The amendment to the Portuguese Nationality Law was published today in the Official Gazette (Diário da República) and will enter into force tomorrow, 19 May 2026.
The new rules bring significant changes to nationality applications based on residence in Portugal.
Longer minimum residence periods
The most impactful change concerns the minimum period of legal residence required to apply:
- Nationals of CPLP countries and EU Member States: now required to have 7 years of legal residence in Portugal
- Nationals of other countries: now required to have 10 years of legal residence
The previous general requirement was 5 years.
Stricter integration criteria
Beyond Portuguese language proficiency, applicants may now need to demonstrate knowledge of:
- Portuguese culture
- National history and symbols
- Fundamental rights and duties associated with Portuguese nationality
- The political organisation of the Portuguese State
Financial self-sufficiency
The amendment introduces the requirement to demonstrate the ability to support oneself financially.
Security and criminal background
The grounds relating to security, criminal records and effective ties to the national community have also been reinforced.
Pending applications: no retroactive effect
A key point for those who already have an application in progress: the law expressly provides that the new rules will not apply retroactively. Nationality applications already pending will continue to be assessed under the legislation in force at the date of their submission.
Regulations under the Nationality Law
Various aspects relating to the practical implementation of the amendments made to the Nationality Law remain subject to further regulations, which are expected to be included in the revised Nationality Regulations.
How VCA can help
These changes carry practical implications for anyone residing in Portugal who is considering a nationality application. The Nationalities team at VCA closely follows legislative developments in nationality and immigration, and is available to assess each individual situation.
Nationality Department
Ana Santos Fontes | Maria Moura Fonseca | Ana Luíza Fronczak
