You May Already Qualify for Portuguese Citizenship
The 5-Year Rule Remains in Effect — But Parliament is expected to reappraise the vetoed Nationality Law in April 2026. A revised version, with unconstitutional provisions removed, could pass and increase the residency requirement. Apply now while the current law is in force.
- Current 5-year rule still in effect — parliamentary reappraisal expected April 2026
- Time counts from visa application date
- Golden Visa & D7 holders qualify
- Applications submitted now should be decided under current law — don't wait
Free Eligibility Assessment
Find out if you qualify under the current 5-year rule before it may change
If you've been living in Portugal on a D7, D8, Golden Visa, or work permit, you may be closer to Portuguese citizenship than you realize. The Constitutional Court blocked key provisions of the proposed Nationality Law in December 2025, and President Marcelo vetoed the legislation — the current 5-year requirement remains in effect for now. However, Parliament is expected to reappraise the vetoed law in April 2026, potentially passing a revised version with the unconstitutional provisions removed. Under current law, the residency period counts from when you had your biometrics appointment — not when you received your card. Now is the time to secure your pathway to citizenship before the law may change.
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What's Happening with Portuguese Nationality Law
The 5-Year Rule Remains in Effect — But Change May Be Coming
On October 28, 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved amendments to the Nationality Law (Lei n.º 37/81) with 157 votes in favor (PSD, Chega, IL, CDS-PP, JPP) and 64 against (PS, Livre, PCP, BE, PAN). The proposed changes would have increased the minimum residency requirement from 5 to 7 years (or 10 years for certain categories).
The Socialist Party (PS) submitted a constitutional challenge, and on December 15, 2025, the Constitutional Court ruled four key provisions unconstitutional — three unanimously. The Court also struck down the proposed loss of nationality as a criminal penalty.
On December 19, 2025, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa vetoed the legislation and returned it to Parliament.
Parliament is expected to reappraise the vetoed law in April 2026. The Government intends to remove the unconstitutional provisions and resubmit the law for approval by the new President, António José Seguro, who took office in March 2026.
Key message: Applications submitted now should be decided under the current 5-year law (Article 6, n.º 1, alínea b) of Lei n.º 37/81). Acting promptly is critical — once a revised law is enacted, the residency requirement may increase significantly.
Sources: Lei n.º 37/81, de 3 de Outubro (current Nationality Law) | Constitutional Court ruling, December 15, 2025 | Presidential veto, December 19, 2025 | Parliamentary reappraisal expected April 2026
Your Residency Clock Started Earlier Than Your Card Arrived
Here's what many applicants don't realize: under Article 15, n.º 4 of the current Nationality Law (introduced by Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2024, effective April 1, 2024), your legal residency period begins counting from the date you had your biometrics appointment, — not from when you received your residence permit card.
This matters enormously given current processing realities. Many applicants waited, between 2020 and 2021, 12-24 months between between the SEF/AIMA appointment for the biometrics and card issuance, mostly in Golden Visa by Real Estate.
Under the current law, that waiting time counts toward your 5 years.
Practical Example
Timeline for a Golden Visa holder:
- • Golden Visa application filed online: January 2021
- • AIMA appointment for the biometrics: October 2022
- • Residence card finally issued: May 2023
- ✓ 5 years complete under CURRENT law: January 2026
- • 5 years if counted from card issuance: May 2028
- • 10 years under PROPOSED law: May 2033
The difference between acting now vs. waiting: potentially 5 years.
Golden Visa Holders: Your Path to Citizenship
If you obtained Portuguese residency through the Golden Visa program, you have full eligibility for citizenship by naturalization — regardless of how much time you've physically spent in Portugal.
Your Time Counts
Golden Visa residence time fully counts toward the 5-year nationality requirement.
Minimal Stay is OK
The 7-day (year 1) and 14-day (years 2-5) requirements don't affect your nationality eligibility.
Family Included
Dependent family members on your Golden Visa can also apply for citizenship once they meet residency requirements.
Golden Visa to Citizenship Timeline
- If you received Golden Visa approval in 2019 or 2020:
You may already qualify for citizenship under current law. - If you received Golden Visa approval in 2020 or 2021:
You likely qualify now — submit your application before a revised law may take effect. - If Parliament passes a revised law with a 7-year requirement:
You could need to wait until 2027-2028 instead of qualifying now.
Current Requirements for Portuguese Citizenship by Residence
| ✓ Legal Residence | Minimum 5 years under current law (counting from visa application submission) |
| ✓ Portuguese Language | A2 level certificate required (CPLP nationals — Brazil, Angola, etc. — are exempt) |
| ✓ Clean Criminal Record | No conviction resulting in 3+ years imprisonment (Portugal and country of origin) |
| ✓ No Security Concerns | No involvement in terrorism, violent crime, or threats to national security |
| ✓ Age | 18 years old or legally emancipated |
| ✓ Government Fee | €250 application fee |
Note on Language Requirement
The A2 Portuguese test is achievable with 3-6 months of dedicated study. Test centers include CAPLE-certified institutions throughout Portugal. We can recommend preparation resources and testing locations.
If you haven't started learning Portuguese yet, beginning now could allow you to meet all requirements before any law change takes effect.
Our Process
How We Guide Your Citizenship Application
Step 1: Eligibility Assessment
We review your complete residence history, entry dates, visa applications, and documentation to confirm you qualify under current law and calculate your exact timeline.
Step 2: Document Compilation
We prepare a comprehensive document checklist tailored to your situation, including criminal record certificates, proof of residence, language certification, and any additional requirements.
Step 3: Application Preparation
We draft and review your nationality application, ensuring all information is accurate and complete before submission to the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais.
Step 4: Submission & Tracking
We submit your application and monitor its progress, handling any requests for additional documentation or clarification from authorities.
Step 5: Registration & Certificate
Upon approval, we assist with your civil registration as a Portuguese citizen and obtaining your Portuguese citizenship certificate and passport application.
Current processing times at Conservatória: 12-18 months from submission to decision.
Free Live Webinar
Parliament Reappraisal of the Nationality Law — What It Means for You
Join Attorney Jorge Ferraz for a live 45-minute session:
- → The April 2026 parliamentary reappraisal explained in plain English
- → What the Constitutional Court struck down — and what may survive
- → New President António José Seguro: what to expect
- → How Article 15 time-counting works (with real examples)
- → Golden Visa holders: your specific pathway
- → Why you should apply now — and the documents you need
- → Live Q&A — bring your questions
Limited to 100 participants. Recording available for registrants.
Why Work with a Registered Portuguese Law Firm
Immigration Consultancies
- ✗ No legal regulation or oversight
- ✗ Cannot provide legal advice
- ✗ No professional liability insurance required
- ✗ No recourse if things go wrong
- ✗ May not understand legal nuances
- ✗ Cannot represent you if issues arise
DefesaLegal.PT Law Firm
- ✓ Portuguese Bar Association registered and regulated
- ✓ Full legal advice and representation
- ✓ Professional liability insurance coverage
- ✓ Disciplinary accountability through Bar Association
- ✓ 22+ years of immigration law practice
- ✓ Can represent you in appeals or administrative disputes
About DefesaLegal.PT
F+AS Sociedade de Advogados, SP RL (trading as DefesaLegal.PT) is a Portuguese law firm with over two decades of experience in immigration and nationality law.
Led by Jorge Ferraz, our practice serves international clients seeking Portuguese residency and citizenship, with particular focus on:
- • Portuguese nationality by residence (naturalization)
- • Golden Visa applications and renewals
- • D7 and D8 visa applications
- • Corporate immigration and relocation
- • Family reunification
Our Credentials
- ⚖️ Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) — Member since 2002
- 🌐 AILA — American Immigration Lawyers Association — International Associate Member
- 🌐 ABA — American Bar Association — International Law Section
- 📍 Two offices in Portugal: Porto (since 2002) and Lisboa
- 📊 500+ successful nationality applications processed
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 5-year rule still in effect?
Yes, for now. On December 15, 2025, the Constitutional Court ruled key provisions of the proposed law unconstitutional. On December 19, 2025, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa vetoed the legislation and returned it to Parliament. However, the Parliament is expected to reappraise the vetoed law in April 2026. A revised version — with the unconstitutional provisions removed — may be approved and sent to the new President for signature. The current 5-year rule remains in force until new legislation is enacted.
What happened with the proposed changes, and what comes next?
Parliament approved amendments to the Nationality Law on October 28, 2025 (157-64 votes). The Constitutional Court ruled four provisions unconstitutional on December 15, 2025, and the President vetoed the legislation on December 19, 2025. The law was returned to Parliament, which is expected to reappraise it in April 2026 by removing the unconstitutional provisions. The new President, António José Seguro, may then sign the revised law into effect.
Does my Golden Visa residency time count toward citizenship?
Yes, fully. Time under Golden Visa residence authorization counts toward the 5-year nationality requirement. The minimal physical presence requirements don't affect your nationality eligibility. If you received your Golden Visa in 2019 or 2020, you may already qualify.
I submitted my visa application in 2020, but my card wasn't issued until 2022. When does my 5 years start?
Under Article 15, n.º 4 of the current law, your residency period counts from when you submitted your Residence Permit application — not from when you received your card. In your example, the 5 years would count from 2020.
Will applications submitted now be decided under the 5-year rule?
Applications submitted under the current law should be decided under the 5-year requirement. However, with Parliament expected to reappraise the law in April 2026, it is critical to submit your application promptly to benefit from the current rules. The sooner your application is filed, the stronger your position.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to become a citizen?
Yes, you need to demonstrate A2-level Portuguese proficiency through a certified test. Exception: Nationals of CPLP countries (Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, etc.) are exempt from the language requirement.
How long does the citizenship application process take?
Current processing times at the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais range from 12-18 months from application submission to decision. Document preparation typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Can I keep my current citizenship if I become Portuguese?
Portugal allows dual (and multiple) citizenship. You do not need to renounce your current nationality to become Portuguese. However, your home country's rules may differ.
What documents do I need for the citizenship application?
Required documents typically include: valid passport, Portuguese residence permit, birth certificate (apostilled), criminal record certificates, proof of Portuguese language proficiency (A2 certificate), and completed application forms.
How much does it cost to apply for Portuguese citizenship?
The government application fee is €250. Our Attorney Fees start at 1.150,00€ and depend on the complexity of your case. We provide fee estimates after an initial assessment.
Schedule Your Eligibility Assessment
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Lisbon time)
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All our Attorneys-at-Law are enrolled in the Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados). This website provides general information about Portuguese nationality law and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation. The legal framework regarding Portuguese nationality requirements is actively evolving — Parliament is expected to reappraise the vetoed Nationality Law in April 2026. Information on this page reflects the law as of March 2026 and is subject to change. We recommend consulting with a lawyer to understand how current and proposed laws apply to your individual circumstances. No one can guarantee outcomes or processing times. Any other information is misleading and/or not following all the legal procedures.