The main address for this site is http://expat.silvert.org. All other sites are mirrors and may be out-of-date.

Portuguese Citizenship

Official sources are notoriously unreliable, but I was informed by the Portuguese consulate that handled my move to Portugal that one cannot immigrate here in the usual sense - one can only become a permanent resident - but if you are married to a Portuguese citizen you are eligible for citizenship yourself after three years of marriage.

There are several catches to this. For one thing, it seems to be "nationality" rather than "citizenship", meaning a sort of second-class citizenship without voting rights, etc. So if you want to become Prime Minister of Portugal, you had better be born here. However, if you just want a passport so that you can go through the EU line at the airport, that is OK.

The process is complicated, and there are several qualifications. The main issue is showing that you will not be a burden to the state, and that you are integrated into Portuguese society. Participation in Portuguese activities and fluency in the language are important qualifications. But the main requirement seems to be finding a bureaucrat who is willing to be reasonable - some think that no one should be allowed in, including you.

This site is maintained by William Silvert, to whom all questions, comments and complaints should be addressed. You are also welcome to record your visit on the guestmap.