Portugal Eases Citizenship Laws: Golden Visa Changes & Potential U.S. Visa-Free Travel
Portugal has made significant changes to its citizenship laws, making it easier for children born in the country to obtain citizenship. The 'Amigos Act' also promises visa-free travel between Portugal and the U.S. for Portuguese citizens.
Portugal's Golden Visa program, which offers residency in exchange for investment, has been further enhanced. A child born in Portugal to a parent holding a Golden Visa, who has resided in the country for at least a year, can now automatically gain Portuguese citizenship at birth. Previously, this was not the case, and children had to wait until they were five years old to apply for citizenship.
The Portuguese government has also reduced the residency requirement for citizenship at birth from two years to one year. This change, introduced on November 11th, 2020, simplifies the process for those born in Portugal to foreign parents, regardless of their parents' visa status. In 2018, Portugal also reduced the residency requirement for naturalization through the Golden Visa program from six years to five years.
These changes aim to attract more foreign investors and families to Portugal. The potential passage of the 'Amigos Act' would further facilitate travel and business between Portugal and the U.S., making Portugal an attractive option for those seeking EU citizenship with visa-free access to the U.S.
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