Portugal's revised Nationality Law (Lei da Nacionalidade) took effect on May 19, 2026, introducing stricter residency requirements for those seeking citizenship. Citizens from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa or CPLP) and the European Union now face a seven-year residency threshold, while other nationals must wait ten years.
New nationality law increases residency requirements for citizenship
Tuesday, 19 May 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Nationality Law (Lei da Nacionalidade) sets the rules for who can be a Portuguese citizen, covering birth, descent, naturalisation, marriage and long-term residence. Its approval alongside the 2026 State Budget means changes to those eligibility rules will be implemented as part of the government's 2026 policy package, which the prime minister said will affect the country's stability and competitiveness.
