Portuguese Nationality after 5 Years of Legal Residence

If you have been legally resident in Portugal for at least 5 years (in the last 15 years), you can apply for Portuguese nationality by length of residence. This process is regulated by Article 6(1) of the Portuguese Nationality Law and has clear requirements that must be met in order for the application to be granted.

Requirements to Apply for Portuguese Nationality

To apply for nationality after 5 years of legal residence, you must:

Proof of legal residence for 5 years:

The main document required is the certificate of length of residence, issued by AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), which certifies that the applicant has maintained legal and uninterrupted residence in Portugal for the required period.

See our article on how to apply for this certificate: https://vivianperfeito.com/como-obter-a-certidao-de-contagem-de-tempo-de-residencia-para-pedido-de-nacionalidade-portuguesa/

Proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language:

To demonstrate language proficiency, you must present one of the following documents:

• Certificate of passing the Initial Certificate of Portuguese for Foreigners (CIPLE) exam;
• Secondary or higher education diploma obtained in Portugal.

Nationals of countries where Portuguese is the official language are exempt from this requirement due to the presumption of knowledge of the language.

No criminal convictions:

Criminal record certificates issued by:

• Portugal;
• Country of current nationality;
• Other countries where the applicant has lived after the age of 16.

Convictions of more than 3 years in prison are not accepted.

Proof of Integration into Portuguese Society:

This requirement is analyzed on the basis of the documents submitted and the applicant’s history in Portugal. It is suggested to present a certificate of non-debt from the Tax Authority, Social Security, proof of accommodation; IRS (income tax, if any), employment contract (if any), etc.

Required documents

To start the process, it is essential to gather the following documents:

1. Certificate of Length of Residence:
   • Issued by AIMA, this is the document that proves legal residence for 5 years.
2. Personal identification documents:
   • Valid passport;
   • Residence card (you must be resident in Portugal at the time of application).
3. Birth certificate:
   • Complete and legalized document (if issued outside Portugal).
4. Criminal record certificates:
   • Issued by Portugal and other countries where you have lived. All duly legalized.
5. Proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language:
   • CIPLE certificate or equivalent document, when required.
6. Proof of integration:
   • Any document showing participation in social, work or cultural activities in Portugal, as mentioned above.

Steps to Apply for Nationality

Gather All Documents

Make sure that all documents are up-to-date, translated (if necessary) and legalized/apostilled.

Submit your request

The application must be submitted to the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN) or to the competent registry office.

Wait for the Analysis

The granting process can take some time (usually between 18 and 24 months), depending on the complexity of the case and the documentation submitted and the availability of the Conservatory’s judgment.

Receive your Nationality Certificate

Once approved, the applicant will receive a certificate attesting to the acquisition of Portuguese nationality and will then be able to issue a citizen’s card and passport.

Benefits of Obtaining Portuguese Nationality

• The right to live and work in any European Union country.
• Access to health and education services on equal terms with Portuguese citizens.
• Possibility of applying for a Portuguese passport, considered one of the most powerful in the world.
• Possibility of passing on the right to nationality to underage children and spouses (marriage after naturalization).

A lawyer with expertise in the area and qualified in Portugal will be able to:

• Guidance on the requirements and documentation needed;
• Represent you before the Portuguese authorities;
• Ensuring that the process is carried out efficiently and correctly.

Conclusion

Applying for Portuguese nationality after five years of residence is an accessible process for those who meet the legal requirements and provide proof of entitlement.