In April 2026, the Portuguese Parliament approved a landmark reform to the country’s Nationality Law. These changes represent the most significant shift in immigration policy in over a decade, introducing stricter requirements for those seeking to become Portuguese citizens.
If you are planning to apply for citizenship, it is crucial to understand these new rules, as the path to a Portuguese passport has become longer and more demanding.
What Is Changing in the Portuguese Nationality Law?
The 2026 reform moves away from the more flexible policies of the past, focusing on responsible integration. Here are the four major pillars of the change:
1. Significant Increase in Residency Requirements
The minimum period of legal residence required to apply for naturalization has been extended:
- 7 Years: For citizens of EU Member States and Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP).
- 10 Years: For all other nationalities.
Unlike previous years, the waiting time for a residence permit (the period between the expression of interest and the actual issuance of the card) no longer counts toward these years. The clock only starts ticking once your first official residence permit is issued.
2. The New National Civic Integration Exam
The requirements for effective connection to the Portuguese community have been formalized. In addition to the existing A2 Level Portuguese language test, applicants must now pass a National Civic Integration Exam. This exam covers knowledge of the Portuguese Constitution and democratic values, history and culture.
3. Stricter Rules for Children Born in Portugal
The rules for citizenship by birth have been tightened. For a child born in Portugal to foreign parents to be considered Portuguese at birth, at least one parent must now have held legal residency for at least 5 years, instead of the previous 1-year requirement.
4. Criminal Records and Revocation of Nationality
The law strengthens the “good character” requirement. Applications will be denied for anyone convicted of a crime punishable by a prison sentence of 3 years or more. Furthermore, the State now has the power to revoke nationality in extreme cases, such as crimes against the State or terrorism, provided the individual does not become stateless.
The Transition Clause: Who Is Safe?
To protect those who were already in the system, Parliament included a Transitional Regime.
If you submitted your nationality application before January 1, 2026, your process will still be governed by the old law. If you have already completed 5 years of residency but have not yet applied, you should consult a legal expert immediately to determine if you can still benefit from the previous criteria before the new law is fully implemented.
What Is the Current Status of the Law?
Although Parliament has approved the final text, it does not yet constitute a law in force. It must still go through the following steps:
- Presidential Promulgation: The bill is currently under review by the President of the Republic for possible promulgation.
- Constitutional Review: The President may request the Constitutional Court to assess the law’s compliance with constitutional principles, particularly whether the new 10-year requirement is proportionate.
- Official Publication: Once promulgated, the law will be published in the Diário da República and will enter into force on the specified date.
Portugal remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for immigrants, but the path to citizenship is becoming more demanding. Understanding the timeline and preparing early will be key to navigating these changes successfully.
Need Help Navigating the Changes?
At EasyRelocation, we help individuals and families move to Portugal with clarity and confidence. Get in touch today and make your move to Portugal simpler, safer and fully informed.
