Is it not a dream of every Indian citizen to live in a developed nation like the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Australia or UAE? After all, the majority of the Indian population desires a well settled, luxurious life? So, we Indians try to migrate to different countries to lead a luxurious life, isn’t it? However, it is difficult to go to other countries, especially European countries as it requires the completion of a maze of procedures. Therefore, it is very tough to get a Student Visa or Work permit in the so-called developed countries.
Nevertheless, Goans, the people of Daman, Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli have a long history of Portuguese rule. They had a good opportunity to settle in European countries through a Portuguese passport. This article sheds light on this aspect as to why people of these areas of India get this special benefit.
The first question that comes to mind is why and how do the people of Goa, Daman and Diu get this special privilege? The second question happens to be: being an Indian citizen, how can one get a Portuguese passport and why from that country alone? Well, we will answer these questions one by one.
Why and how do people of Goa, Daman and Diu get this special privilege?
We all know India was under the rule of Britishers for almost 100 years. However, apart from the Britishers, there were some provinces of India which were under the rule of the Portuguese. These regions were Goa, Daman, Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Similarly, even the French ruled the Pondicherry region (Puducherry now).
India got independence on 15th August 1947. However, Goa, Daman and Diu became free on December 19, 1961. In fact, from 1947 to 1961 a person from other parts of India required a passport to go to these regions. Every year, the people of Goa and Daman celebrate liberation day as a commemoration of this special event in history.
When the Portuguese left Goa they gave the people of Goa, Daman, Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli the privilege of being Portuguese citizens.
Rules In Getting A Portuguese Passport?
If your grandparents were born in Goa or Daman before 1961 you are eligible for Portuguese nationality. You are also eligible for a Portuguese passport and you can enjoy the residency and free movement in European Union countries like France, Germany, England, Poland etc. So if you are planning to settle in any of the European Union countries and are eligible for the Portuguese citizenship, then you need to prepare the following documentation:
Procedure If Born Before 1961 In Goa, Daman and Diu
If you are born in Goa before 1961 then you need to have your birth certificate issued by Goa, Daman or Diu, Identity documents like an Indian passport which show photo identity, residential proof, etc
Procedure If Born After 1961
If you are born after 1961 then you have to give proof that your parents were born and residing in Goa before 1961. So you need to have your birth certificate, marriage certificate of your parents, in case of deceased then the death certificate of parents issued by Goa, Photo identity proof, Residential proof, etc
Till When Are The Rules Applicable?
This rule is applicable for the three generations, so those who are born in Goa are eligible for the Portuguese passport, whose parents or even grandparents are born in Goa and Daman, Diu or Dadra and Nagar Haveli. All of them are eligible for a Portuguese passport.
So, if you fall under any of the above three categories and are planning to settle abroad then go ahead and get your documents ready and apply for a Portuguese passport.
The Thoughts Of A Daman Resident Who Settled In The UK
Lloyd Periera and his family used to live in Daman. But now they are settled in the UK through a Portuguese passport. This is what he said about the subject to the NRI Vision.
“Hi my name is Lloyd Pereira and I came to the UK in 2006 via an Indian passport but my father had a Portuguese passport, so he came to the United Kingdom first in 2001 and sponsored us because he was born in Daman. It was easy for him to get a Portuguese passport because Daman Diu and Goa was a Portuguese colony and anyone born in any of these regions can apply for Portuguese citizenship. After gaining access to the passport one can go anywhere in Europe, except for the UK now, as it got separated from the European Union in 2020. Moreover, we have a Portuguese embassy in the UK based in London and Manchester.’
He added, “If anyone holds a European passport and has been living in the UK for 5 years or more then he or she can apply for a UK passport as well.”
