Becoming a Portuguese citizen unlocks all the benefits of the EU passport. The national status secures one’s peace of mind and grants the freedom to work, travel and temporarily reside in other Schengen area countries. This article will guide you through the Portugal citizenship requirements and highlight the important changes in the law.
This article was originally published on January 29th, 2026. It was updated on May 8th, 2026, to match the recent decree.
Current Portugal citizenship requirements
As of January 2026, there are three main ways to obtain a national status.
Naturalisation
How to get citizenship in Portugal: You must reside in the country for more than five years and pass a language exam.
Don’t forget – you must keep on renewing your resident permit without breaks. Otherwise, the year count will be reset to 0.
Documents:
- Application form.
- The applicant’s birth certificate.
- A copy of the residence permit card (confirming your resident status).
- Proof of legal residence in Portugal for at least 5 years (will change to 7/10 years soon) from the AIMA migration agency.
- A certificate proving your A2 Portuguese level
- A criminal record certificate from Portugal.
- A criminal record certificate from your country of origin.
- Proof of financial stability.
Note:
- The list of required documents may change. Always verify it before submitting.
- All foreign documents must be translated and legalised.
Marriage
How to get Portuguese citizenship: You must be married/de facto married to a Portuguese national for more than three years. You don't have to reside in Portugal; long-distance relationships count, too. The key is to convince the authorities that your love is genuine.
Documents:
- Application form.
- Marriage certificate (issued in Portugal or legalised if issued abroad).
- The applicant’s birth certificate.
- A copy of the Portuguese spouse’s identity document.
- Criminal record certificates for the applicant (from all relevant countries, including Portugal).
- A certificate confirming the applicant’s current nationality.
- Documents proving connection to Portugal: joint residence registration, property documents, employment or study confirmation, birth certificates of joint children, etc.
Explore: Portugal holidays in 2026.
Descent
How to become a Portuguese citizen: You must have Portuguese roots (parents, grandparents, or, in rare cases, great-grandparents).
Documents:
- Application form.
- Valid ID/Passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Ancestor’s documentation – proof of Portuguese citizenship.
- Marriage certificates. If qualifying through a grandparent or great-grandparent, you must provide marriage certificates to prove that you’re a family member.
- Language proficiency.
- Proof of ties to Portugal.
Portugal is one of the most welcoming countries for expats in Europe. If you follow regulations, behave with dignity and don’t mess up with documentation, gaining Portuguese citizenship is more than real.
Future changes: What the process is like after May 3rd, 2026
On May 3rd, 2026, Portugal’s President, Antonio Jose Seguro, promulgated the decree that changes the Nationality law. Here’s how it will affect you:
| Minimum residency period | 10 years instead of 5 |
|---|---|
| Minimum residency period (EU and CPLP nationals*) | 7 years instead of 5 |
| Starting counting point | The date the first permit is issued, not the day of your application |
| Civic knowledge test | You’ll have to pass a test on Portuguese culture, history, laws, and national symbols |
| Commitment to democratic values | You have to sign a formal declaration |
| Criminal record | Sentence duration of 3 or more years is an automatic rejection. May be lowered to 2 years. If the crime is related to extremism or the State, the length doesn't matter; they will reject it. |
*CPLP members are Brazil, Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, and Timor-Leste
The law isn’t published yet, and some lines may change. Keep an eye on official statements on Diário da República, Presidência da República and AIMA.
If you’re already eligible, try to initiate the naturalisation process before the new law is accepted. You may still benefit from the old rules and get your Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of residence.
The President said that the current pending applications should not be affected. So if you’re in the queue, don’t panic. Yet the President’s word is not the final law – check the final document when it goes public.
FAQ – How to get Portuguese citizenship
Can I get Portuguese citizenship if I'm Brazilian?
Yes, it’s not restricted. Choose any path (marriage, descent, naturalisation) and apply as foreigners from other countries do.
Does Brazil allow for dual citizenship?
Yes, Brazil allows dual citizenship.
Is a Portuguese passport strong?
Yes, it's in 5th place in the Official Passport Index Ranking.
What are the benefits of having a Portuguese passport?
- Visa-free entry to 184 countries.
- EU-citizenship benefits (travel, work and life-related).
- Full citizen rights in the country.
- Legal protection.
- Securing a European future for your children.
- Full access to local healthcare.
Learn more: Health insurance in Portugal: an ultimate guide for expats.
How can I send money from Portugal to Brazil?
- Join Profee.
- Add the transfer amount.
- Pick a preferred payment method.
- Enter the recipient’s details.
- Confirm.
