Published: 25.09.2026
Following the reform that entered into force on 19 May 2026, EU and CPLP citizens generally need seven years of legal residence, while nationals of other countries need ten years. Sources also describe additional integration requirements and counting the period from the issuance of the residence permit.
According to sources, the route to citizenship has become substantially longer for many new applicants than the former five-year benchmark. Nationals outside the EU and CPLP generally face a ten-year period, with sources stressing the importance of the residence-permit issuance date rather than merely arrival or application. This affects long-term planning, country selection and the value assigned to different residence routes. It deserves particular attention from people choosing Portugal as a path to citizenship rather than residence alone.