Published: 30.10.2026
For citizenship applications filed from 19 May 2026, the required period of lawful residence has increased to 10 years for most nationals of non-EU countries and to seven years for EU and Portuguese-speaking nationals. The new rules also provide for assessments of Portuguese language, history, culture and state institutions, proof of means, a declaration supporting democratic principles and biometric data collection.
The change materially lengthens the citizenship route for most non-EU nationals: the previous five-year benchmark has been replaced by 10 years, while EU and Portuguese-speaking nationals face a seven-year period. According to the sources, the decisive factor is the date the nationality application was formally filed: applications submitted by 18 May 2026 follow the previous framework, while those filed from 19 May fall under the new periods. This is particularly relevant to Golden Visa holders, investors, families with children and foreign residents who viewed citizenship as a long-term relocation outcome. Anyone planning naturalisation should also account for language and other assessments, proof-of-means requirements and AIMA delays; the change is important for long-term residence planning in Portugal.