Dual Citizenship - Portugal/EU (best, life, cost, country) - City-Data Forum

TriMT7 · 09-18-2008, 02:01 PM

Hello,

I recently found out I can get dual citizenship (US and Portuguese), because my father is an immigrant to the United States from Portugal.

What would be the benefits of getting dual citizenship? Has anyone done it? What is the process?

I believe if I'm a Portuguese citizen, I can settle anywhere within the EU, despite being an "American first".... what would be some of the other benefits and detractions?

Uconn97 · 09-18-2008, 02:04 PM

tell me more please. I am also first generation in the US. Never thought about dual citizenship, but am curious why someone would want this. Sorry, not trying to hijack the thread, just curious!

internat · 09-18-2008, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uconn97

tell me more please. I am also first generation in the US. Never thought about dual citizenship, but am curious why someone would want this. Sorry, not trying to hijack the thread, just curious!

It's useful if a person would like to work within the European Union.

ButterflyUK · 09-18-2008, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TriMT7

Hello,

I recently found out I can get dual citizenship (US and Portuguese), because my father is an immigrant to the United States from Portugal.

What would be the benefits of getting dual citizenship? Has anyone done it? What is the process?

I believe if I'm a Portuguese citizen, I can settle anywhere within the EU, despite being an "American first".... what would be some of the other benefits and detractions?

Firstly you need to make sure that Protugal recognises dual citizenship. Spain does not. If you want to be Spanish you have to give up any other citizenship. Does your father have a Protugese passport? Is he still a portugese citizen? If he gave up his citizenship you may not be eligible.

There are many advantages to being dual. My son is dual Brit/American. I will be getting my dual British Citizenship soon as well. I think its a great thing. The world opens up to you. You, as a citizen of an EU country, can live in any EU country without needed a visa. Each country has different requirements to adhear to, like registering in Spain, but you may live there and work there. How awsome to live abroad for a few years and be able to work and experience more to life.

I say go for it if you can. Its a great opportunity. Protugal is amazingly beautiful. Spain is fantastic. Good luck.

TriMT7 · 09-18-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ButterflyUK

Firstly you need to make sure that Protugal recognises dual citizenship. Spain does not. If you want to be Spanish you have to give up any other citizenship. Does your father have a Protugese passport? Is he still a portugese citizen? If he gave up his citizenship you may not be eligible.

There are many advantages to being dual. My son is dual Brit/American. I will be getting my dual British Citizenship soon as well. I think its a great thing. The world opens up to you. You, as a citizen of an EU country, can live in any EU country without needed a visa. Each country has different requirements to adhear to, like registering in Spain, but you may live there and work there. How awsome to live abroad for a few years and be able to work and experience more to life.

I say go for it if you can. Its a great opportunity. Protugal is amazingly beautiful. Spain is fantastic. Good luck.

So I did some research.

Portugal does accept dual-citizenship.

My father is still a citizen (he never became a US citizen(, and retains his old Portuguese passport, though he hasn't been back in years. I think I'm definitely going to pursue it though... can never have too many options in life, right?

Uconn97 · 09-18-2008, 07:08 PM

Thanks all for the info. I don't plan on moving. My wifes family is here (US) as is most of mine now. Good infomation though!

souza · 01-12-2009, 09:09 AM

Hey Buddy... I was born in Lisbon, became an American Citizen, and am working in France right now. How awesome is this? Good Luck!

terceira1 · 02-12-2009, 07:48 PM

I will be turning 49 on valentines day. I was brought to the US from Portugal, adopted by an airforce family. I am having to prove my citizenship right now and having a heck of a time. I'm getting there though. You are entitled to dual citizenship, I have found out that all my children are entitled to this benefit also. I have been told the cost is $150.00. There are countries like France, Norway,and others provide free education, free medical, housing, 12 weeks vacation is the norm. I don't know about you but I'm all over it. Good Luck, I think you may need your fathers Portuguese passport, there may be other proof you can provide I haven't checked it out that far, first trying to legitmate myself.

bale002 · 02-13-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TriMT7

I believe if I'm a Portuguese citizen, I can settle anywhere within the EU, despite being an "American first".... what would be some of the other benefits and detractions?

The benefits are, first, being able to enter the EU - at least the Schengen countries - for an indefinite period of time without having to apply for a resident's permit.

Second, as mentioned, you can work anywhere in the EU. However, here the negative comes in: European taxation. On the other hand, also the benefits: your taxes pay for, most notably, health care (the good, the mediocre and the colossal errors, like in all systems), education, and public transport (depth and quality depending on country), among other things.

In short, the EU is great if you are student, retiree or, during your "working" years, lack ambition. But if you have ambitions of developing a business and enjoying the rewards and failures of your own risk-taking, the high taxation is a frustrating burden.

I would say go for the dual citizenship, save up as much as you can here in the US until retirement, hedge your dollars for euros, learn as much about the country, its language and its regions in the meantime, and think about/plan enjoying your retirement years there, or at least part-time if you can afford two domiciles.

All the best!

themickstr · 08-21-2009, 11:59 PM

I am in the process of obtaining my ID card from Portugal. My father immigrated here from the Azores many years ago. I really wanted to apply for dual citizenship. I began the process about 8 months ago last December with Julia from the Consulate of Portugal in San Francisco. She has been amazing. I believe my process has been relatively quick..... We began in December consummating my parents marriage in Portugal, then submitting my application of a birth seat. This process from when I applied for my birth seat till now was about 5 months..... extremely fast given it can take up to 2 years. Julie from the consulate is the one who helped me in so many ways. I am now registered as being born there! Now, I am waiting form my ID card which can take up to 2 months to be processed.

Items that you have to obtain:

Birth certificate of Mother/Father from Portugal/Azores
Your Birth certificate
Your Passport
Marriage certificate for your parents

I hope this is helpful and good luck!