Portuguese Nationality Law: 5 Key Changes That Could Impact Your Citizenship Application
The new Portuguese Nationality Law, which came into force in May 2026, introduced significant changes for thousands of people living in Portugal or planning to apply for Portuguese citizenship. Understanding which rules apply to your case is now more important than ever.
In many situations, eligibility depends on factors such as your date of birth, the date your application was submitted, your period of legal residence in Portugal, and the specific legal basis of your application. Below are five of the most common questions we receive from clients regarding the new legislation. The information provided is intended for general guidance only, as every case requires an individual legal assessment.
1. If I have already submitted my Portuguese citizenship application, will the previous rules still apply?
In most cases, yes.. Applications submitted before the new legislative amendments entered into force should generally be assessed under the legal framework that was in effect on the date of submission.
However, every case should be evaluated individually, taking into account its specific circumstances. For this reason, it is advisable that your legal representative ensures the application is assessed under the legislation in force on the date of submission and payment of the applicable government fee, defending the application of the legal framework that was then in effect.
2. Do the new rules apply to children of foreign nationals born in Portugal?
It depends. Under the new Portuguese Nationality Law, the answer varies according to the child's date of birth and the legal framework applicable to the specific case.
The new legislation introduced additional requirements for children of foreign nationals born in Portugal to acquire Portuguese nationality, including a longer period of legal residence (5 years) for one of the parents.
Depending on the circumstances, the child's date of birth may determine which legal regime applies, even if the nationality application is submitted after the new law entered into force.
As a result, the applicable legislation will depend on the child's date of birth, the date the application is filed, and the specific facts of each case.
If your child was born before the new law came into force, it may still be possible to apply under the previous legal framework. Each situation should be individually assessed to determine the applicable legal regime.
3. I had already completed five years of legal residence before the law changed, but I had not yet applied. Can I still apply for Portuguese citizenship based on five years of residence?
No. Under the amended Portuguese Nationality Law, the general residence requirement for citizenship by naturalization increased from five years to ten years for most foreign nationals and to seven years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries that are members of the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries).
Therefore, applicants who submit their application after the new law entered into force will generally be subject to the new residence requirements and the legal conditions currently in force.
4. Does time spent in Portugal under a visa count towards Portuguese citizenship?
In principle, yes. The new Portuguese Nationality Law continues to recognize periods of legal residence based on residence permits, visas, or other legal immigration status provided for under Portuguese immigration law.
However, this does not mean that every period spent under any type of visa will automatically count towards the residence requirement for Portuguese citizenship. The calculation will depend on how the competent authorities interpret and apply the law in each individual case.
For holders of the Golden Visa (Residence Permit for Investment Activity), for example, there is still ongoing legal uncertainty regarding whether the period between the submission of the application and the issuance of the first residence permit should be counted, as the law does not expressly regulate this issue.
5. Who must comply with the new Portuguese language, culture and civic integration requirements?
As a general rule, the new requirements apply to applications for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization based on legal residence, as well as applications submitted by grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, since the amended law now expressly refers these categories to the new requirements.
By contrast, these requirements generally do not apply to nationality applications by children of Portuguese citizens or to citizenship applications based on marriage or a legally recognized de facto union, which remain subject to their own specific legal regimes.
It is important to note that these new requirements still depend on implementing regulations. Organic Law No. 1/2026 requires the Portuguese Government to approve the corresponding regulatory legislation within 90 days of the law entering into force. These regulations are expected to define, among other matters, how applicants must demonstrate the required knowledge, the applicable examinations or certifications, and the relevant administrative procedures.
Until these implementing regulations are published, practical questions remain regarding how these new requirements will be applied.
Do you still have questions about the new Portuguese Nationality Law?
Every Portuguese citizenship application is unique, and an individual legal assessment can make a significant difference in avoiding unnecessary delays, refusals, or the incorrect application of the law.
A legal assessment can help determine:
✓ which legal framework applies to your case;
✓ which supporting documents will be required;
✓ which legal risks can be anticipated and mitigated;
✓ the most appropriate legal strategy for your Portuguese citizenship application.
