Portuguese Citizenship: Requirements and the New 2026 Nationality Law

Last updated: 28 September 2026 · By Haider Shah, accounting technician in Portugal

What changed on 19 May 2026

A new Nationality Law (Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026) came into force on 19 May 2026. The main change is the time of residence needed for naturalisation.

Main requirements now

• 7 years of legal residence for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) and the EU, 10 years for everyone else, counted within a maximum window (9 and 12 years respectively), so interruptions don’t necessarily reset the count
• Only time spent living in Portugal legally counts, meaning with your situation in order under a residence title, visa or permit. The new law removed the old rule (article 15(4)) that allowed time to count from the date you applied for your first residence permit. Ask the registry office (IRN) how your start date will be calculated before you apply.
• Portuguese language knowledge
• New: knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, national symbols, citizens’ rights and duties, and the political organisation of the state, plus a declaration of adherence to democratic principles
• No final conviction with an actual prison sentence of more than 3 years for terrorism, violent or especially violent crime, highly organised crime, crimes against state security or helping illegal immigration
• Not being a danger or threat to national security or defence
• Not being subject to restrictive measures (sanctions) adopted by the United Nations or the European Union
• Being able to support yourself financially

Applications made before 19 May 2026

Applications submitted before the new law continue under the old rules (5 years). If you applied before that date, keep following your process (see how to check your citizenship status).

Children born in Portugal

Children born in Portugal to foreign parents can be Portuguese by birth if a parent has had legal residence for at least 5 years at the time of the birth (and other conditions). Minor children can also be naturalised with school enrolment requirements.

Does Pakistan allow dual nationality?

Portugal allows dual nationality. Your home country may not. Pakistan has dual nationality arrangements with certain countries only, and India does not allow dual citizenship (it offers OCI instead). Check your own country’s rules before applying.

How to apply

Applications are made to the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN), online through a lawyer or solicitor, or in person at a nationality desk. The application fee is set by the IRN.

Official sources

• Diário da República – Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 (PDF, with the republished Nationality Law)
• Diário da República – Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 (official page)
• Diário da República – Nationality Law (Lei 37/81), consolidated text
• Ministry of Justice – “Lei da Nacionalidade: novas regras entram em vigor a 19 de maio”

This guide is general information, checked against official sources on 28 September 2026. Rules and portals in Portugal change often, so confirm the current rules with the official source before you act. It is not legal advice.