Portuguese nationality can be obtained by birth, descent, marriage or naturalisation. In 2026, rules became stricter: longer residency requirements, tighter conditions for children of foreigners and the end of the Sephardic Jew regime.
The new “Nationality Law” n. º 1/2026 has been published and amends Portugal’s previous Nationality Law (Lei n.º 37/81) in the Diário da República on the 18 May 2026. The new law came into force on the 19 May 2026 (day after publication). You can find the law here: https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/lei-organica/1-2026-1123539996
The main goals of the law are to:
- Make people live in Portugal longer before they can apply for citizenship
- Make sure applicants have legal residency in the country
- Require knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture and values
- Improve checks to confirm people meet the rules
- Help protect Portugal’s social unity and national identity
Important changes to the rules for Portuguese nationality
Years of living in Portugal (being a Resident)
| Applicant | Old rule | New rule |
| CPLP citizens | 5 years | 7 years |
| EU citizens | 5 years | 7 years |
| All others | 5 years | 10 years |
Applications already submitted
The new requirements (such as the 7-year or 10-year residency thresholds, see below) will apply to all applications submitted after 19. May 2026. Applications already in the system (submitted before the law's "entry into force" date) should be processed under the old 5-year rule.
The new Integration Test
In addition to your A2 Portuguese Language Certificate (CIPLE), you will now need to pass a standardised exam focused on:
- Portuguese History
- National Symbols
- Political System
- Democratic Values
The Solemn Declaration
The law also introduces a Solemn Declaration of Adherence to the fundamental principles of the democratic rule of law (Declaração Solene de Adesão).
Children born in Portugal to foreign parents
- Child is only eligible if: at least one parent has 5 years of legal residency at the time of birth
End of the Sephardic Jewish descendant regime
- The special nationality pathway for descendants of Sephardic Jews is completely closed
Naturalisation will be blocked if citizens are convicted of:
Crimes punishable with more than 3 years in prison, including:
- terrorism
- violent or highly organised crime
- crimes against the State
- aiding illegal immigration
If you are planning to apply for Portuguese nationality, you should go to a registry office (Conservatória Registo Civil) to ask for information for the process and documentation needed for your specific situation or contact an immigration service or lawyer that deals with application for Portuguese nationality.
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