Naturalização por residência legal
Lei da Nacionalidade, art. 6.º, n.º 1
Adults who have lived legally in Portugal for a set number of years can ask the Government to grant Portuguese nationality. Organic Law 1/2026 (published 18 May 2026, in force 19 May 2026) raised the residence period from 5 years to 7 years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and EU citizens, and to 10 years for everyone else. It also added tests of Portuguese culture, history, national symbols and civic knowledge, a solemn declaration of adherence to democratic rule of law, and a self-sufficiency requirement. Applications already pending on 19 May 2026 are decided under the old rules.
Life in Portugal
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
65
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
12.5–48%
Income tax (national)
VAT 23%
Nine brackets from 12.5% up to EUR 8,342 to 48% above EUR 86,634 (Lei 73-A/2025).
Living
1
Happiness
#67 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Dual citizenship for you Members
Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Adult foreign nationals with long legal residence in Portugal who want Portuguese nationality.
Eligibility
Adult
The applicant must be of full age under Portuguese law at the time of the request (art. 6(1)(a)).
Legal residence: 7 yearsNationals of Portuguese-speaking (CPLP) countries and EU citizens
You need at least 7 years of legal residence in Portugal when you submit the request, if you are a CPLP national or EU citizen.
7 years
Legal residence required
- Applies to nationals of Portuguese-speaking (CPLP) countries and EU citizens
- Counted at the time of the request (art. 6(1)(b))
Official wording
At least 7 years of legal residence in Portugal at the time of the request (art. 6(1)(b)).
Legal residence: 10 yearsNationals of all other countries
You need at least 10 years of legal residence in Portugal when you submit the request, if you are a national of any other country.
10 years
Legal residence required
- Counted at the time of the request (art. 6(1)(b))
Official wording
At least 10 years of legal residence in Portugal at the time of the request (art. 6(1)(b)).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementStateless persons: 4 years
- Document checklistApplication form for naturalisation
- FeesNaturalisation application (adult)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 8 more requirements
- 10 documents
- 1 fee
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Portugal
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Portugal
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyResidence visa and residence permit for higher education students
- Work permitsResidence visa and residence permit for highly qualified activity (art. 61/61-A and art. 90) and EU Blue Card
- FamilyFamily reunification
- Investors & entrepreneursResidence visa / temporary stay visa for professional activity provided remotely outside Portugal
