Belkys B. Says:
My husband was born in the Azores, Portugal. He came to the United States as a child, and became an American Citizen. We would like to retire to the Azores.
Is my husband automatically a dual citizen or does he have to apply? What about me, as his spouse, and our kids and grandkids?
IL Chief Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says:
Hi there!
Congratulations on your plans to retire to the Azores! They are truly beautiful islands.
As a native-born Portuguese, your husband should have Portuguese citizenship already.
You didn’t mention whether he had any documentation to this effect, such as a birth certificate, passport, or ID card. If he doesn’t, he should approach the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate to start the process to get a Portuguese passport.
Since his parents were born in Portugal, as was he, there should be birth records to this effect. The Portuguese government will be able to locate them.
Marriage to a Portuguese citizen gives you the right to live in Portugal, including the Azores. You’re not automatically entitled to citizenship, however. You can become a naturalized Portuguese citizen after several years of residence and proof of ability to speak basic Portuguese.
Regarding your kids and grandkids, since your husband is a native Portuguese citizen, they can apply for citizenship as well.
Portugal and the United States accept dual citizenship, so that’s not an obstacle.
You can get more in-depth information about how to apply to dual Portuguese citizenship in The Passport Book, available on the IL Bookstore.
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