Portugal has become one of the most appealing destinations for Americans seeking a second passport.
Whether you're drawn by its quality of life, the access it offers to the European Union, or the simplicity of its citizenship laws, Portugal stands out for U.S. citizens looking to secure dual nationality.
Unlike many countries, Portugal allows dual and even triple citizenship, and so does the United States.
That means Americans don’t have to choose between passports — they can have both.
Even better, Portugal offers multiple citizenship pathways, including routes based on ancestry, marriage, naturalization, and investment.
And now is a particularly important time to act.
Legislative changes proposed for 2026 could make it harder and slower to qualify. So if you’ve been thinking about Portuguese dual citizenship, understanding your options — and starting the process in 2025 — may be the smartest move you can make.
Below is a snapshot of key information you need to know upfront:
Can US Citizens Have Dual Citizenship with Portugal?
Yes, U.S. citizens are legally allowed to hold dual citizenship with Portugal.
Both countries support this arrangement. Portugal has one of the most permissive nationality laws in Europe, and the United States does not require citizens to renounce their status when acquiring a second nationality.
This makes it entirely possible to hold both a U.S. and a Portuguese passport at the same time.
This legal compatibility has made Portugal a top destination for Americans looking to secure a second citizenship.
In addition to the lifestyle appeal, becoming a dual citizen can provide access to the entire European Union for work, study, healthcare, and travel — all without sacrificing your rights or protections as a U.S. national.
Holding dual citizenship means you must follow the rules and fulfill the obligations of both countries.
That includes abiding by tax regulations, civic responsibilities like voting or military registration if applicable, and maintaining current documentation in both jurisdictions. But it also means you gain the full rights of a Portuguese and EU citizen — a powerful combination for personal and professional flexibility.
Some people worry about the legal or tax implications of dual citizenship, but in most cases, these concerns are manageable with proper planning.
U.S. citizens will still be required to file annual tax returns to the IRS, even if they reside abroad.
Portugal also taxes its residents on worldwide income, but bilateral tax treaties and credits usually prevent individuals from being taxed twice on the same income.
Pathways to Portuguese Citizenship for US Citizens
Portugal offers several routes to citizenship.
For Americans, each option depends on your personal background, family history, or connection to Portugal. Some people qualify immediately through ancestry or marriage.
Others take the naturalization path by living in Portugal for a certain number of years. Investors and retirees have their own options too.
Each pathway has its own rules, documentation requirements, and timelines.
In this section, we’ll break down the six main routes available to U.S. citizens.
Citizenship by Naturalization (5-Year Residency Route)
This is the most common option for Americans who do not have a Portuguese parent or spouse. If you legally live in Portugal for five years, you can apply for citizenship.
You must have a valid residence permit during this period.
Common visa types include the D7 (passive income), D8 (digital nomad), student, or work visas. Portugal does not require full-time, year-round presence, but you need to meet basic stay requirements and maintain legal residency.
Applicants must pass a beginner-level Portuguese language test (A2 level), show integration into society, and have a clean criminal record.
The five-year clock starts the day you submit your first residence permit application, not when it's approved — a helpful detail that shortens the wait in practice.
Citizenship by Descent (Parent or Grandparent)
If you have a Portuguese parent or grandparent, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent. This is often the fastest and most straightforward route.
Through a Portuguese parent: If one of your parents was a Portuguese citizen at the time of your birth, you likely qualify automatically. There's no language test, no residency requirement, and the process is treated as a citizenship registration rather than a new application.
Through a Portuguese grandparent: This is a bit more complex. You must prove the family connection, show basic Portuguese language skills, and provide evidence of a real connection to the country. That could include travel history, property ownership, Portuguese community involvement, or regular contact with relatives in Portugal.
Citizenship by Marriage or Long-Term Partnership
If you are married to a Portuguese citizen, or in a legally recognized long-term partnership (união de facto), you may qualify for citizenship after three years.
This path does not require you to live in Portugal or hold a visa — but the relationship must be officially registered with the Portuguese authorities.
In some cases, you must prove a connection to Portugal.
However, this requirement is waived if your relationship has lasted at least six years or if you have a child together who is a Portuguese citizen.
A basic Portuguese language test is usually required, and all foreign documents must be officially translated and certified.
Citizenship Through Investment (Golden Visa Program)
Portugal's Golden Visa allows foreign nationals to qualify for residency by making an approved investment. After five years, you can apply for citizenship.
You do not need to live full time in Portugal — staying just seven days per year is enough to maintain your residency.
As of 2025, real estate options have been closed for new applicants. Current options include investing in regulated funds, scientific research, cultural projects, or creating jobs in Portugal.
This route still requires the A2 Portuguese language test and a clean background, like the naturalization path.
Citizenship by Sephardic Jewish Ancestry (Now Highly Restricted)
Portugal once offered citizenship to people who could prove descent from Sephardic Jews expelled during the Inquisition.
This route has now become nearly inaccessible due to strict rule changes.
Since 2024, applicants must show legal residency in Portugal for at least three years, plus a strong ongoing connection to the country.
Additional reforms are expected to close the program entirely by 2026.
Other Rare Paths: Birth in Portugal or Adoption
Children born in Portugal to foreign parents may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship at birth if at least one parent had legal residence for a minimum of one year before the child was born.
Also, minors adopted by Portuguese citizens may gain citizenship automatically once the adoption is finalized and registered in Portugal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Portuguese Citizenship
The Portuguese citizenship application process involves several steps and varies slightly depending on the route you take.
Regardless of your pathway, gathering and legalizing documents is often the most time-consuming part — especially for U.S. applicants.
Here's a practical, step-by-step breakdown of what to expect.
Estimated Costs for Portuguese Citizenship
2025–2026 Portuguese Citizenship Reforms: What You Need to Know
Portugal’s citizenship laws have been remarkably accessible compared to much of Europe, but this is now under active review.
A major reform package is under debate in Parliament, and it could reshape the naturalization timeline, eligibility rules, and even eliminate some current pathways altogether.
For Americans planning to apply in 2025 or early 2026, this is not just a policy update — it’s a ticking clock.
Why the Law Is Changing
The Portuguese government has cited rising application numbers, particularly from outside the EU, as a reason to slow down the path to citizenship. There’s political momentum to impose tougher standards, with the goal of strengthening integration and reducing what some parties see as overly automatic access.
The debate began in mid-2025. While no final text has passed as of October, consensus is building around a compromise proposal — and it could take effect as soon as January 1, 2026.
Proposed Changes Under Debate
Below is a summary of the key changes currently on the table. These are not yet law, but they are expected to pass in some form based on political negotiations.
Why Timing Matters Now
If you wait until 2026, you could face:
- A longer wait to apply for citizenship
- An additional civic exam beyond the current A2 language test
- Possibly stricter documentation or integration expectations
- Loss of access to certain routes (like Sephardic Jewish ancestry)
For most Americans, these changes would translate to more time, more bureaucracy, and more uncertainty.
The current five-year window is relatively short by European standards. It is also backed by a clear application timeline and strong legal protections for dual citizens.
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