Portuguese Citizenship: Current Programs and Requirements in 2026

Changes in Portuguese Citizenship Law in 2026

On May 19, 2026, the new Law n.º 1/2026 came into effect, amending the Citizenship Law (Lei 37/81). These amendments significantly tightened the conditions for obtaining Portuguese citizenship for most categories of applicants. It is important to note that applications submitted before May 19, 2026, will be processed under the old rules.

Key Changes Affecting How to Get Portuguese Citizenship:

• Naturalization periods: The standard period of legal residency for obtaining Portuguese citizenship by naturalization increased from 5 years to 7 years for EU and CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) citizens, and to 10 years for citizens of other countries, including those seeking Portugal citizenship for Russians.
• Period calculation: The period of legal residency is now strictly counted from the date of issuance of the first residence permit card, not from the date of application submission or entry into the country on a visa. The waiting period for the first residence permit card is no longer counted.
• Additional requirements: New checks have been introduced for knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, and national symbols. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence is also required.
• Citizenship by birth: For children born in Portugal to foreign parents, at least one parent must now have legally resided in the country for a minimum of 5 years (previously, 1 year was sufficient).

Methods for Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship in 2026

How to get Portuguese citizenship? Portuguese citizenship can be obtained through several main methods, each with its own specific features and requirements.

1. Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalization

This is the most common path for most foreigners. It involves legal residence in the country for a legally defined period, after which an application for Portuguese citizenship can be submitted.

Requirements for Naturalization and Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship:

• Age over 18 years.
• Legal residency in Portugal for 7 years (for EU and CPLP citizens) or 10 years (for citizens of other countries). The period is counted from the date of issuance of the first residence permit card. This also applies to those seeking Portugal citizenship for Russians.
• No tax debts in Portugal.
• No unexpunged criminal record in Portugal and the country of origin.
• Basic knowledge of the Portuguese language at A2 level (confirmed by the CIPLE exam).
• Knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, and national symbols.
• Knowledge of the fundamental rights and duties of a citizen, as well as the political organization of the state.
• Declaration of adherence to the fundamental principles of a democratic rule of law.
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence.
• Demonstration of integration into Portuguese society.

After 5 years of legal residency, one can apply for permanent residency (PR), which is a separate status and not equivalent to citizenship.

2. Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage or Civil Union

This method allows for obtaining Portuguese citizenship by marriage in a shorter period, provided the applicant is married to or in a civil union with a Portuguese citizen.

Requirements for Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage:

• The marriage or civil union with a Portuguese citizen must have lasted for at least 3 years.
• For civil unions, prior judicial recognition of the union is required.
• No objections from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The Public Prosecutor’s Office may object if the marriage/union has existed for less than 6 years and there are no common Portuguese citizen children, based on a lack of genuine connection to society (considering language, integration, and other factors).
• Legislation does not impose restrictions on the length of stay in Portugal before applying.

To prove a civil union, documents confirming the duration of the relationship (e.g., joint lease agreement, shared bank accounts), a court certificate of cohabitation under conditions similar to marriage, and a declaration from the Portuguese partner will be required.

3. Portuguese Citizenship by Birth

Portugal does not automatically grant Portuguese citizenship by birth based on “jus soli” (right of soil), but there are exceptions.

Conditions for Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship by Birth in Portugal:

• A child born in Portugal to foreign parents can obtain citizenship if at least one parent has legally resided in Portugal for a minimum of 5 years.
• Also, Portuguese citizenship may be granted to children adopted by Portuguese citizens before the age of 18.

4. Portugal Citizenship by Investment (via Residence Permit)

It is not possible to directly obtain Portugal citizenship by investment. However, the “Golden Visa” program allows for obtaining a residence permit in Portugal, which after a certain period, grants the right to apply for citizenship by naturalization.

The Golden Visa program retains the minimum stay requirement: 7 days in the first year and 14 days for each subsequent two-year period.

Conditions for Investors Seeking Portuguese Citizenship:

• Age over 18 years.
• No criminal record.
• Investment funds obtained outside of Portugal.
• Investment option (from 250,000 to 500,000 euros). Five options are available, including investments in funds, job creation, and purchasing real estate for renovation (no longer applicable for new applications).
• Inclusion of family members in the application: spouse, children under 18 (or older if financially dependent), parents over 65 (or younger if financially dependent).

The Golden Visa residence permit card is renewed every two years, provided the investment is maintained. After 5 years of legal residency, the investor can apply for permanent residency. To obtain Portuguese citizenship by naturalization, investors who are not EU/CPLP citizens will require 10 years of legal residency from the date of issuance of the first residence permit card.

The changes in the citizenship law do not contain separate transitional rules for Golden Visa holders. Thus, investors who obtain a residence permit in 2026 will be able to apply for Portuguese citizenship no earlier than 2036–2038, which significantly reduces the attractiveness of this path for those seeking a quick Portugal passport. This situation highlights the importance of carefully planning your immigration strategy to avoid common pitfalls, similar to mistakes in immigration to Serbia.

5. D7 Visa for Financially Independent Individuals

The D7 visa provides a residence permit in Portugal for foreigners with stable passive income from abroad. This path grants resident status but does not shorten the naturalization period for obtaining Portuguese citizenship.

Requirements for the D7 Visa:

• Age over 18 years.
• Citizenship of a non-EU country.
• Ownership or rental of property in Portugal.
• Proof of monthly income from abroad not less than the minimum wage in Portugal (920 euros in 2026).

After obtaining the D7 visa, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit within 4 months of arrival in Portugal. The residence permit card is issued for 2 years and is renewable. After 5 years of legal residency, one can apply for permanent residency. To obtain Portuguese citizenship by naturalization, 10 years of legal residency from the date of issuance of the first residence permit card will be required.

Language and Integration Requirements for Portuguese Citizenship

One of the key requirements for obtaining Portuguese citizenship by naturalization is knowledge of the Portuguese language. It is necessary to pass the CIPLE A2 level exam. Children under 12 years old are not required to take the language exam.

In addition to language, stricter checks on knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, national symbols, as well as fundamental rights and duties of a citizen and the political organization of the state, have been introduced since 2026. An important aspect is also the demonstration of genuine integration into Portuguese society. This is not a formalized requirement, but it is considered when deciding how to get Portuguese citizenship.

FAQ: Portuguese Citizenship

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