The Portuguese nationality is one of the most sought-after nationalities in the world due to ease of movement granted to holders of the Portuguese passport and the fact that it is currently the 3rd most powerful passport in the world[1] . Taking the high position that the Portuguese Passport ranks in the world it is without surprise that a large number of individuals  elects the Portuguese Nationality as their second nationality.

 In the last two decades, the Nationality Act moved in the direction of considering the place of birth, in case it is Portugal,  for nationality purposes  as well as reducing  the requirement to five years of residency, to integrate the new immigrants.

This 5-year deadline  is deemed as a manner show Connection to the Portuguese Community. As such and, following the amendment to the Organic Law nº 2/2018, of  July 5th, it was stablished that any resident in Portugal, under for at least 5 years, and despite the type of residency, may apply for the Portuguese nationality.

In order to submit a successful application, a foreign national must provide and comply with the following requirements:

• Be of legal age
• Be a legal resident in Portugal for at least 5 years;
• Have a sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese Language
• Not to have been convicted of a crime punishable in Portugal by three or more years of prison; and or a threat of terrorism;

The requirements are dully substantiated by documentation. The knowledge of the Portuguese language is verified by means of a language exam attesting the successful completion of the equivalent to the level A2 of the Common European Language Framework of Reference (CEFR).

In order to get approved at the exam, preparation is key, and it is advisable that the candidate takes a Portuguese language course, with a native teacher.

To help you preparing for the Portuguese exam, IAS developed an exclusive and intensive basis program with our Portuguese teacher, Susana Castro, to help you get approved. This program is fully online and able to be adjusted to your needs and schedules. You can get more information and details about the Portuguese classes  here – Learning Portuguese Digital Platform. IAS investors enjoy special quotes and discounts for this course.

It is important to be informed that the exam can take place in any centre around the world, and you can consult the available centres by clicking in the following link  Centers – Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira (ulisboa.pt)

Finally, please be advised that the Portuguese Law allows dual nationality, therefore it is not necessary to renounce your current nationality to acquire the Portuguese. However, some countries do not allow its national to have dual nationality. Thus, we advise you to consult the relevant legislation to verify your current situation or to ask your case responsible at IAS to assist you with this matter.

[1] https://www.passportindex.org/?country=pt