Harry and Meghan’s major hurdle to secure EU citizenship after buying Portugal home

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly bought a property in Portugal, with speculation mounting they are looking to secure EU citizenship to travel freely through the Schengen area.

Harry and Meghan have reportedly purchased a house in Portugal (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly purchased a new home in Portugal, as they establish a European base.

The exact location of their new property remains undisclosed, but it’s speculated to be on the less-touristy West Coast rather than the popular Algarve region.

Their friend, Princess Eugenie, owns a home in Melides, just south of Lisbon, leading to speculation that the Sussexes’ new abode might be nearby. The Atlantic coast offers more privacy and is considered one of Europe’s ‘hidden gem’ destinations.

The acquisition has sparked rumours that the couple could potentially gain EU citizenship, allowing them free travel through the Schengen area, which encompasses 29 countries. However, to obtain Portuguese citizenship, which is deemed relatively easy, they would need to pass a language test.

Despite the test being considered at an easy standard, Harry and Meghan would still need to prepare for it.

Global Citizen Solutions has outlined that the test “tests applicants’ ability to use and understand everyday language and expressions, such as talking about yourself and basic phrases you might use on a daily basis”. Meghan, who abandoned her plans to become a British citizen in 2020, is proficient in Spanish and French – languages that share similarities with Portuguese, reports the Scottish Daily Express.

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Harry, meanwhile, has admitted he’s not fluent in any language other than English, though he has some knowledge of French and German. The couple may need to hit the books in Montecito if they’re aiming for Portugal’s ‘golden visa’.

There are several routes to Portuguese citizenship, including five years of continuous residence, having Portuguese descendants, or being married to a Portuguese national for three years. For Harry and Meghan, the most applicable option could be an investment of €500,000 in areas like investment funds, scientific research, or local businesses, which can pave the way for their application.