What are the main routes to Portuguese citizenship?

By descent (children and, under certain conditions, grandchildren of Portuguese nationals), by naturalisation after a period of legal residence, and by marriage or civil partnership with a Portuguese citizen, always meeting the legal requirements.

Did the nationality law change?

Yes. In 2026 Law no. 37/81 was amended and republished, with increased residence periods and other changes. The details must be confirmed in the official text and with the IRN.

From when is the residence period counted?

The counting rules changed and, in general, time is counted from the issue of the first residence permit. As it is a sensitive and recent point, we always confirm the framework in force.

I have Portuguese ancestry. Is my case different?

As a rule, the descent route is more stable and less affected by recent changes. Even so, each case should be assessed individually.

Portuguese citizenship: routes, requirements and changes

For many families, Portuguese citizenship is more than a document: it is full access to the European Union and the consolidation of a historic connection. But the path is not single — and, in 2026, the rules changed significantly. This overview helps you understand the main routes and, above all, why it is essential to always confirm the framework in force.

The main routes

By descent (attribution). Children and, under certain conditions, grandchildren of Portuguese citizens may be entitled to citizenship by blood. It is one of the most stable routes and the least affected by recent changes.
By naturalisation (residence). Those who legally reside in Portugal for the period required by law may apply for citizenship, meeting additional requirements (such as knowledge of the language and integration).
By marriage or civil partnership with a Portuguese citizen, after the time and conditions provided for.

What changed in 2026

In 2026, the Nationality Law was amended and republished. Among the reported changes are the increase in the residence periods required for naturalisation, changes in how that time is counted (typically from the issue of the first residence permit), new integration and conduct requirements, and a tightening of the rules for those born in Portuguese territory.

Given the depth and recency of these changes — and because the application details may still be under regulation — any specific case should be verified in the official text and with the competent authorities before proceeding. We do not work on assumptions in such a sensitive area.

Residence first, citizenship later

For most people without Portuguese ancestry, the path starts with residence — for example, through a suitable visa or a programme like the Golden Visa — and only later does the question of citizenship arise. Planning citizenship therefore means, first of all, planning residence well: the type of permit, its start and its maintenance directly influence when naturalisation becomes possible.

Mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is assuming that "I heard" equals knowing. Nationality rules are among those that change most and vary most by case — ancestry, time and type of residence, family situation. Proceeding on outdated or generic information leads, at best, to delays and, at worst, to rejected applications. The second mistake is treating nationality in isolation, without linking it to the residence path and the wealth and succession planning around it.

Legal references

Law no. 37/81, of 3 October (Nationality Law), which sets out the routes of attribution and acquisition of Portuguese citizenship.
The law was amended and republished in 2026 (Organic Law no. 1/2026), following review by the Constitutional Court (Ruling no. 1133/2025), with relevant changes to residence periods and requirements.
Deadlines, requirements and counting rules are set by the law in force and may still be under regulation; they must be confirmed in the official text and with the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN) before any application.

This article is general and informational and does not replace individual legal advice. Nationality law is especially sensitive to change; we always confirm the framework in force for your case.