Portugal Citizenship Law: Has It Really Changed to 10 Years?
There has been a lot of discussion recently around changes to Portugal’s nationality law — particularly the increase in the residence period required to apply for citizenship.
The change is now law. However, the ten-year requirement does not apply to everyone, and nationality applications already pending when the new law took effect are subject to transitional protection.
Understanding which rules apply to your situation is essential before planning your citizenship timeline.
What Has Changed?
Portugal’s revised nationality law introduced longer residence requirements for the standard adult naturalisation route:
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Seven years of legal residence for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and citizens of EU Member States
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Ten years of legal residence for nationals of other countries
These are eligibility periods for submitting an application, rather than guarantees that citizenship will be granted at that point. Other requirements also apply.
Is This Now Law?
Yes. Lei Orgânica Nº 1/2026 was published on 18 May 2026 and entered into force on 19 May 2026.
The article should therefore no longer describe the changes as a proposal awaiting presidential approval.
What Happened to the Constitutional Challenges?
An earlier parliamentary decree was reviewed by Portugal’s Constitutional Court, which found several provisions unconstitutional in December 2025.
Parliament subsequently revised the text. The President promulgated the revised nationality law on 3 May 2026, before its publication and entry into force later that month.
The constitutional objections to the earlier text did not permanently prevent a revised law from being adopted.
What Is the Current Law?
For new applications under the standard adult residence-based naturalisation route, the applicable residence requirement is generally seven or ten years, depending on nationality.
Other citizenship routes have their own conditions. The standard residence requirement should not be presented as applying to every application based on marriage, ancestry, birth, or other grounds.
What About Applications Already Submitted?
The law includes a transitional provision: nationality proceedings pending when it entered into force remain governed by the previous version of the nationality law.
This distinction concerns pending nationality proceedings. Starting a visa application, obtaining a NIF, buying a property, or beginning residence in Portugal should not be presented as automatically preserving the former five-year citizenship requirement.
Are There Other New Requirements?
The reform also introduced additional naturalisation requirements concerning knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, national symbols, fundamental rights and duties, and the political organisation of the Portuguese State.
It also requires a solemn declaration of commitment to the principles of the democratic rule of law and the ability to support oneself, alongside other legal conditions.
Applicants should check the current official guidance on how to demonstrate compliance when preparing their application.
How Should You Plan Your Citizenship Timeline?
If citizenship is an important part of your relocation plans, review your expected timeline using the rules applicable to your nationality and application route.
Check:
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Which citizenship route applies to you
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Whether your nationality application benefits from transitional protection
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Which periods of your residence qualify
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What supporting evidence and other requirements apply
Avoid assuming that preparatory steps demonstrate a “footprint” that secures citizenship rights. Plan around qualifying legal residence and the applicable legal conditions.
Final Thoughts
Immigration and nationality laws can evolve over time, but not every proposed change becomes reality.
In this case, the revised nationality law has completed the legislative process and entered into force.
The practical question is now which rules apply to your circumstances, rather than whether the reform is still only a proposal.
If you’re considering moving to Portugal or applying for residency, it’s always best to plan based on current law.
A review of your nationality, residence history, and any existing nationality application can help you build a realistic plan and avoid relying on outdated information.