Portugal's New Nationality Law: Your Questions Answered

In a recent live webinar hosted by PALCUS, immigration lawyer Dr. Sandra Gomes Pinto answered dozens of audience questions about Portugal's new nationality law, which entered into force in May 2026. Here is a full summary of the most important Q&As from that session.

What exactly changed with the new potuguese citizenship law in 2026?

The most significant change affects those seeking citizenship through naturalisation — i.e. through legal residency in Portugal. Previously, five years of legal residency was required. Under the new law, non-EU nationals now need 10 years. Citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (such as Brazil) need seven years. Additionally, applicants must now demonstrate integration into the Portuguese community and show knowledge of the country's history, culture, and legal principles.

Do these 2026 changes to the Portuguese citizenship law affect people applying through ancestry or marriage, or those already living in Portugal?

No. Those seeking citizenship through ancestry (parents or grandparents) or through marriage are completely unaffected. The existing expat community in Portugal also faces no change: they retain full rights to use the national health service, attend public schools, renew visas, and travel within the Schengen Area exactly as before.

When does the residency clock start ticking in Portugal (according to the new 2026 Portuguese citizenship law)?

The clock starts on the date of issuance of the physical resident permit card — not the date you submitted your application. An earlier 2024 amendment had linked the start date to the application submission, but the new law clarifies that it is the card issuance that matters.

Are people who already submitted their citizenship applications protected (before the new 2026 Portuguese citizenship law entered into force)?

Yes, fully. The law expressly protects anyone who submitted their application before 18 May 2026, or who had already surpassed the five-year residency threshold before that date. Their rights are completely secure and the new rules do not apply to them.

I have dual American and Brazilian citizenship. Which route is better to apply for Portuguese citizenship in 2026?

As a Brazilian citizen you only need seven years of legal residency instead of ten, and you are also exempt from the A2 Portuguese language requirement. The Brazilian route is clearly the easier path to Portuguese citizenship.

What is the A2 language requirement, and will there be a new culture and history exam (according to the new 2026 Portuguese citizenship law)?

The A2 level is a basic conversational standard — similar to a first English certificate. It requires simple conversation skills, basic reading, and elementary writing. As for a new culture and history component: the law provides for this, but Portugal has not yet published the implementation details. We will update our clients as soon as the authorities clarify how it will work in practice.

Does the language requirement apply to spouses of Portuguese citizens (according to the new 2026 Portuguese citizenship law)?

If you have been married to a Portuguese citizen for more than six years, the A2 requirement is waived and you do not need to demonstrate a strong connection to the Portuguese community. Spouses of Portuguese citizens are not affected by the new naturalisation rules at all.

How are AIMA processing delays affecting timelines?

Delays at AIMA (Portugal's immigration authority) directly affect when applicants receive their residence permit card. Since the citizenship clock only starts at card issuance, any AIMA delay pushes the entire timeline back. Renewals, however, have improved significantly and are now processed much more quickly than before.

How long are citizenship applications currently taking?

Based on our experience, most applications are taking around three years or more. Ancestry applications tend to be slightly faster than spousal applications. We track all client processes on the official platform 365 days a year and intervene immediately if any additional requirement or communication appears.

What is the difference between permanent residency and citizenship?

After five years of legal residency, residents can apply for permanent residency — the right to live in Portugal indefinitely, subject to minimum stay requirements. They can also obtain long-term EU residency status, simplifying the right to study, work, or retire in any EU country. Citizenship goes one step further: it gives the right to vote in certain situations and the unrestricted freedom to live in any EU member state. We generally advise clients to apply for permanent residency while their citizenship application is pending.

What is the Golden Visa and how much does it cost?

The Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment route that does not require you to live in Portugal — only 14 days every two years are mandatory. Real estate is no longer an eligible investment category. Current options include investment funds (at least 60% invested in Portuguese companies), job creation, or cultural and environmental donations from €250,000. One Golden Visa investment can cover the entire family, including children, parents, and in-laws — providing a legal foothold in Europe without needing to relocate immediately.

Should I get a visa first or apply for citizenship directly?

Get the visa first. With a D7 retiree visa or a D8 digital nomad visa, you can be living in Portugal within six to seven months if your documentation is in order. Citizenship takes a minimum of three years just for the application process — and that is before completing the required years of residency. Residency lets you start your life here immediately; citizenship follows naturally over time.

What does Dr. Sandra Gomes Pinto advise people considering this path?

If citizenship or residency in Portugal makes sense for you — even just to secure a safe harbour for your family or to pass citizenship to your children — act sooner rather than later. Both citizenship law and visa requirements are trending toward greater complexity. The D7 retiree visa remains one of the best routes into European residency. And clients consistently tell us: within weeks of arriving, they feel healthier, safer, and happier. Portugal offers a quality of life that is very hard to put a price on.

📩 Have a question about your specific situation? Contact us at sgp@sandragomespinto.com or visit www.sandragomespinto.com. We offer a free initial consultation for the first applicants who reach out.