Figures released Show over 84,000 Become Portuguese in 2012
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Portugal has always been a popular destination to relocate to, and more people than ever before are choosing this fantastic country to call their home. However, the figures for successful citizenship application did fall in 2012, and only 84,250 foreigners were granted citizenship. This still seems an incredible amount and proves that Portugal remains a firm favourite destination.
The data that was released by the Registry and Notary institute displayed a slight drop in numbers, but this in no way represents all of the people wanting to reside in Portugal. Throughout 2011, there were 86,971 successful applications to become a Portuguese citizen which is a staggering amount. These applications were mostly from Angola, Moldavia, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and Brazil.
There are also many applications that are turned down which can be for a number of reasons, and in 2012, there were 2,248 unsuccessful applications. The majority of refusals are straightforward and are often due to several reasons. These can include a lack of time spent in Portugal as a legal resident, applicant sentenced for a crime, or a deficiency of the Portuguese language.
You need to ensure that if you want to apply for citizenship in Portugal that you are committed to the country, and display a knowledge and love for the area. Learning the language, integrating into the way of life, and enjoying the country are just the first stages. Being married to a Portuguese citizen will help your application, but you need to have been married for over three years.
If you have at least one Portuguese parent this will also help and the longer you have been a legal resident the better. The committee will be more willing to consider your application if you have lived in Portugal legally for over six years. Unfortunately, too many people think that their application will be granted regardless of their circumstances.
There is a process to go through, and the Portuguese government want to ensure that citizenship is granted to the correct people. Although many applications are a success, a small majority do get refused, which can be upsetting for the applicant. However, the country wants to maintain the standard of people that they allow to become citizens.
The huge numbers of people seeking citizenship typically means that there are many applications pending. In the month of January there were 29,930 applications waiting to be processed. The debate continues why Portugal is so popular, and why so many people from other countries insist that this is the place for them to settle.
With so many amazing reasons to settle in Portugal, it is not surprising that the numbers continue to be high. The Portuguese people will welcome you with open arms, and ensure that if you decide to settle that the process is straightforward. Once your application is submitted you will need to wait for the decision from the committee, which can take some time.
If you are choosing to reside in Portugal for the right reasons, you will be patient and wait for the decision. Once you have been accepted, ease of movement throughout the EU will be far easier, and becoming a Portuguese citizen will open up many opportunities.
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Published in: Portuguese Life