese citizenship, please contact me and I can discuss the requirements in more detail and go through the evidence that you'll need to provide.