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Business Setup and Support in Portugal GET PORTUGAL CITIZENSHIP

Pavlo Shumskyi

Lawyer

E-mail

shumskyi@prikhodko.com.ua

Phone numbers

Specializes in international migration issues – registration of documents in Ukraine and abroad (Hungary, Romania, China, Türkiye, Israel, etc.) for citizens of Ukraine and foreigners.

GET PORTUGAL CITIZENSHIP

Q: Do I need to renounce my Ukrainian citizenship to get a Portuguese passport?

No, you do not. Portuguese legislation officially recognizes and permits multiple citizenships. You have the full right to keep your Ukrainian passport and simultaneously be a full citizen of the Portuguese Republic.

Modern realities force many Ukrainians to seek stability, security, and new opportunities outside their native country.

Obtaining Portuguese citizenship is one of the most promising and reliable paths to full integration into European society. A Portuguese passport opens doors to all European Union countries, guarantees a high level of social protection, quality healthcare, and prestigious education for your children.

Our legal company provides professional support at every stage of legalization, helping Ukrainians go through this complex bureaucratic process as quickly, lawfully, and stress-free as possible.

We will examine all the nuances in detail so you can make an informed decision and start your path to a European future today.

Why is a Portuguese passport your best choice?

Obtaining a Portuguese passport gives its owner a number of undeniable advantages that make this jurisdiction one of the most attractive in the world:

Freedom of movement: Visa-free or simplified entry to over 180 countries worldwide, including the USA, Canada, Great Britain, and Japan.
European rights: The opportunity to legally live, work, run a business, and study in any of the 27 European Union countries without additional permits.
Multiple citizenship: Portuguese law allows for dual citizenship. You will not have to renounce your Ukrainian passport when obtaining a Portuguese one.
Favorable tax climate: The possibility of tax optimization for businesses and individuals, particularly through special regimes for new residents.
High quality of life: Comfortable climate, low crime rate, friendly local population, and affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries.

Main routes: how can a Ukrainian obtain Portuguese citizenship?

In accordance with the current Law on Nationality (Lei da Nacionalidade), there are several legal grounds for acquiring citizen status. Our migration lawyer will help you choose the optimal strategy for your specific situation.

Naturalization (based on time of residence)

This is the most common way for most migrants. To obtain Portuguese citizenship through naturalization, you must legally reside in the country (hold a residence permit — VNZh) for a minimum of 5 years.

An important nuance for Ukrainians: the period of stay under temporary protection status is also counted toward this five-year period.

Through marriage or common-law partnership

If you are in a legal marriage or a documented common-law partnership (união de facto) with a Portuguese citizen for more than 3 years, you have the right to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

It is important to prove a close connection to the Portuguese community (e.g., knowledge of the language, joint property, etc.).

By right of birth and descent

Children born in Portugal to foreigners automatically receive a passport if at least one parent has legally resided in the country for at least one year at the time of the child’s birth.

Foreigners who have Portuguese parents or grandparents can also apply for status.

Portuguese citizenship through investment (“Golden Visa”)

Individuals who have made significant investments in the country’s economy (for example, investments in investment or venture funds amounting to 500,000 euros or more, job creation, or funding scientific research) receive a Temporary Residence Permit (VNZh) through an accelerated procedure.

After 5 years of maintaining the investment, the investor and their family members can apply for a passport. Note that real estate investments no longer qualify for the “Golden Visa” since the end of 2023.

Procedure steps and required documents

The process of acquiring citizenship requires meticulous preparation. Even the smallest mistake in the documents can lead to rejection or months of delays in case review. The basic package of documents includes:

Birth certificate (with apostille and notarized translation).
Valid foreign passport.
Certificate of no criminal record from Ukraine and all countries where you have lived for more than 1 year after reaching the age of 16 (apostilled).
Confirmation of legal residence in Portugal (residence permit cards).
Certificate of successful completion of the state Portuguese language exam at the A2 level (CIPLE).

After gathering the dossier, documents are submitted to the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN). The stage of checks by the Immigration Service (AIMA) and the police then begins.

Cost of services and comparison of terms

When choosing the path of legalization, it is important to understand the time frames and basic requirements. Below is a summary of the main directions.

Grounds for obtaining status	Minimum period of legal status	Need to pass a language exam
Naturalization (work, business, protection)	From 5 years from the date of obtaining the Temporary Residence Permit	Mandatory (A2 level)
Marriage to a Portuguese citizen	From 3 years of being in the marriage	Desirable (as proof of connection to the country)
By descent (children of residents)	1 year of legal status of parents	No (for minor children)
Investment program (funds)	5 years in investor status (7 days/year)	Mandatory (A2 level)

Why should you entrust the matter to our migration lawyer?

Going through bureaucratic procedures independently often leads to a loss of time, money, and nerves. Legal support is your guarantee of safety. We offer:

Detailed audit of your case: We assess the chances and select an individual strategy.
“Turnkey” dossier preparation: We organize translations, apostille, and filling out forms in Portuguese.
Representation of interests: We interact with Portuguese state bodies (IRN, AIMA) by power of attorney, without your mandatory presence in queues.
Transparent pricing: We draw up a clear contract specifying the final price of the lawyer’s services for obtaining Portuguese citizenship without hidden fees.

How much does it cost to obtain Portuguese citizenship?

The cost depends on the chosen grounds, the number of family members, and the required scope of work with documents. Contact us for an individual calculation.

Time is your most valuable resource. The sooner you start the legalization process, the faster you will receive the desired EU passport.

Don’t put off your future. Sign up for an initial consultation with a migration lawyer right now!

Leave an application on the website or call us, and we will make the process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship fast, clear, and successful.

Calculate the cost of services

1 question

Are you currently in Ukraine?

Yes

2 question

Are you currently in Portugal?

Yes

3 question

Do you have grounds for obtaining Portuguese citizenship?

Yes

4 question

Do you need a consultation urgently?

Yes

FAQ

Do I need to renounce my Ukrainian citizenship to get a Portuguese passport?

No, you do not. Portuguese legislation officially recognizes and permits multiple citizenships.

You have the full right to keep your Ukrainian passport and simultaneously be a full citizen of the Portuguese Republic.

How long does it take to review the citizenship application after submitting the documents?

Due to the high workload on state bodies (IRN), the official process of reviewing the case currently takes an average of 18 to 24 months from the moment the full package of documents is submitted.

This period may be extended if additional certificates are required.

Is it mandatory to pass the Portuguese language exam, and how difficult is it?

Yes, to obtain citizenship through naturalization or investment, you must provide a certificate of language proficiency at the A2 level (basic level).

The exam (CIPLE) consists of understanding simple texts, basic conversation on everyday topics, and writing a short letter. With regular classes, you can prepare for it in 4-6 months.

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