Portuguese citizenship and permanent residence

Portugal's new nationality law (Lei Orgânica 1/2026) has applied since 19 May 2026. Citizenship by residence (naturalisation) now requires 10 years of legal residence for most nationalities, including Iranian, Turkish and Georgian nationals, and 7 years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking (CPLP) and EU countries. Before, 5 years was enough.

Requirements for naturalisation

• Being an adult (18 or over)
• 10 years of legal residence (or 7 for CPLP and EU nationals)
• Sufficient knowledge of Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols, shown by a test or certificate
• Knowledge of citizens' fundamental rights and duties and of how the Portuguese state is organised
• A solemn declaration of adherence to democracy and the rule of law
• No final prison sentence of more than 3 years for specific crimes (terrorism, violent or organised crime, crimes against state security, smuggling of migrants)
• Not being a security threat or subject to UN or EU sanctions
• Being able to support yourself

How are the 10 years counted?

• The new law defines "legal residence" as time spent holding the titles, visas or permits provided for in the foreigners or asylum laws.
• The 2024 rule that counted the time an application waited at AIMA from the date of filing has been revoked. This matters for people who waited years for a card.
• Periods need not be continuous, but they must fall within a maximum window of 12 years (9 years for CPLP and EU nationals).
• How some periods are counted is still being argued; check the dates in your file with a lawyer.

Applications filed before 19 May 2026

Applications filed before 19 May 2026 are decided under the previous law (5 years of residence and A2 Portuguese). Applications filed on or after that date follow the new law.

Other changes in the new law

• A child born in Portugal is Portuguese only if a parent has at least 5 years of legal residence.
• The route for descendants of Sephardic Jews has been removed.
• Great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens have been added.
• Citizenship through marriage or partnership with a Portuguese citizen is subject to review and possible opposition by the state.

Permanent residence after 5 years

Citizenship takes 10 years, but permanent residence is still available after 5 years of temporary residence. It requires means of support, accommodation, basic Portuguese (A2) and no serious convictions. The permanent card is renewed every 5 years and is lost after more than 24 consecutive months abroad (or 30 months in any 3 years).

Instead of it, or alongside it, after 5 years of legal and continuous residence you can obtain EU long-term resident status, which makes moving to other EU countries easier.

Frequently asked questions

How many years until an Iranian national can get Portuguese citizenship?

For applications filed from 19 May 2026, 10 years of legal residence; the same applies to Turkish and Georgian nationals.

What level of Portuguese is needed for citizenship?

The new law requires knowledge of Portuguese language and culture shown by a test or certificate, and the exact level is set by the implementing regulation. Under the previous law it was A2; check the current level with us before you apply.

Does my application filed before the new law now need 10 years?

No. Applications filed before 19 May 2026 are decided under the previous law (5 years).

Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?

Yes. You do not have to give up your current nationality to become Portuguese.

This guide is based on the law as published in Portugal's official gazette (18 May 2026) and the position in October 2026. The implementing regulation and court practice may change details.