Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face a significant challenge after reportedly purchasing a home in sunny Portugal. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to have invested over $4.7 million in one of 300 residences being constructed at the 722-acre CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, an upscale development located about 81 miles south of Lisbon, according to The Mirror. However, their new property comes with a hurdle: obtaining European Union citizenship.

With the UK now fully outside the EU post-Brexit, Harry and Meghan must apply for Portuguese citizenship, which includes a language test. Portugal’s “Golden Visa” application process assesses candidates’ ability to use and understand everyday language, expressions, and basic phrases, as per Global Citizen Solutions. While Meghan, who speaks Spanish and French fluently, may find this manageable, Harry has admitted to not knowing a second language.

The Sussexes have several options for obtaining Portuguese citizenship, including five years of uninterrupted residency, having descendants from the country, or investing $540,000 through various means. Once they secure the visa, they can travel freely throughout Europe. The reason behind their choice of Portugal remains unclear, though one local businessman suggested that the privacy offered in the area might have influenced their decision. Privacy has always been a priority for the Sussexes, one of the main reasons they left royal life in 2020.

Interestingly, CostaTerra is part of Discovery Land Company, 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 through Jack Brooksbank, the husband of Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie, who works in the marketing and sales department. The couple currently divides their time between London and Portugal with their two sons, 3-year-old August and 16-month-old Ernest. Portugal is also considered one of the safest European countries to reside in, and its pristine beaches and sunny weather are likely to ease their transition from California.

However, the couple may need to work hard to win over the locals, some of whom were less than thrilled by the news of their rumored purchase.

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