A Portuguese passport offers many advantages, including visa-free access to over 170 countries, unrestricted movement within the Schengen Area, and the freedom to live, work, and study throughout the European Union.
Portugal is known for welcoming foreign citizens, which aligns with the country’s national interest in growing the economy and enhancing diversity. In this article, we’ll review some essential information about applying for a passport and its benefits.
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Portuguese Passport Benefits
A Portuguese passport offers a variety of valuable benefits – both within Portugal itself and across the European Union
- Right to live, study and work in the EU: Passport holders can legally live and work anywhere in the European Union.
- Free access to quality schooling: Holders of Portuguese identity documents enjoy free education in some of the world’s best institutions and government-sponsored healthcare programs offering coverage across Europe.
- Excellent quality of life: Portugal is a wonderful place to live, with a warm climate, a safe environment, and excellent Mediterranean cuisine.
- Employment opportunities: Those with a valid residency permit enjoy full-time employment without the need to apply for additional visas.
- Low living costs: Portugal is relatively affordable compared to its European Union neighbors. Portugal passport holders can benefit from the country’s considerably lower price tags, and stretch their currency value more efficiently.
- Schengen Area privileges: Portuguese citizens benefit from visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries.
Portuguese Passport Power
Portugal’s passport is highly valuable when traveling abroad. Passport holders and citizens have visa-free access to 29 countries in the EU and 120 countries outside the EU. Additionally, a visa is granted on arrival in 30 countries, and an electronic visa is required in 12 countries.
Portugal passport holders do, however, require a visa to enter about 17 destinations in the world, such as China, Afghanistan, Algeria, Ghana, Mali, Nauru, and the Syrian Arab Republic.
Portugal ranks 24th in Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index. This makes it one of the most powerful passports in the world for mobility and quality of life, ranking 13th in the Enhanced Mobility Index and 6th in the Quality of Life Index. Portugal also ranks high in several of our Global Intelligence Unit‘s reports.
Global Intelligence Unit's Portugal Rankings | |||
Global Digital Nomad Index | 7th | ||
Retirement Rankings | 2nd | ||
Crypto-Friendly Nations | 6th | ||
Global Passport Index | 24th | ||
How to Get a Portuguese Passport
Before you apply for a passport, you must first acquire Portuguese nationality. The most common routes to Portuguese citizenship are:
Passport through marriage: Marriage is a standard route to obtaining Portuguese citizenship. To qualify, you must be married to a Portuguese citizen or passport holder for at least three years or currently cohabit with them. While previous residency in Portugal is not required, you must provide valid identity documents proving your marital relationship and connection to the Portuguese community.
Citizenship by descent: If you have a Portuguese parent or grandparent, you are eligible for Portuguese citizenship by descent. To apply for citizenship through this route, you must provide identity documents proving your parental lineage, such as an original birth certificate or a certified copy.
Citizenship by naturalization: To qualify for naturalization, you must be a legal resident with a valid residency permit in Portugal for at least five years. After these five years, you can obtain a permanent residency permit and acquire Portuguese nationality, whereby you can apply for a passport.
Sephardic Jewish heritage: If you have Sephardic Jewish heritage, you can claim Portuguese citizenship and apply for a passport as a member of the Sephardic Jewish community. In 2024, changes to this legislation are under discussion in parliament, which may affect the regulations for descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews.
Getting Portuguese Citizenship by Investment
To be eligible for Portuguese citizenship by investment, you must apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa. This scheme provides foreign investors and their immediate family members with a temporary residency permit and the opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years.
To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, investors need to significantly contribute to Portugal’s economy. The available investment options are:
- Job Creation: Create at least 10 jobs in Portugal. This option does not require a specific investment amount but mandates the creation and maintenance of jobs.
- Scientific Research Activities: Invest a minimum of €500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private scientific institutions in Portugal.
- Arts, Culture, and Heritage: Invest at least €250,000 in supporting the arts or in the reconstruction or refurbishment of national heritage projects.
- Venture Capital or Investment Funds: Invest a minimum of €500,000 in venture capital or investment funds dedicated to the capitalization of companies in Portugal.
Golden Visa holders must spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal, guaranteeing a total of 14 days during the validity of each residence card (issued with a validity of two years) and maintain the investment for five years.
Take a look at our
Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide by local experts
Portuguese Passport Requirements
After living legally in Portugal for five years, you can apply for citizenship and a passport. However, you must fulfill a few other requirements.
- Have a clean criminal record in Portugal
- Have a clean health record
- Proficient in the Portuguese language on an A2 level
- Provide proof of legally living in Portugal for five years
When applying for your Portuguese electronic passport, you will need to present the following documents:
- Valid residency permit, Portuguese identity document, or citizen card
- Original, valid passport with open visa pages
- Completed and signed application form
Where to Apply for a Portugal Electronic Passport
You can apply for your Portuguese electronic passport at the following locations:
- Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) offices
- Autonomous regional governments of Madeira and the Azores
- Passport kiosks at Lisbon and Porto airports
- A Portuguese Embassy or Consulate if you are residing outside Portugal
Portuguese Passport Processing Time
Wondering how long does it take to get a passport? Once you submit the required paperwork, your passport will be processed in approximately five business days. For urgent cases, you can request expedited processing, reducing the processing time to two business days for an additional fee.
Portugal Passport Costs
New passport costs
The Portuguese passport’s price depends on the delivery term and on the location where you submit the request. The application fee for a Portuguese electronic or regular passport is €65 if you apply within Portugal. This fee does not cover the renewal of an expired citizen card. In a different scenario, the passport costs around €100 to get if you’re applying for Portuguese citizenship abroad.
If applying from outside Portugal, you must provide the following documents to the local authorities:
- Your previous passport
- A valid identity document
- Your contact details
Portuguese Passport Renewal
Your passport is valid for five years and can be renewed. However, starting in early 2026, new passports will be valid for 10 years. If your passport is set to expire within the next six months, you can apply for renewal at €100. An additional fee applies for early renewals, such as in cases of a lost or stolen passport.
For the Portugal passport renewal, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- Citizen card
- Your original valid passport
If your passport has already expired, you will need to apply for a new passport and complete the full application process again.
Dual Citizenship in Portugal
Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your previous passport while obtaining a Portuguese passport.
To request your Portuguese electronic passport, you must meet at least one of these criteria:
- Lived lawfully in Portugal for five years
- Born in Portugal
- Possess a valid identity document proving parental lineage
- Be married to or in a de facto relationship with a Portuguese citizen
If you were born abroad, verify with your country of origin whether dual citizenship is allowed. If not, you may need to renounce your original passport to receive a Portuguese passport. However, if your home country allows dual citizenship, you can retain your previous passport and acquire a regular one in Portugal.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal's Passport
How can you get a Portuguese passport?
You can obtain a passport through marriage, descent, or investment. In certain cases, you must demonstrate a connection to the Portuguese community and be in possession of a valid residence permit to qualify for a passport.
What are the different types of Portugal passports?
Portugal issues several passports: the regular passport for international travel, temporary for emergencies with a one-year validity, and the diplomatic passport for officials and diplomats. There is also a passport for foreign citizens for stateless individuals residing in Portugal and special passports for specific job-related roles.
Does Portuguese nationality grant me rights to acquire a Portugal passport?
Yes, acquiring Portuguese nationality grants you the right to obtain a passport. Once you have Portuguese citizenship, you can apply for a passport, which provides access to various travel and residency benefits.
How do I apply for a Portugal passport online?
No, you cannot apply for a passport online. To obtain your passport, you must apply in person at one of the designated locations, which include the Passport Outlets at Lisbon Airport and Porto Airport, registry offices, the Governments of the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira, or Portuguese Consulates.
What is the Portugal passport renewal cost?
The Portuguese passport renewal costs €100. But do note that if you’re applying for an early renewal, no matter what the reason is (a stolen or lost passport), you will be required to pay an additional fee.
Can I apply for renewal should my Visa pages deplete?
Yes, you can apply for a renewal of your Portuguese passport if the visa pages are depleted. Ensure that you follow the standard renewal process, which involves submitting a passport, required documents, and any applicable fees.
Can I buy a Portugal passport?
No, you can’t buy a Portuguese passport. However, you can obtain a Portuguese passport through the Portugal Golden Visa program by making a qualifying investment in the country.
You must maintain your investment for five years, possess a valid residence permit and meet all requirements under Portuguese law to be eligible for a Portuguese passport.
What are the documents required to apply for Portuguese citizenship?
To apply for Portuguese citizenship and subsequently obtain a Portuguese passport, you must have a valid residence permit, provide proof of at least A2 level proficiency in the Portuguese language, a clean health record and a criminal record certificate
These documents are necessary to demonstrate your integration into Portuguese society.
What are the advantages of having a Portugal passport?
The Portugal passport gives visa-free access to the Schengen countries, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and other countries. The Portugal passport gives visa-free access to the Schengen countries, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and other countries.
Additionally, you gain access to excellent healthcare and public education in Portugal. Portugal permits dual citizenship, so you can retain your previous passport if your home country also allows it.
What is the Portugal passport processing time?
Portuguese passports are issued in Portugal and typically take five business days to process if all required documents are correct, with a fast-track option available in two business days.
Plan accordingly to ensure you have a valid Portuguese passport for your travels within the European Union.
What is the Portugal passport renewal process?
To renew a Portuguese passport, you must apply in person at designated passport offices or consulates. The process involves presenting your current Portuguese passport, a recent photograph, and proof of identity and residency.
If your current Portuguese passport is set to expire within six months, you should apply for a renewal to maintain validity.
Which countries can I travel to with a Portuguese passport?
With a Portuguese passport, you have visa free travel access to 189 countries, including the ability to stay in Portugal for as long as you wish. Once you obtain Portuguese citizenship and receive your Portuguese passport, you benefit from excellent mobility across the European Union and Schengen countries.
The advantages of a Portuguese passport also extend to easy access to Canada, the UK, and the USA.
Do I qualify for a Portuguese passport by marriage?
Yes, you may qualify for a Portuguese passport through citizenship by marriage if married to a citizen. You must meet specific requirements including proving your connection to the Portuguese community and fulfilling Portuguese law criteria like possessing a valid residence permit.
Once you obtain Portuguese citizenship by marriage, you can apply for a Portuguese passport.
Is it easy to get citizenship in Portugal?
Portugal is one of the easiest EU countries for acquiring citizenship. You can obtain Portuguese citizenship through Portuguese parents or grandparents, by being married to or in a de facto relationship with a Portuguese national for over three years, or through naturalization.
Can I retain my previous passport after acquiring a Portuguese passport?
Yes, you can retain your passport after acquiring a Portuguese passport, thanks to Portugal’s allowance for dual citizenship. If your home country also permits dual citizenship, you will not need to relinquish your previous passport.
Can a US citizen apply for a Portuguese passport?
Yes, a US citizen can apply for a Portuguese passport, but first, they must possess a valid residence permit and obtain Portuguese citizenship. This can be achieved through various means, such as having Portuguese parents or grandparents, marrying a Portuguese national, or meeting residency and naturalization requirements.
How do I request a Portuguese electronic passport?
To request a Portuguese electronic passport, visit a passport bureau at Lisbon or Porto airports, the Governments of the Azores or Madeira, IRN service desks, or your local Portuguese consulate.
Is a Portuguese passport better than a US passport?
Both Portuguese and US passports offer significant travel benefits. A Portuguese passport provides access to the EU and its associated perks, while a US passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries, including Canada, Japan, and Australia.
Is a citizen card the same as a Portuguese passport?
No, Portuguese citizen cards are your primary identity documents, while the passport is used for international travel. To renew your passport, you must first have a valid Portuguese citizen card. Ensure your passport has sufficient visa pages and all your travel documents are up-to-date.
How to apply for a Portuguese passport from abroad?
If you are outside Portugal, you can apply for your Portuguese citizen card or passport at the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate. You will need to provide required documents such as identification, a birth certificate, and proof of residency.
What travel documents do I need when travelling outside of the EU with a Portuguese passport?
When traveling outside the EU with a Portuguese passport, you will need your electronic passport as your primary travel document. Ensure it is valid and has enough visa pages for any required entry stamps. Additionally, carry any other relevant travel documents, such as visas or travel insurance, depending on your destination.
Does family reunification allow my family members to acquire a Portuguese passport?
Family reunification can facilitate your family members obtaining Portuguese residency, but it does not directly grant Portuguese passports. Once your family members obtain Portuguese residency through family reunification, they must meet additional requirements, such as residing in Portugal for a specific period, to apply for Portuguese citizenship and subsequently acquire a passport.
