According to comprehensive reports from WorldWay: After obtaining a Portuguese Golden Residence Permit through property investment, how does one apply to become an EU citizen? This has always been a topic of great concern for many Chinese investors.
WorldWay European immigration experts explain: As a Chinese citizen, even if you hold a Portuguese long-term residence permit, you are not permitted to open a business, establish a company, or work legally in other European countries. Once you possess Portuguese nationality, you become a citizen of an EU member state and can move freely within any EU country. Consequently, your various commercial or personal activities will no longer be restricted by your status. So, how can one obtain Portuguese nationality? What is the application procedure?
In the Portuguese Nationality Law (Decreto-Lei nº 237-A/2006) promulgated on December 14, 2006, Article 19, Paragraph 1 clearly stipulates that any legal adult (18 years of age or older) who has resided in Portugal for more than six years, has a basic command of the Portuguese language, and has not been sentenced to any cumulative prison term of three years or more during their time in Portugal, may apply for Portuguese nationality. The regulation also specifies that the necessary documents for the nationality application include: a birth certificate, a certificate of no criminal record, and proof of language proficiency.
In addition to the required documents mentioned above, an application form must be submitted. For many Chinese residents in Portugal who may not have full command of the language, it is generally advisable to have this application handled by a lawyer. If the application is handled by someone else, a relevant power of attorney must also be submitted.
It should be specifically noted that when obtaining the certificate of no criminal record, ensure that the specific years are clearly stated without any gaps. For example: If applying on August 1, 2014, the format of the certificate of no criminal record should be: [Name], during the period of residence in China, up to August 1, 2014, has no criminal record.
The entire nationality application process is concise and clear. The Civil Registry Office commits to conducting a case review and analysis within 30 working days after accepting the application. If the applicant is required to submit any supplementary materials, a notification will be issued within 20 working days. Once the materials have been reviewed, the registration procedures will be completed within 60 working days, and the applicant will be notified of the granting of Portuguese nationality. If the application is rejected, the registry center is obligated to explain the reasons for the refusal to the applicant within 30 working days.
In addition to this, there are other ways to apply for nationality, such as through legal marriage or a cohabitation relationship with a Portuguese national. For children born in Portugal, if one of their parents holds a Portuguese long-term residence status, they can apply for Portuguese nationality directly at the time of birth registration.
Article Source Puhua Bao
http://www.puhuabao.com/portal/lei/dongfang/1140-2010-10-11-11-48-38
WorldWay Editor
