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On May 18, 2026, Portugal officially published the revised Nationality Law in the Diário da República, confirming the latest legislative changes affecting Portuguese citizenship eligibility and naturalization procedures.
The publication marks a major development in Portugal’s immigration and nationality framework, particularly for foreign residents, investors, and families planning a long-term future in the country.
Among the most significant changes are:
- Extension of the citizenship eligibility period from 5 years to 10 years for most foreign nationals;
- A reduced 7-year timeline for EU and CPLP citizens;
- Residency counting starting from the issuance date of the first residence permit;
- New civic integration and conduct requirements for citizenship applicants.
For many expats living in Portugal through visas such as the D7, D8, D2, D3, or the Portugal Golden Visa, these changes naturally raise questions about future citizenship eligibility and residency planning.
Important Note
Portuguese citizenship rules are governed by nationality law, which is legally separate from Portugal’s residency visa programs.
Citizenship eligibility depends on multiple legal and personal factors, and future regulations or administrative interpretations may still evolve.
What Changed in the Portuguese Nationality Law?
The revised law introduces several important modifications to the naturalization process in Portugal.
New Citizenship Timeline
The minimum legal residency period required before applying for Portuguese citizenship is now:
- 10 years for most foreign nationals;
- 7 years for citizens of EU countries and CPLP member states.
This represents one of the biggest changes to Portugal’s nationality system in recent years.
Residency Counting Now Starts From Residence Permit Issuance
Under the new framework, the residency period only begins counting from the date the first residence permit is issued.
Previously, many applicants argued that the timeline should begin from the date of the initial residency application submission.
Considering the significant delays many applicants experienced with SEF and later AIMA appointments, this change may substantially impact future citizenship timelines.
New Requirements for Portuguese Citizenship
The revised law also introduces additional requirements for naturalization applicants.
Applicants may now need to demonstrate:
- A2 Portuguese language level (already required previously);
- Basic civic knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, rights, and duties;
- Formal adherence to democratic principles;
- Clean criminal record standards under stricter criteria;
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence.
The law also formally ends the Sephardic Jewish ancestry nationality route.
Constitutional Court Review
Before the law was finalized, several parts of the proposal were challenged before Portugal’s Constitutional Court.
The Court considered some of the original measures too broad or legally unclear and rejected provisions related to:
- Automatic refusal of nationality applications based on certain criminal convictions;
- Vague concepts such as “manifest fraud” affecting nationality decisions;
- Possible loss of nationality based on undefined ideas like “rejection of the national community”;
- Applying new citizenship requirements to applications already submitted but still pending review.
The Court also rejected a separate proposal that would allow Portuguese nationality to be revoked as an additional criminal penalty.
Following the Constitutional Court’s findings, Parliament revised parts of the legislation before approving the final version of the law.
What Does This Mean for Golden Visa Holders?
One of the most important clarifications is that the Portugal Golden Visa program itself remains unchanged.
The new law affects citizenship eligibility timelines, not residency rights.
Golden Visa holders continue to benefit from:
- The right to reside in Portugal;
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area;
- Family reunification rights;
- Golden Visa renewals under the current residency framework.
However, future citizenship applications through the Golden Visa route may now follow the new 10-year residency requirement.
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What Happens if You Already Applied for Citizenship?
Applicants who already submitted a complete Portuguese citizenship application before the law entered into force are generally expected to continue under the previous 5-year regime.
However, the absence of a fully clear transitional regime has created legal debate among immigration lawyers and constitutional experts.
Each case may ultimately depend on administrative interpretation and future legal guidance.
If You Have Not Yet Applied for Citizenship
For individuals who have not yet submitted their Portuguese citizenship application, the new law may significantly extend the expected timeline toward naturalization.
Under the revised framework, applicants may now need to complete:
- 10 years of legal residency in Portugal for most foreign nationals;
- 7 years for EU and CPLP citizens.
In addition, applicants may also need to comply with the updated integration and conduct requirements, including language proficiency and civic knowledge assessments.
For many current residents and Portugal Golden Visa investors, this means that obtaining Portuguese citizenship may now require a longer-term residency strategy than originally anticipated.
Permanent Residency After 5 Years
Yes. This remains possible and is now more relevant than ever.
After five years of legal residence, Golden Visa holders can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Portugal.
There are two PR routes to consider:
Regular Permanent Residency
This route generally involves lower government fees but usually requires proof of effective residence in Portugal and compliance with minimum stay obligations.
Each family member receives their own independent Permanent Residency card.
Investment Permanent Residency
Important Considerations for Families
Families with children approaching dependency age limits should carefully evaluate long-term residency planning strategies.
In some cases, transitioning family members into independent Permanent Residency permits after 5 years may help reduce future renewal risks and provide greater flexibility for education, work, and travel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the new law affect the Portugal Golden Visa program?
No. The Portugal Golden Visa program itself remains unchanged. The new law only affects the timeline and requirements for Portuguese citizenship eligibility.
How many years are now required to apply for Portuguese citizenship?
Under the new law, most foreign nationals may need to complete 10 years of legal residency before applying for Portuguese citizenship. EU and CPLP citizens may qualify after 7 years.
Does the residency period start from the visa application date?
No. Under the revised framework, the residency counting period starts from the issuance date of the first residence permit.
Can Golden Visa holders still apply for Permanent Residency after 5 years?
Yes. Golden Visa holders may still apply for Permanent Residency in Portugal after five years of legal residency, even if citizenship eligibility is extended to 10 years.
Is Portuguese language certification still required?
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