What changed
Portugal amended its Nationality Law in May 2026. One of the most significant changes for people planning a long-term move is the residence period used for naturalisation by residence.
For applications submitted under the new rules, the minimum period is no longer a single five-year rule. The Ministry of Justice states that it is now seven years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries or EU Member States and ten years for nationals of other states.
Why timing matters
The date and procedural status of a case matter. The Ministry of Justice has stated that applications already pending when the amendments entered into force continue to be assessed under the previous wording of the law.
That makes it important to distinguish between someone considering a future move, someone already accumulating residence in Portugal and someone with a nationality application already filed.
More than a residence clock
The 2026 amendments also introduced additional naturalisation requirements, including requirements relating to knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, rights and duties, together with other eligibility conditions.
The implementing regulation and administrative guidance should be checked when an application is being prepared, because procedural details can change independently of the statutory residence-period rule. Nationality should not be treated as an automatic consequence of holding residence.
