Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have one major hurdle to overcome following their rumored house purchase in sunny Portugal.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly splashed out on one of 300 soon-to-be constructed residences at the 722-acre CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club — a plush development about 81 miles south of Lisbon.
The pair are said to have forked over more than $4.7 million on the purchase, the Mirror reports.
But after signing on the dotted line, it appears as though the duo now have an obstacle to overcome: obtaining a European Union citizenship.
Such a citizenship would allow the couple to travel freely through the Schengen area, which covers 29 countries.
But with the UK fully out of the EU post-Brexit, Harry and Meghan must file a Portuguese citizenship application, which requires a language test.
According to Global Citizen Solutions, Portugal’s so-called “Golden Visa” application process tests prospective candidates’ ability to use and understand everyday language, expressions and basic phrases.
While learning a new language doesn’t seem to be a problem for the “Suits” alum — who can speak Spanish and French fluently — the same cannot be said for Harry, who has admitted to not knowing a second language.
The Sussexes are offered a range of options when applying for a Portuguese citizenship — these include five years of uninterrupted residency, having ancestors from the country, or investing $540,000 through investment funds, scientific research, local companies and/or businesses.
Upon obtaining the sought-after visa, the pair would be able to travel throughout Europe unhindered.
While it’s unclear exactly why the pair opted for a home in Portugal, one local businessman recently suggested that the privacy offered in the area could be the reason behind their decision.
Indeed, the search for privacy has always been at the forefront of the Sussexes’ minds, and one of the main reasons they decided to quit royal life in 2020.
What’s more, CostaTerra is part of Discovery Land Company, an enterprise founded by Mike Meldman, who, along with George Clooney, invested in the billion-dollar tequila company, Casamigos.
The Sussexes also have a family connection with the company.
Jack Brooksbank, the husband of Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie, works for Discovery Land Company in their marketing and sales department.
The couple already divide their time between London and Portugal along with their two sons, 3-year-old August and 16-month-old Ernest.
Not to mention, Portugal is considered one of the safest European countries to reside in. And the pristine beaches paired with sunny weather is guaranteed to make their transition from California an easy one.
However, the pair may have to work extra hard to befriend the locals in the area, some of whom were left unimpressed by news of their rumored purchase.
