Portugal Updates Citizenship Timeline Requirements
Portugal has moved to double the residency requirement for citizenship from five years to ten years, fundamentally changing the long-term outlook for Golden Visa and residency holders.
Portugal Updates Citizenship Timeline Requirements
The Portuguese Parliament recently approved a major shift to the country’s nationality laws, significantly extending the path to a passport for non-EU residents. Under the new amendment, the residency requirement for naturalization moves from 5 years to 10 years for most international residents. EU and CPLP nationals face a shorter but still increased 7-year wait.
While Parliament passed the measure on April 1, 2026, it is not yet active. The law currently sits with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for promulgation. Until he signs the bill and it is published in the official gazette, the current 5-year rule remains the legal standard for all applicants.
Who is impacted
This change primarily affects remote workers on D7 and D8 digital nomad visas, as well as Golden Visa holders. If you have already lived in Portugal for several years but have not yet hit the five-year mark, your timeline to an EU passport could effectively double overnight.
Notably, the new law eliminates "grandfathering" for those with pending residency. It also changes how time is calculated; the clock now starts when your first residence permit is issued, rather than when you submit your initial application.
Practical steps for nomads
If you are currently eligible for citizenship under the 5-year rule, you should consider filing your application immediately before the President signs the new legislation. Once the law is published, the window closes.
To apply for naturalization, you will generally need:
- Proof of A2 level Portuguese proficiency.
- A clean criminal record with no prison sentences of 3 years or more.
- Documented proof of community ties and legal residency.
- The standard application fee of approximately €250.
Permanent residency options still remain available after 5 years, offering a middle ground for those who want long-term security without the immediate need for a passport. Keep an eye on the latest nomad news as this bill moves toward final publication.
Read our full Portugal guide for the complete picture.