Portugal’s passport is ranked the fourth most powerful on the Global Index. That means its holders can enjoy visa-free travel to more than 174 countries across the EU. This adds to Portugal’s admirability as a home to savory food, abundant sunshine, picturesque landscapes, quality services, and favorable policies.
Owning a Portuguese passport can unlock a world of opportunities, whether you’re applying for work, studies, travel, or any other reason. The many benefits this passport offers explain why Portugal is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for expatriates looking for a second passport.
Although the passport application process is straightforward, mistakes can be made that could cost you time and money. But this guide is here to help with that!
Who Can Apply for Portugal Passport?
If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, you cannot embark on the application. Ideally, you should prove a connection to a Portuguese nationality to be eligible. However, in some cases, you can earn a Portuguese passport through investment programs like the Golden Visa.
The qualifications for a passport are almost the same as those for a citizenship application. First, you must have been born in Portugal. If so, you are eligible for a passport, even if your parents are citizens of another country. Still, you are eligible if you were not born in Portugal but one of your parents is a Portuguese citizen.
Additionally, you qualify if you are married or have been in a non-marital relationship with a Portuguese citizen for over 3 years.
The residency route to passport ownership requires that the applicant reside in Portugal for at least 5 years before the application. If you meet this qualification, then you should have a temporary residency.
Besides this, you need to have the necessary language skills (A2 level in Portuguese), a clean health record, a clean criminal record report from your country of residence, and submit a correctly filled-out application form.
Once the eligibility is checked, carry on with the application. But first, here are the mistakes to watch out for:
5 Costly Mistakes that Could Disqualify Your Portugal Passport Application
1. Filling the Application Forms Incorrectly
There are two ways to apply for a passport: visiting a physical office in the Portuguese consulate, a registry office in your residence, or Porto Airport or Lisbon Airport for urgent passports.
The second option is through an online application, which can be done by scheduling a service on the Siga scheduling portal or using the SigaApp for mobile application.
You must provide correct information while completing the form, regardless of the most convenient path. That means carefully reading each section, understanding the requirements, filling it out, and double-checking the details to correct errors before submission.
Applicants who rush through this stage often make mistakes. Follow all the instructions, provide all the required details, and leave no section blank.
2. Providing Incorrect Documents
The details you provide are mere claims without adequate supporting documents. These documents help to prove that you indeed meet the eligibility criteria. So, be sure to provide original copies of documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, clear passport photos, criminal records, proof of language proficiency, and proof of residency as required.
Additionally, provide the necessary documents to support the name change if it’s inconsistent with your other documents.
While providing incorrect or insufficient supporting documents might lead to automatic application rejection, it delays the process. Keep track of the application status by contacting the embassy/consulate or checking it online to resolve any issues immediately. Failing to provide the correct or additional information required within the timeline means you’ll receive your passport late.
3. Forgetting to Sign the Application Form
Once you have filled out your application forms, you are not done with the application until you have signed it. A signature is an integral part of your identity, showing approval that all the information provided is correct.
Your application will be rejected if your signature is missing or inconsistent with other official documents. So, sign the form in the space provided, match the signature with other identification documents, and use a quality pen to avoid smearing and damaging the form.
4. Payment Mistakes
Paying less than the required amount when paying the service fee is a payment mistake. The charges usually vary depending on the passport size and the application’s nature, whether a first-time or renewal. As a foreigner, you pay 111€ for a Portuguese passport with a 2-year validity.
Confirm the current charges from an official government website or at the embassies to avoid making payment mistakes. Also, inquire about the payment method and pay using the accepted one.
5. Missing Application Deadlines
The application process for a Portuguese passport is pretty straightforward. However, some people could fail to submit their applications within the set timeframes, leading to delays, especially when urgent. To avoid such inconveniences, find out the deadlines and timeframes and be sure to apply on time.
Conclusion
Whether your goal is to invest in Portugal’s booming economy or take advantage of visa-free travel to explore Spain’s rich dining scene, it all starts with getting your new passport stamped. However, you must be cautious of these costly mistakes that can set you back during your passport application.
Between filling out the forms and submitting them for review, give maximum attention to every step to ensure everything is done correctly for a successful passport application.
