Portugal nationality law changes 2026: New requirements for citizenship
The reform of the Portuguese Nationality Act, effective 19 May 2026, tightens residency requirements for naturalisation, restricts citizenship by birth in Portugal, and eliminates certain pathways to naturalisation. Ecovis lawyers explain the implications and offer recommendations for action.
Organic Law No. 1/2026 abolishes the special regime for descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews, as well as, in certain cases, routes based on descent from an original Portuguese citizen or membership of Portuguese-descendant communities. Conversely, access is broadened for great-grandchildren of an original Portuguese citizen and stateless persons legally resident in Portugal for at least four years. Rules for minors placed in institutions with a state cooperation agreement are clarified.
Main changes to naturalisation
The required legal residence period increases from five to seven years for EU and Community of Portuguese Language Countries nationals and to ten years for nationals of other third countries. Consecutive or interspersed periods under Article 15 may still be counted.
Applicants must also prove knowledge of Portuguese language, culture, history and national symbols, fundamental rights and duties and state political organisation, through certificates or tests. This requirement depends on supplementary regulations and has no immediate effect until published. The presumption of Portuguese-language knowledge for nationals and citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries remains.
The new nationality law tightens the requirements for citizenship in Portugal. Foreign nationals residing there should re-evaluate their situation at an early stage. We assist them in doing so.
Gonçalo Areia, Laywer, Partner, RBMS – Member of ECOVIS International – Lissabon, Portugal
Changes for those born in Portugal
For children of foreign nationals born in Portugal, at least one parent must have been legally resident for five years at birth, replacing the previous one-year period. The route allowing foreign parents to acquire nationality through a child born in Portugal is repealed.
For naturalisation of minors born in Portugal, one parent must have five years’ legal residence, and the minor must attend compulsory education. Minors who have reached the age of criminal responsibility face additional requirements concerning democratic rule-of-law principles, certain criminal convictions, national security or defence, and UN or EU restrictive measures.
Who does the new regime apply to?
The new rules apply to proceedings initiated on or after 19 May 2026. Pending proceedings remain subject to the previous law.
For foreign nationals residing in Portugal or considering settling there, including investors, expatriate professionals and their families, the reform means a longer path to nationality. Those affected should have the applicable regulations, periods of stay, and required documents legally reviewed in each case.
