For many foreigners, the path to becoming a Portuguese citizen has long been one of the most appealing aspects of moving to Portugal. Whether you are relocating, investing, or planning to build a long-term life in the country, understanding the latest rules is vital. The question how to get Portuguese citizenship is evolving — and there are important changes you must be aware of.
This article outlines the updated norms in Portugal’s nationality law, breaks down the timeline, language and integration requirements, dual-citizenship considerations, and what these reforms mean for expatriates and property investors in Portugal.
1. Major Timeline Change: Longer Residence Required
Under the previous rules, many applicants could apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence. However, as of mid-2025, Portugal has announced significant changes: The Portugal News
- Most foreign nationals will now need 10 years of legal residence before applying for citizenship. euronews
- Citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP nations: Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, etc.) must serve 7 years instead of the five. Idealista+1
- The residence period now begins from the date the first residence permit is granted, not from the initial application date. Visit World+1
These changes raise the bar for “how to get Portuguese citizenship”, making planning more important than ever.
2. Stricter Language, Culture & Integration Requirements
Getting citizenship in Portugal will involve more than just time. Under the new norms:
- Applicants must demonstrate Portuguese language proficiency (typically A2 level or equivalent) and now additional knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, civic values. Idealista
- A “solemn declaration” of adherence to the country’s democratic principles and the Constitution may be required. The Portugal News
- Criminal-record checks are tighter. Even smaller sentences may now disqualify applicants. Mondaq
These changes indicate that acquiring citizenship will increasingly depend on integration and connection to the Portuguese community, not just legal residence.
3. Citizenship by Birth, Descent & Special Categories
The reforms also include updates in how Portuguese nationality is granted to children born in Portugal and to descendants.
- Children born in Portugal to foreign parents will no longer automatically receive citizenship unless at least one parent has had legal residence for three years. Idealista
- Grandchildren of Portuguese citizens and those seeking nationality by descent must now show a stronger link: language, culture, and active ties to Portugal. IAServices
- The previously generous route for descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews is under review and may be restricted or closed. EY
So if your plan involves family or descent-based citizenship, how to get Portuguese citizenship will depend more on documented integration than ever.
4. Dual Citizenship & Benefits Remain — For Now
Portugal continues to allow dual citizenship, meaning you can typically keep your original nationality while becoming Portuguese. This remains a major benefit under the how to get Portuguese citizenship process.
Benefits of Portuguese citizenship include:
- Full rights of EU citizenship: live, work and study anywhere in the EU.
- Visa-free travel to many countries globally thanks to the strength of the Portuguese passport.
- Access to Portugal’s healthcare, education and social systems under the same terms as nationals.
However, with the stricter timeline and integration criteria, the route to reach these benefits is becoming more demanding.
5. What the Reforms Mean for Expats, Investors & Property Buyers
If you’re relocating, buying property, or using residency visas (like the D7 or Golden Visa) as a stepping stone to citizenship, you must factor in the new rules on how to get Portuguese citizenship.
Key implications:
- Property investors may still acquire residency via the Golden Visa, but must now plan for a 10-year naturalisation timeline, meaning citizenship will take longer than previously thought. Citizenship EU
- If you submitted your application before June 19 2025, transitional rules may apply — but clarity is still emerging. Mondaq
- For those seeking to integrate permanently (rather than just hold residency), building active ties to Portugal (language, community, tax residence, property) is more important than ever under the updated norms.
🔍 FAQ — How to Get Portuguese Citizenship
Q1: How many years must I legally live in Portugal to apply for citizenship?
Generally, 10 years for most non-CPLP nationals. If you’re from a Portuguese-speaking country, the requirement is 7 years. The counting starts from your first issued residence permit.
Q2: Is the language test still required for Portuguese citizenship?
Yes. Applicants typically must demonstrate Portuguese language proficiency (at least A2 level) and may now also face a culture and civic knowledge examination.
Q3: Can I keep my original nationality?
Yes — Portugal allows dual citizenship, so obtaining Portuguese nationality does not normally force you to renounce your previous citizenship.
Q4: What happens to children born in Portugal to foreign parents?
Under the new rules, such children will only get Portuguese citizenship if at least one parent has had legal residence for at least 3 years before the child’s birth, and an application is submitted.
Q5: I invested via Golden Visa. Does this still help me get citizenship faster?
Residency rights via investment still apply, but citizenship eligibility is now slower — you’ll need to plan for the longer residence period and meet the broader integration requirements.
