Portugal has officially updated its Nationality Law, introducing new rules for foreign nationals applying for Portuguese citizenship. The amended law was published in the official Gazette Diário da República on May 18, 2026, formally becoming part of Law No. 37/81 and applying to new citizenship applications.
The update follows the promulgation of Portugal’s revised Nationality Law by the President of the Republic on May 3, 2026. At the same time, the new rules introduce stricter conditions for citizenship.
What Has Changed in Portugal’s Citizenship Law?
The key change concerns the required period of legal residence before a foreign national may apply for Portuguese citizenship. Under the updated rules, applicants must legally reside in Portugal for:
| Applicant Category | Required Legal Residence Period |
| Nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries | 7 years |
| Citizens of European Union member states | 7 years |
| Nationals of other countries | 10 years |
Previously, the naturalisation framework referred to a shorter general residence requirement of five years under Article 6 of Law No. 37/81. The new update, therefore, represents a significant extension for many foreign applicants seeking Portuguese nationality.
New Requirements for Portuguese Citizenship
To apply for Portuguese citizenship under the updated Nationality Law, applicants must meet several conditions. These requirements are designed to assess legal residence, language ability, civic understanding, and security eligibility.
Applicants must:
- Be of legal age under Portuguese law.
- Have legally resided in Portugal for the required period (at least 10 years).
- Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level).
- Show knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, and national symbols.
- Understand the fundamental rights and duties connected to Portuguese nationality.
- Understand the political organization of the Portuguese State.
- Formally declare adherence to the principles of democratic rule of law.
- Have no final conviction resulting in an effective prison sentence of more than three years for serious crimes.
- Not represent a danger or threat to Portugal’s national security or defense.
Language, Culture, and Civic Knowledge Requirements
One of the most important elements of the revised citizenship process is the requirement to prove integration into Portuguese society.
Applicants may need to demonstrate knowledge through a test or certificate covering:
- Portuguese language
- Portuguese culture
- Portuguese history
- National symbols
- Fundamental rights and duties
- Portugal’s political system
This means citizenship applicants should prepare not only for language evaluation but also for broader civic and cultural knowledge requirements.
Criminal Record and National Security Conditions
The updated law also reinforces criminal record and national security checks.
Applicants may be refused Portuguese citizenship if they have been convicted, by a final and unappealable court decision, of serious offenses, including:
- Terrorism
- Violent crime
- Especially violent crime
- Highly organized crime
- Crimes against state security
- Aiding illegal immigration
The law also excludes applicants who are considered a danger or threat to national security or defense, particularly through involvement in terrorism, violent crime, or organized criminal activity.
Why This Matters for Foreign Investors and Residents
Portugal has long been one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for investors, retirees, entrepreneurs, and international families. The country offers access to the Schengen Area, a high quality of life, and a well-established residency framework.
The 2026 Nationality Law update does not remove these advantages, but it does make citizenship planning more important.
Foreign residents should now consider:
- Their nationality category
- The required residence period
- Language and civic knowledge preparation
- Criminal record documentation
- Long-term residency strategy
- Whether their current immigration status counts as legal residence
For Golden Visa applicants, the main practical impact may be a longer wait before becoming eligible for Portuguese citizenship.
Final Thoughts
Portugal’s 2026 Nationality Law update marks an important shift in the country’s citizenship process. While the Portugal Golden Visa Program remains active from a residency perspective, applicants seeking Portuguese nationality must now prepare for longer residence requirements and more detailed integration conditions.
For investors, families, and foreign residents, this makes early planning essential. Anyone considering Portuguese citizenship should review their residency timeline, documentation, language preparation, and eligibility under the updated law before submitting a new application.