I'm 22 years old and an American by birth. I am looking at moving to Portugal for a few years after school, and would like to finally apply for my dual citizenship. I know the US frowns on this, but I also know by law that I can have a dual citizenship with the US and Portugal. My dad is Portuguese and I have family living over there that I've met only once when I was born. I'm trying to figure out how to apply for this and if I need to know the language right away esp. since I'm over 18. I'm taking courses, but there's never been a school program that offered it so I'm on my own. My dad's helping, but he's also in FL and I'm in VA so we're practicing by phone right now. Could someone please help me figure out what to do.

MsAussie

Also, if it's not clear I AM NOT PLANNING ON GIVING UP MY US CITIZENSHIP, but I DO want to live and work for awhile abroad and spend time with this other half of my family that I haven't been able to know over the years

Larissa Bona

Dear MsAussie,

You are eligible to apply for the native Portuguese citizenship because your father is Portuguese.

At a first sight, I could say that your age would not be a problem for you to apply for the Portuguese citizenship if your parents were married when you were born.

There is no need for you to prove that you can speak Portuguese, because this would not harm your application.

You are entitled to the Portuguese citizenship just because your father is Portuguese and that is enough to justify your application, the knowledge of Portuguese is indifferent.

I would need to make you some questions in order to provide accurate information about your applications, documents you must gather and etc.

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