The amendments to the Portuguese Nationality Law came into effect today, 19 May 2026, introducing significant changes to the rules for acquiring and attributing Portuguese citizenship.
The Organic Law No. 1/2026 of 18 May, published in the Official Gazette and corrected by Rectification Declaration No. 17/2026, revises several key provisions of the Nationality Law. The new law tightens the requirements for naturalisation, abolishes the special regime for descendants of Sephardic Jews, and extends the right to Portuguese nationality to great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens.
The new rules apply only to applications submitted after 19 May 2026.
Main Changes
The law eliminates several pathways to Portuguese nationality, including:
At the same time, the new law expands eligibility by allowing great-grandchildren of original Portuguese citizens and stateless persons legally residing in Portugal for at least four years to apply for nationality.
The legislation also clarifies rules for institutionalized minors and explicitly includes administrative measures for their protection and support.
Regarding children born in Portugal to foreign parents, one parent must now have legally resided in the country for at least five years at the time of the child’s birth. Proof of legal residence must be provided when submitting the declaration.
Naturalisation
The new law introduces stricter requirements for naturalisation. Applicants must now demonstrate:
The minimum legal residence period required for naturalisation has also been increased to:
Children Born in Portugal
For minors born in Portugal to foreign parents, stricter cumulative conditions now apply, including five years of legal residence by at least one parent and regular school attendance (where applicable).
Adoption
Acquisition of nationality through adoption is no longer automatic and now requires an explicit declaration of intent.
Entry into Force
These amendments entered into force on 19 May 2026. The Government has 90 days to update the Portuguese Nationality Regulation accordingly.
Applications already in progress will continue to be processed under the previous rules.
The Organic Law No. 1/2026 of 18 May, published in the Official Gazette and corrected by Rectification Declaration No. 17/2026, revises several key provisions of the Nationality Law. The new law tightens the requirements for naturalisation, abolishes the special regime for descendants of Sephardic Jews, and extends the right to Portuguese nationality to great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens.
The new rules apply only to applications submitted after 19 May 2026.
Main Changes
The law eliminates several pathways to Portuguese nationality, including:
- The special regime for descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews;
- Acquisition of nationality based on ancestry from an original Portuguese citizen in certain cases;
- Acquisition through descent from original Portuguese citizens or membership in Portuguese diaspora communities.
At the same time, the new law expands eligibility by allowing great-grandchildren of original Portuguese citizens and stateless persons legally residing in Portugal for at least four years to apply for nationality.
The legislation also clarifies rules for institutionalized minors and explicitly includes administrative measures for their protection and support.
Regarding children born in Portugal to foreign parents, one parent must now have legally resided in the country for at least five years at the time of the child’s birth. Proof of legal residence must be provided when submitting the declaration.
Naturalisation
The new law introduces stricter requirements for naturalisation. Applicants must now demonstrate:
- Sufficient knowledge of Portuguese culture, national history, and national symbols;
- Knowledge of the fundamental rights and duties of Portuguese citizens and the political structure of the Portuguese State;
- A solemn declaration of commitment to the principles of the democratic rule of law;
- No conviction to an effective prison sentence exceeding 3 years for serious crimes (terrorism, violent crime, organized crime, crimes against state security, or aiding illegal immigration);
- No restrictive measures imposed by the UN or the European Union;
- Financial self-sufficiency.
The minimum legal residence period required for naturalisation has also been increased to:
- 7 years for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries or EU Member States;
- 10 years for nationals of all other countries.
Children Born in Portugal
For minors born in Portugal to foreign parents, stricter cumulative conditions now apply, including five years of legal residence by at least one parent and regular school attendance (where applicable).
Adoption
Acquisition of nationality through adoption is no longer automatic and now requires an explicit declaration of intent.
Entry into Force
These amendments entered into force on 19 May 2026. The Government has 90 days to update the Portuguese Nationality Regulation accordingly.
Applications already in progress will continue to be processed under the previous rules.
These legislative updates directly reshape residency, citizenship, and investment pathways in Portugal. If you are planning to apply for a residence permit, pursue naturalisation, or structure EU business and real estate investments, we invite you to schedule a consultation with NATLAN. During a dedicated online session, our advisors will assess your eligibility under the new rules and deliver a precise, step-by-step roadmap tailored to your objectives.