Portugal has announced significant amendments to its nationality law following months of parliamentary debate and constitutional review. The revised law was officially signed by President António José Seguro on May 3, 2026, and is currently awaiting publication in the official gazette to enter into force, which is expected in mid-May 2026.
Key Changes to the Portuguese Nationality Law
1. Extension of Residency Requirement for Citizenship
One of the most significant changes is the increase in the residency period required to apply for citizenship:
- General Rule: Non-EU and non-Portuguese-speaking nationals are now required to complete 10 years of legal residency (previously 5 years).
- EU & Portuguese-speaking Countries: Nationals of EU member states and Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Angola are now required to complete 7 years of legal residency (previously 5 years).
2. Change in Residency Calculation Method
Under the new law, the residency period will be calculated starting from the date of issuance of the first residence permit, rather than the application submission date as was previously the case.
3. Protection for Existing Applications
In a positive development, the law states that:
- All citizenship applications submitted before the law’s publication date will continue to be processed under the previous 5-year rule, providing legal protection for current applicants.
4. Additional Requirements for Naturalization
To ensure genuine integration into Portuguese society, new requirements have been introduced:
- Civic Knowledge Test: A mandatory test covering Portuguese culture, history, and rights, in addition to the existing A2-level Portuguese language requirement.
- Stricter Security Screening: Applicants with serious criminal convictions will not be eligible for citizenship, under stricter criteria than before.
- Formal Declaration: Applicants must sign a declaration confirming their commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.
5. Impact on Golden Visa Holders
- Residency requirements remain unchanged at 7 days per year or 14 days every two years.
- However, eligibility for citizenship will now be after 10 years instead of 5 years (following the implementation of the new law).
- Key Advantage: Investors can still apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after 5 years, allowing them to live and work in Portugal without maintaining the investment (subject to different residency conditions).
- The residency period for citizenship eligibility begins from the date of issuance of the first residence permit.
6. Impact on Other Residency Programs in Portugal
- Residency requirements remain unchanged at 6 months per year.
- However, citizenship eligibility will now be after 10 years instead of 5 years (following the implementation of the new law).
- The residency period for citizenship eligibility begins from the date of issuance of the first residence permit.
What Do These Changes Mean for Investors?
These amendments reflect a clear shift toward tightening citizenship requirements while maintaining Portugal’s appeal as a destination for residency programs. The new framework aims to balance attracting investment with ensuring genuine integration into Portuguese society.
Despite the longer timeline to obtain a Portuguese passport, Portugal continues to offer one of the most flexible residency programs in Europe, with the possibility of obtaining permanent residency within a reasonable timeframe.
If you’re considering securing residency in Portugal before the new rules take full effect, explore our Portugal Golden Visa Program page or Book your free consultation to get personalized guidance.
