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Portuguese citizenship gives you the right to live, work and study in Portugal and other countries in the European Union without having to obtain a residence permit. You also get the right to a Portuguese passport and can normally keep your original nationality.
There are numerous ways to acquire Portuguese citizenship.Citizenship can be obtained by Portuguese parents or grandparents, marriage to a Portuguese citizen, birth in Portugal or legal residence.
It is contingent upon your situation what you require. Some applicants are able to get citizenship without ever having lived in Portugal, whilst others must complete a qualifying period of residence.
The Portuguese Nationality Law has been significantly changed on 19 May 2026, with longer residence requirements and additional naturalization conditions. Applications pending at the time the new law comes into force are dealt with under the old legislation.
How to get Portuguese citizenship in 2026? Documents you might need, costs of application and what to expect during the process
Portuguese Citizenship Requirements in 2026
Step one: Understand which nationality route applies to you. Portuguese law distinguishes between nationality by origin, acquisition through family relationships and naturalization.
| Citizenship route | Main eligibility requirement |
|---|---|
| Portuguese parent | Having a Portuguese mother or father, subject to the applicable registration rules |
| Portuguese grandparent | Having a Portuguese grandparent by origin and meeting the legal requirements |
| Marriage | Being married to a Portuguese citizen for more than 3 years |
| De facto partnership | Living in a legally recognised partnership with a Portuguese citizen for more than 3 years |
| Legal residence | Generally 10 years, or 7 years for EU and Portuguese-speaking country nationals |
| Portuguese great-grandparent | Specific naturalisation route requiring at least 5 years of legal residence |
| Birth in Portugal | Eligibility depends on the parents’ circumstances and the applicable legal provisions |
These routes have different documentary and legal requirements. For naturalization or applications through grandparents knowledge of Portuguese may be required, but not all persons applying for nationality will necessarily need to know Portuguese.
Ways to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship
Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
If you were born abroad but one of your parents is Portuguese, you may be entitled to Portuguese nationality by origin.
Applicants will normally be asked to provide birth certificates showing their connection to the Portuguese parent. Depending on the family history, marriages or other civil registry events will also need to be registered in Portugal.
Grandchildren of Portuguese citizens by origin may also qualify, without the need to live in Portugal, provided they fulfilll the legal requirements, including demonstrating a link to the Portuguese community.
Great-grandchildren have a more restricted route. Under the 2026 legislation, a specific naturalisation provision allows eligible great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens by origin to apply after at least five years of legal residence in Portugal.
In some families, it may be worth examining whether citizenship can first be established through an earlier generation.
For the documents and procedures involved, see our guide to Portuguese citizenship by descent.
Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage
Foreigners married to Portuguese citizens for more than 3 years can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
There is no general rule that you have to live in Portugal for a certain number of years before applying through marriage.
Nevertheless, the authorities may take into account the links of the applicant with the Portuguese community.The 2026 legislation limits the grounds for opposition based on insufficient connection in certain circumstances, including where the marriage has lasted more than six years or the couple has common Portuguese children.
A de facto partnership may also qualify after more than three years but the relationship must be recognised through the appropriate judicial procedure.
Nationality is not automatically acquired by marriage. Applicants must submit a formal request with the required documentation.
Read more about Portuguese citizenship by marriage.
Portuguese Citizenship by Legal Residence
Naturalization through residence is one of the main routes for foreign nationals who have established their lives in Portugal.
Under the Nationality Law introduced in May 2026, the general qualifying periods are:
| Applicant nationality | Legal residence required |
|---|---|
| EU member state nationals | 7 years |
| Nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries | 7 years |
| Other foreign nationals | 10 years |
Applicants must also meet the remaining naturalisation requirements.
These include sufficient knowledge of Portuguese language and culture, Portuguese history and national symbols, fundamental rights and duties, and the organisation of the Portuguese state.
The law also provides for a declaration of adherence to democratic rule-of-law principles, financial self-sufficiency and checks relating to criminal convictions and national security.
The practical evidence required for some of these newer conditions is subject to the applicable regulations and administrative procedures.
Importantly, applications that were already pending when the new law entered into force on 19 May 2026 continue under the previous nationality legislation.
Portuguese Citizenship by Birth
Children born in Portugal may acquire Portuguese nationality, depending on the nationality, residence history and other circumstances of their parents.
A child born in Portugal to Portuguese parents is generally Portuguese by birth.
For children with foreign parents, the situation is more complicated.The 2026 legislation has requirements on the legal residence of a parent . Different provisions apply if the nationality is claimed by origin or by naturalization .
Parents shouldn’t assume that a child is automatically Portuguese if born in Portugal. It’s a case-by-case matter.
For a detailed explanation of eligibility, parental residence requirements and the application process, read our guide to Portuguese citizenship by birth.
Portuguese Citizenship Through the Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa programme is a way to get legal residency through eligible investments. It does not grant Portuguese citizenship directly.
Investors who maintain their residence status may eventually qualify for naturalisation under the applicable nationality rules.
Under the current framework, the general residence requirement is seven years for eligible EU or Portuguese-speaking country nationals and ten years for other foreign nationals.
Golden Visa holders must also meet the relevant language, civic, documentary and legal requirements.
The programme remains attractive to investors who cannot relocate permanently to Portugal, because its minimum physical-presence requirements are relatively limited.
However, maintaining Golden Visa residence and qualifying for citizenship are separate legal matters. Investment alone does not guarantee nationality.
For more information about qualifying investments, residency requirements and the pathway to nationality, see our guide to Portuguese citizenship by investment.
Documents Required for Portuguese Citizenship
What documents you need will depend on the route you take, your nationality and personal circumstances.
Typical requirements are a valid ID, a full birth certificate and official documents to support the legal basis of the application.
Applicants through descent may need Portuguese birth records for parents or grandparents, together with certificates establishing the family relationship.
Marriage applications generally require evidence of the marriage or judicial recognition of a de facto partnership.
Residence-based applicants may need evidence of their legal residence history, criminal record certificates and documents demonstrating compliance with the naturalisation requirements.
Foreign certificates may require an apostille or consular legalization. Documents issued in other languages may also need certified Portuguese translations.
It is advisable to read the documents prior to submission.Any differences in the names, dates, or family information may result in further requests and substantial delays.
How to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship
Typically, once your eligibility has been confirmed, the application will proceed through a series of administrative steps.
Step 1 – Verify your route to citizenship
Check your eligibility by descent, marriage, residence or any other legal provision. This includes documents, government fees and requirements.
Step 2 – Gather the documents
Get the necessary birth certificates, marriage records, identification, criminal record certificates and other supporting evidence.
Step 3 – Fill out the application
Complete the appropriate nationality declaration or application form. Confirm personal details match supporting documents.
Step 4 – File the Application
The applications can be done through the appropriate Portuguese registry services or consular channels depending on the procedure. The official online platform can be used by lawyers and solicitors registered in Portugal to submit qualifying nationality applications.
Step 5 – Track your application
You can track the process via the Portuguese nationality tracking portal with the access code that will be provided to you once you have registered.
Step 6 – Confirmation of nationality
If the application is accepted, the nationality is registered in the Portuguese civil register. The applicant may then apply for the proper Portuguese identification documents.
Portuguese Citizenship Costs in 2026
Government fees vary depending on the nationality procedure.
For example, the published IRN fee schedule provides for €175 for certain adult nationality-attribution procedures and €250 for many adult nationality-acquisition and naturalisation applications.
Some procedures involving minors may be free or subject to different charges.
| Expense | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Nationality attribution for an adult | €175 for applicable procedures |
| Nationality acquisition or naturalisation for an adult | €250 for applicable procedures |
| Birth certificates and civil records | Depends on document and issuing country |
| Apostilles and certified translations | Varies |
| Language examination or accepted training | Depends on the qualification |
| Professional assistance | Depends on the case and services required |
Government fees should be confirmed for the exact application category before submission.
Applicants using professional assistance should also distinguish the official nationality fee from legal representation, document preparation and other third-party expenses.
Get In Touch With Us
Portugal Residency Advisors® has helped hundreds of international families and investors secure residency, citizenship, and investments in Portugal. Get in touch with a specialist today and discover how we can help you start your journey to Portugal.
Portuguese Language Requirements
The knowledge of the Portuguese language is an important requirement for several nationality routes, but not all candidates will have to take the same exam.
To prove you have a basic knowledge of Portuguese, one of the ways is to pass the CIPLE exam, which is equivalent to A2 level.
However, the 2026 naturalization framework also imposes requirements on the knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, national symbols and civic knowledge. Applicants should therefore check what evidence is accepted for their particular procedure rather than assuming that an A2 certificate alone meets all requirements.
Some applicants can use recognised educational qualifications or other accepted certificates. Certain nationality routes do not require the same language evidence.
For information about the examination itself, read our CIPLE Portuguese Language Test guide.
Portuguese Citizenship Processing Time
Portuguese citizenship applications can take a lot longer than applicants think.
The length of time depends on which national route you are applying under, how busy the registry office is, how complete your documents are and if any further checks need to be done.
Some applications may take 1-2 years to be finished, while some can be pending for a longer period of time.These are indicative timescales and not guarantyd official deadlines.
During the review, the authorities may request additional documentation.Applicants should respond promptly and confirm official communications.
If the case has been unduly prolonged to the detriment of fundamental rights, legal intervention may be worth considering. But court proceedings do not guaranty approval or a specific processing deadline.
Our dedicated guide explains Portuguese citizenship processing times and delays in greater detail.
Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship
The Portuguese citizenship grants permanent nationality with rights that go beyond those of a residence permit.
As a Portuguese and EU citizen, you can generally live, work and study in other EU countries under the applicable European free-movement rules.
You can also obtain a Portuguese passport, participate in Portuguese national elections and access rights associated with EU citizenship.
Portuguese nationality is not dependent on maintaining a residence permit or spending a minimum number of days in Portugal each year.
Portugal also permits dual nationality. Whether you can retain your existing citizenship depends on the laws of your other country of nationality.
Depending on the applicable rules, Portuguese citizenship can also open the door for families to give nationality opportunities to children and future generations.
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Portuguese Citizenship vs Permanent Residency
There is a difference between Portuguese citizenship and Portuguese permanent residency.
Permanent residency provides a more stable basis for living in Portugal than a temporary residence permit, but the status remains subject to legal conditions.
Portuguese citizenship is nationality itself. It does not require residence permit renewals and provides broader political and EU citizenship rights.
Permanent residency may be available after five years of qualifying legal residence, even where the individual does not yet meet the longer residence period now required for naturalisation.
For someone who intends to live in Portugal indefinitely, permanent residency can therefore be an important intermediate option. Our guide to permanent residency in Portugal explains the eligibility requirements, application process and benefits in more detail.
Citizenship may be more suitable for those seeking permanent EU nationality rights, greater mobility and the possibility of passing Portuguese nationality to future generations.
How Portugal Residency Advisors Can Help
Obtaining Portuguese citizenship is often more than just filling out a form.
Family histories may have to be traced, foreign documents legalized and eligibility assessed against legislation that has changed dramatically in recent years.
Portugal Residency Advisors helps international clients determine their eligibility for citizenship, prepares the necessary documentation and submits applications for nationality.
Our team can help identify the right route, pinpoint possible documentary issues, and navigate the application process with competent legal professionals.
If you are thinking of getting Portuguese citizenship through descent, marriage or residence, get in touch with Portugal Residency Advisors to discuss your situation and what options are open to you.
Your Questions Answered
How long do you need to live in Portugal to get citizenship?
Under the nationality legislation introduced in May 2026, the general residence requirement is 10 years for most foreign nationals, and 7 years for nationals of EU member states and Portuguese-speaking countries. Other nationality routes have different requirements and transitional rules protect applications already in progress when the law changed.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship without living in Portugal?
Sure. Children and grandchildren of Portuguese citizens who are entitled to Portuguese nationality, and spouses of Portuguese citizens who qualify, may acquire nationality without the need to complete a general residence period. Each route has its own legal requirements.
How much does Portuguese citizenship cost?
Government fees depend on the application category. Certain adult nationality-attribution procedures cost €175, while many adult acquisition and naturalisation procedures cost €250. Certificates, translations, legalisation and professional assistance are additional expenses.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Portugal generally allows its nationals to have multiple nationalities. However, applicants should verify whether dual citizenship is permitted in their country of origin before applying.
Is Portuguese citizenship automatic after ten years?
No. Meeting the residency requirement is only one part of the eligibility criteria. The other naturalization requirements must be fulfilled by the applicants and the nationality procedure must be approved.
Can Golden Visa investors obtain Portuguese citizenship?
Yes, potentially. A Golden Visa provides legal residence rather than citizenship. Investors may apply for naturalisation after meeting the applicable residence period and other legal conditions. Approval is not automatic.
Do I need to pass the CIPLE exam?
Not necessarily. Language evidence depends on the nationality route. CIPLE is one recognised examination, but other qualifications may be accepted, and some applicants are exempt from particular language requirements.
How long does a Portuguese citizenship application take?
Processing times vary considerably. Many applicants wait more than a year, and some cases take several years. The timeframe depends on the type of application, document checks and administrative workload.
Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship from abroad?
Yes, for certain nationality routes. Applications through Portuguese parents, grandparents or marriage may be possible without relocating to Portugal. Residence-based naturalisation requires the applicable qualifying legal residence history.
What happens after my citizenship is approved?
Once Portuguese nationality is registered, you can arrange your Portuguese Citizen Card and subsequently apply for a Portuguese passport. These are separate administrative procedures from the citizenship application.
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