International Mobility

Portuguese Citizenship

Portuguese citizenship grants full access to the European Union. There are three main routes: 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.

Portuguese citizenship grants full access to the European Union. There are three main routes: 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.

How it works

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Legal framework
  • Law no. 37/81, of 3 October (Nationality Law).
  • Amended by Organic Law no. 1/2026: naturalisation period, as a rule, of 7 years (Portuguese-speaking countries, incl. Brazil) and 10 years (others).
  • Applications handled by the IRN (Institute of Registries and Notaries) and consulates. Dates and rules to be confirmed in the official gazette.
In depth
01

What changed with the 2026 reform

The Nationality Law (Law no. 37/81) was amended in 2026. According to available sources, the legal-residence period for naturalisation became, as a rule, 7 years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries (including Brazil) and 10 years for everyone else, replacing the previous 5 years.

There were also adjustments to how the period is counted, to the requirements for children of foreigners born in Portugal and to access for more distant descendants. These points should be confirmed in the published text of Organic Law no. 1/2026 and the consolidated Law 37/81 — we carry out that check in each case.

02

The routes in detail

Descent: children of Portuguese nationals generally have direct access; grandchildren and more distant descendants depend on specific requirements. Marriage or civil partnership with a Portuguese citizen allows acquisition, once the years of relationship and the ties to the community are met.

Naturalisation: this is the route for those who have built legal residence in Portugal, including those who arrived via a Golden Visa or another permit. It requires, among others, knowledge of the Portuguese language and the absence of relevant convictions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long of residence is required in 2026?

According to available sources, as a rule 7 years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries (including Brazilians) and 10 years for everyone else, after the 2026 reform. We confirm the current framework in each case.

What are the routes to citizenship?

Descent, naturalisation by residence, and marriage/civil partnership, always meeting the legal requirements.

I am Brazilian — do I have an advantage?

Yes: nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries generally benefit from the shorter residence period for naturalisation.

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

Naturalisation generally requires demonstrating knowledge of the Portuguese language, among other requirements.

Related topics
Golden VisaGold VisaARI — Residence Permit for InvestmentInvestment Funds (Golden Visa)

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