Portuguese Citizenship After 5 Years? What Changed in 2026
Can you still get Portuguese citizenship after five years? No, not anymore. Since Lei Orgânica 1/2026 came into force on 19 May 2026, the general requirement is 10 years of legal residence, or 7 years for citizens of CPLP countries and the EU. The residence clock now starts from when your first residence permit is issued.
What exactly changed in 2026?
For years the rule was five years of legal residence. The 2026 nationality law (Lei Orgânica 1/2026, published in the Diário da República and in force from 19 May 2026) doubled that to ten years for most non EU, non CPLP nationals. Citizens of CPLP countries, such as Brazil and Angola, and of EU member states need seven years.
When does the residence clock start now?
From the date your first residence permit is issued. This reverses the 2024 rule, under which time counted from when you applied for residence, even while you waited. Because AIMA appointments can take a year or more, the waiting time before your permit is granted no longer counts toward citizenship, so your real timeline is longer than the headline number.
Does it affect people already living in Portugal?
The law applies going forward, and how it treats applications already in progress has been the most debated part. Some elements of the reform may still be shaped by regulations or tested in the courts. If you are already resident, do not assume your existing time is either lost or protected. Check your exact position before you rely on a particular date.
| Who you are | Years of legal residence |
|---|---|
| Non EU and non CPLP nationals | 10 years |
| CPLP nationals (e.g. Brazil, Angola) | 7 years |
| EU member state nationals | 7 years |
| Marriage, descent and other routes | Separate rules apply |
What else do you need beyond the years?
Time is not the only test. You generally need to show A2 level Portuguese through a recognised exam such as CIPLE, a clean criminal record, and genuine ties to the community. The language requirement is worth starting on early, because reaching A2 takes most people months of study.
Planning a move with the long game in mind?
The Move Plan sets out your route in sequence, and the Personalised Fit Plan builds the timeline around your nationality and goals.
Frequently asked questions
Is the five year rule really gone?
Yes. Since 19 May 2026 the general minimum is ten years of legal residence, with seven years for citizens of CPLP countries and the EU.
Why did Portugal change the law?
The government presented it as part of a wider tightening of immigration and nationality rules across 2025 and 2026.
Do the years before I received my residence permit count?
No, not under the new rule. Counting starts from the date your first residence permit is issued, so time spent waiting for it does not count.
I am Brazilian, how long do I need?
Seven years, because Brazil is a CPLP country, provided you also meet the language, criminal record and other requirements.
Does marriage to a Portuguese citizen still help?
Yes. Marriage to a citizen and Portuguese descent are separate routes with their own conditions, and they were not replaced by the residence rule.
Do I still need to speak Portuguese?
Yes. You generally need to show A2 level Portuguese through a recognised exam such as CIPLE.
Sources: Diário da República (Lei Orgânica 1/2026, in force 19 May 2026), Portuguese Government (portugal.gov.pt), AIMA. Current June 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Last updated June 2026. By Claire Lawrence, who moved to Portugal and now helps others do the same.