How Long Until You Can Hold a Portuguese Passport?
- Canute Fernandes
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 14
The Portuguese Golden Visa offers one of the most efficient paths to EU citizenship—but only if you stay compliant and on schedule.
This interactive guide outlines:
📆 Every major milestone from month 1 to month 60
✅ Legal and linguistic obligations
🧠 Strategic checkpoints to avoid delays
Whether you’re in month 1 or 41, use this guide to benchmark your progress.
📍 Month-by-Month Citizenship Timeline (Golden Visa Path)
📌 Note: You must maintain legal residence, pass A2 language proof, and meet minimum stay requirements to apply at Month 60.
📅 Months 0–3: Investment & Initial Application
During the first three months, it's crucial to make the right choices.
Choose a qualifying investment (€250K+ cultural or €500K+ funds).
Secure a Portuguese NIF and open a bank account.
Appoint a legal representative (highly recommended).
Submit your Golden Visa application to AIMA via the online portal.
📎 Docs Required:
Passport, proof of investment, criminal record, NIF, tax ID
📅 Months 4–9: Biometrics & Pre-Approval
In this phase, you will focus on getting your biometrics done.
Attend your biometrics appointment in Portugal.
Wait for pre-approval confirmation from AIMA.
Receive your initial residence permit (valid for about 2 years).
🧾 Stay requirement begins: You must stay for at least 7 days during year 1.
📅 Months 10–24: Language Prep & First Renewal Prep
The next two years revolve around language preparation.
Begin A2 Portuguese lessons (recommended: LSBS certified course).
Prepare for the CIPLE A2 exam or complete a 150-hour language course.
Track your days in Portugal to meet the 7-day/year minimum.
🧠 LSBS Tip: Start A2 lessons early—students pass in 12–14.7 weeks on average.
📅 Months 25–27: First Renewal & Compliance Check
It's time for your first renewal.
Renew your residence card for an additional 3 years.
Submit proof of:
- Ongoing investment
- 14-day minimum stay over 2 years
- Clean record + compliance with AIMA regulations
📅 Months 28–48: Language Finalization & Exam
Focus shifts to finalizing your language requirements.
Complete the A2 requirement before Month 60.
Book the CIPLE exam with CAPLE (University of Lisbon).
Retake the exam if necessary (minimum 1–2 months of prep time between attempts).
🧠 Avoid panic in year 5: LSBS offers priority bookings and mock exam preparation.
📅 Months 49–59: Citizenship Document Assembly
Gathering documentation is the next step.
Collect all required documentation:
- Proof of residency + investment
- A2 exam certificate
- Criminal background check (including both home country and Portugal)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
Optional: Hire LSBS legal partner for citizenship file audit.
📁 Applications are submitted to the IRN (Registry Office), not AIMA.
📅 Month 60+: Apply for Citizenship
🎉 You’ve officially reached the 5-year mark!
Submit your citizenship application to the Portuguese Ministry of Justice.
Typical processing time: 6–14 months.
Dual citizenship is allowed ✅.
How LSBS Helps Along the Way
Phase | LSBS Service |
Language Prep | CAPLE-certified A2 tutoring & tracking |
Exam Booking | Concierge scheduling + preferred slots |
Family Support | Group planning & family dashboards |
Legal Advisory (Partnered) | File audits, document checks |
Progress Monitoring | Interactive checklist & email nudges |
Final Takeaway: The 5-Year Clock Is Manageable—If You Plan It
Many applicants miss the 60-month window because they overlook exams, renew late, or encounter family delays.
✅ Start now with LSBS to stay on track.
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