Citizenship guide
Portuguese citizenship: a reliable starting point
The applicable route depends on your circumstances. This page summarises only what official sources confirm and points you to the right information.
Oldest dependency check:
What changed in 2026
Organic Law 1/2026 entered into force on 19 May 2026.
Last checked:General naturalisation requires sufficient knowledge of Portuguese language and culture, national history and symbols, plus fundamental rights and duties and the political organisation of the Portuguese State.
Last checked:Residence period for general naturalisation
For general naturalisation, the minimum is 7 years of legal residence for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and EU citizens, and 10 years for nationals of other countries.
Last checked:Applications already pending
Administrative procedures pending on 19 May 2026 remain governed by the previous wording of the Nationality Law.
Last checked:Before drawing conclusions about your case
Residence-based citizenship is only one route. Marriage, descent, birth and other situations have their own rules. Use the matching official page or seek individual legal advice where needed.
The Justice guide checked is dated 3 July 2025 and marked as being updated, so it must not override Organic Law 1/2026.
Last checked:Have a question?
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