Portugal’s amended Nationality Law has applied since May 19, 2026. It grants nationality by naturalisation to adults who have lived legally in Portugal for at least 10 years, or seven years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and citizens of European Union member states. The change is in Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026, published in the Diário da República on May 18, which amends Law 37/81.
- Residence: at least 10 years of legal residence for nationals of most countries, and seven years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and EU member states (Article 6(1)(b) of the amended law).
- Language and culture: applicants must show, by a test or a certificate, enough knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols (Article 6(1)(c)).
- Pending cases: procedures that were already pending on May 19 are decided under the previous wording of the law (Article 7(2) of the amending law).
Considering a residence-by-investment route in Europe?
What the law requires
The Government grants nationality to people who meet all of these conditions when they apply, under Article 6(1):
| Condition | What the text says |
|---|---|
| Age | Adult under Portuguese law |
| Residence | Legal residence in Portugal for at least seven years (Portuguese-speaking countries and EU member states) or 10 years (other countries) |
| Language and culture | Proof, by test or certificate, of sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols |
| Rights and duties | Sufficient knowledge of the fundamental rights and duties of Portuguese nationality and of the political organisation of the state |
| Democratic principles | A solemn declaration of adherence to the fundamental principles of the democratic rule of law |
| Criminal record | No final conviction with an effective prison sentence above three years for terrorism, violent or highly organised crime, crimes against state security or helping illegal immigration |
| Security | Not a danger or threat to national security or defence, and not subject to United Nations or EU restrictive measures |
| Means | Able to support themselves |
Dates
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Approved by Parliament | April 1, 2026 |
| Promulgated by the President | May 3, 2026 |
| Published in the Dário da República | May 18, 2026 |
| In force | May 19, 2026 (the day after publication, Article 8) |
What to watch
Analysis. Article 6 refers to legal residence but does not say how the period is counted, and it leaves the format of the language and culture test to be set elsewhere. Applicants and their advisers will look to any implementing rules and to how the registry applies the text. Pending cases staying under the old wording matters most for people who applied before May 19.
Many residents of Portugal hold residence permits granted through the golden visa and other European investment programs. These programs involve a significant financial commitment, and investments can lose value. Nothing here is a recommendation to invest.
Sources
- Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026, de 18 de maio, Diário da República
- Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026, official PDF (19 pages)
This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Nationality rules change and are applied by Portuguese authorities, so confirm details with the official sources before acting. See our disclaimer.
Published October 26, 2026. Last updated October 26, 2026.
