Published: 02.04.2026
Under Lei Orgânica 1/2026, nationals of CPLP countries and other EU member states must reside in Portugal for seven years before applying for citizenship, while nationals of other countries must reside for ten years. Applications submitted by 18 May 2026 remain subject to the previous rules; transitional issues for residence-permit holders who have not yet applied are disputed.
For nationals of countries outside the EU and CPLP, including Russians, a new citizenship application now generally requires ten years of residence instead of the previous five. This materially lengthens naturalisation planning and makes the dates of the first residence permit and the citizenship application important. According to the source, applications filed by 18 May 2026 are protected by a transitional rule, while the treatment of investors and other residence-permit holders who have not yet applied remains disputed. Anyone moving to Portugal primarily to obtain citizenship should treat this as a major change; it is less immediate for people seeking residence or permanent residence only.