How can I apply for citizenship based on the time I have spent studying in Portugal?

Answers

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  Sara Sousa Rebolo

  Prime Legal

  February 01, 2024

  Currently, it is possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship based on 5 years of legal residence, which counts from the moment the applicant holds a Portuguese residence permit. For the purposes of counting the periods of legal residence provided for in this law, the sum of all periods of legal residence in the national territory, consecutive or interpolated, is considered, as long as they have elapsed within a maximum interval of 15 years. Currently, there is a proposal of amendment to include in such 5 years the waiting period for the legal residence to be granted.

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  Tiago Gali Macedo

  NEXT/Gali Macedo & Associados

  December 14, 2023

  To become a holder of a permanent residence card in Portugal (and eventualy apply for citizenship), you first need to obtain a temporary residence permit. After five years of maintaining the status, you can apply for permanent residence. The time of residence counts from the issuing of your first temporary residence permit. Residence permits in Portugal are obtained by study, employment or marriage with a citizen of Portugal, for family reunification.

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  Raquel de Matos Esteves

  RME Legal, Soc. de Advogados, SP, RL

  December 11, 2023

  The residence time considered to apply for citizenship includes the complete period of time the applicant was residing in Portugal under a valid residence document. If you have been studying with a proper residence permit, that time is considered. You can request a certificate from the immigration authorities for that purpose.