TNAG-1558-FCO40-2122-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 136

KAKM VA 1.MP

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To my knowledge, it is preferable to take this test outside Portugal; at, for example, the consulate in Hong Kong.

While learning another language may seem an unnecessary and perhaps unachievable accomplishment, remember that you learnt your native language with no effort when you were a child. You have the capacity to learn any other language no matter what your age.

However, you do not need to be fluent in Portuguese to pass this test. Depending on where you take the test (one reason I recommend Hong Kong) you basically need only to master about half the Linguaphone course in Portuguese. Further, you can take the test a number of times until you pass it. The questions and pro- cedures are basically identical each time. So no matter what your native language, you should not be afraid of this require- ment. It is not as difficult as it sounds--and in any case you have six years in which to master it.

Step #8. Having become a resident of Portugal (with the right but not the obligation to reside there), and having passed the Portuguese language test, you now have the right to become a Portuguese citizen and to own a Portuguese passport. However, you do not have to take this status immediately. Remember that under the principles of Roman law, a right is not an obligation.

Having met all the requirements, you can now choose whether to become a Portuguese national immediately, or maintain your status as a resident indefinitely. There are circumstances (see dual nationality below) in which you may wish to achieve the right to become a Portuguese citizen without, as yet, exercising that right.

If you choose to remain a resident, after six years as a resident, you only need to renew your right of residency every five years.

After you've been a resident for 20 years, your right to reside will be extended to the rest of your life.

The Portuguese alien passport

If your current travel document is restricted--for example, a Hong Kong Certificate of Identity--then upon completion of step #5 above you can immediately qualify for the issue of a "Portuguese alien passport."

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This is, in effect, the Portuguese equivalent of a Hong Kong Certificate of Identity. It is a travel document but, as with