The benefits of Portuguese citizenship are increasingly sought after by South Africans due to the country’s accessible and inclusive immigration laws, which invite foreigners to start afresh in a welcoming environment. With its rich cultural heritage and high quality of life, it’s no surprise that many people are looking into how to get Portuguese citizenship as a South African.
There are several ways in which a South African can obtain citizenship in Portugal, including citizenship by descent, citizenship by marriage, citizenship by naturalisation, citizenship through the golden visa programme or residency by investment programme, and citizenship by adoption. Each of these routes offers the chance to enjoy the benefits of European Union citizenship, including the freedom to work, live, study and travel throughout the Schengen area and all EU countries, opening up a world of opportunities. Given that both South Africa and Portugal permit dual citizenship, South African citizens have the opportunity to obtain a new nationality while retaining their original one. This can lead to a more enriching global experience.
This article explores the routes to citizenship in Portugal for South Africans, covering the legal requirements, documentation and procedures to help you navigate the process.
Routes to obtaining citizenship in Portugal as a South African
There are several pathways to Portuguese citizenship for South Africans, each with its own unique requirements and considerations, depending on the individual circumstances.
- The Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program allows to obtain residency and eventually citizenship through qualifying investments. In 2012, the Portuguese government launched the Golden Visa program. All you have to do to qualify for citizenship under this program is make a qualified investment and spend an average of seven days a year in the nation throughout the five-year residency period.
Documents needed for the Portugal Gloden visa:
- Valid passport.
- Applicant’s birth certificate.
- Proof of qualifying investment (e.g., property deeds, business registration, or bank statements).
- Police clearance certificate..
- Portuguese tax number (NIF).
- Proof of meeting minimum residency requirements.
- Citizenship by marriage
After three years of officially recognised cohabitation or three years of marriage to a Portuguese national, you can become a Portuguese citizen. There is no residency requirement, but you must demonstrate a link to the Portuguese community. And your citizenship is not taken away if you later get divorced.
Documents needed for Portuguese citizenship by marriage:
- Valid passport or identification document.
- Applicant’s birth certificate.
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Spouse’s Portuguese birth certificate or proof of Portuguese citizenship.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Proof of three years of marriage or partnership.
- Evidence of ties to Portugal (if requested), such as language proficiency, residence, or community involvement.
- Citizenship by descent
Portuguese citizenship by descent, commonly known as ‘jus sanguinis’, enables those of Portuguese heritage to seek citizenship through familial ties. Those with deep cultural or historical ties to Portugal will find this route particularly appealing. If one of your parents is Portuguese, you might qualify for Portuguese citizenship. You must have your birth registered with the Portuguese civil registration or proclaim that you want to be Portuguese. You may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship if you were born in a Portuguese territory, such as Macau, East Timor, or Portuguese India, and at least one of your parents was born and resided in Portugal at the time of your birth. You can also be granted citizenship by descent if one of your grandparents is Portuguese.
Documents needed for Portuguese citizenship by descent:
- Valid passport.
- Applicant’s birth certificate.
- Parent’s or grandparent’s Portuguese birth certificate or proof of Portuguese citizenship.
- Proof of descent, such as marriage certificates or other documents linking you to your Portuguese ancestor.
- Police clearance certificate from your country of residence and any other countries where you’ve lived.
- Citizenship by naturalisation
Portuguese citizenship by residence, commonly known as naturalization, is a process for people who have lawfully lived in Portugal for at least five years and want to become citizens. Those who have developed close ties to the nation over time are eligible for this option. Your application might be strengthened by proof of integration, such as work, education, or social ties. In addition to not having committed any major crimes in Portugal or outside, you must also have a basic understanding of the Portuguese language.
Documents needed for Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation:
- Valid passport or residence card.
- Applicant’s birth certificate.
- Proof of legal residency in Portugal for at least five years (e.g., residence permits).
- Criminal record certificate from Portugal and other countries where you’ve lived.
- Portuguese language proficiency certificate (A2 level).
- Evidence of integration, such as employment, education, or community ties.
- Citizenship through adoption
Citizenship is available to minors under the age of eighteen who have been adopted by Portuguese citizens. Portuguese authorities must formally recognize the adoption. The adoption application process is identical to other types in that you must supply identification, adoption paperwork, and proof of your connection to Portugal.
Documents needed for Portuguese Citizenship through adoption:
- Applicant’s birth certificate.
- Proof of legal adoption by Portuguese citizen(s).
- Criminal record certificate (if over 16 years old).
General supporting documents for Portuguese citizenship, if required:
- Proof of address (utility bills, rental agreements, etc.).
- Tax identification number (if applicable).
- Application forms provided by the Civil Registry or consulate.
- Payment of applicable fees (proof of receipt).
Document legalisation requirements for Portugal citizenship application
A key requirement for applicants seeking Portuguese nationality is often overlooked: the validation of documents issued in South Africa. According to Portuguese legal regulations, foreign documents are only valid in Portuguese territory when they have been apostilled or legalised. Documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, and others are fundamental to proving identity, marital status, good conduct, and other aspects that directly influence eligibility for Portuguese citizenship.
The legalisation process is not simply a bureaucratic formality; it is a formal endorsement of the information presented, ensuring its acceptance and recognition by relevant Portuguese authorities. This process also aims to protect against fraud and forgery, promoting the integrity and security of the country’s legal and administrative system.
How Global Apostille can help you with your Portuguese citizenship application?
Global Apostille specialises in facilitating the procurement and apostille of various documents critical to Portugal citizenship application for South Africans, including SAPS Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs) and DHA certificates. Our experienced team ensures accurate and efficient processing, providing peace of mind. We offer:
- Document Assistance: We help with compiling and assembling all required paperwork, making sure nothing is missed.
- Application Fast tracking: our experienced team aware of the proper channels and processes to use when submitting your application, which speeds up the process and lowers the risk of mistakes.
- Collection: Global Apostille will monitor the progress of your application, provide updates and ensure prompt collection of the final Police Clearance Certificate and courier delivery to you.
- Apostille & Translation: We can also assist with Dirco express Apostille and certified translation.
For more information, please contact us at: Tel: 012 348 3134; Mobile: 081 347 6060; Email: info@apostillelegalisation.co.za
FAQs How to get Portuguese citizenship as a South African?
1. Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes! In Portugal, dual citizenship is entirely allowed, just as it is in South Africa.
2. How long does it take to get Portuguese dual citizenship?
Portuguese citizenship applications can take 6 to 24 months, but they are generally processed in a year.
3. Are you a Portuguese citizen if you are born in Portugal?
Generally, yes—especially if one of your parents is a Portuguese citizen at the time of your birth or if you are stateless.
4. How do I make an appointment at the Portuguese consulate in Pretoria?
You may do it online at https://pretoria.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt/en/consular-section/book-an-appointment .If you’re not successful, please reach out to sconsular.pretoria@mne.pt .
5. How much does it cost to get Portuguese citizenship?
- For the Portuguese Golden Visa, you’ll need an Investment of a minimum of €500,000 in a Portuguese investment fund or a €250,000 donation.
- For citizenship by birth, you’ll need €225 (R4297.50)
- For citizenship by descent, you’ll need €175 (R3342)
- For citizenship by marriage, you’ll need €250 (R4775)
- The naturalisation procedure costs €250 (R4775)
