How to Get Portuguese Citizenship: All The New Rules
- Remove the current class from the content27_link item as Webflows native current state will automatically be applied.
- To add interactions which automatically expand and collapse sections in the table of contents select the content27_h-trigger element, add an element trigger and select Mouse click (tap)
- For the 1st click select the custom animation Content 27 table of contents [Expand] and for the 2nd click select the custom animation Content 27 table of contents [Collapse].
- In the Trigger Settings, deselect all checkboxes other than Desktop and above. This disables the interaction on tablet and below to prevent bugs when scrolling.
[Updated Article]
In a move set to reshape the country's nationality framework, the Portuguese Government has enacted significant changes to its Citizenship Law. While major reforms were proposed in late 2025 to tighten access, the Portuguese Constitutional Court intervened in December 2025, ensuring that current paths remain predictable for those already integrated into the country. The decision aims to preserve Portugal’s appeal to legitimate long-term residents, foreign families, and investors pursuing European citizenship and residency.
Whether pursuing dual citizenship, a Portuguese passport, or recognition through marriage or descent, the current legal framework demands close legal and tax scrutiny. To avoid delays or setbacks, it’s crucial to understand the new rules and application procedures.
The ‘Residency Clock’ Reform Law
One of the most impactful updates currently in effect concerns the calculation of residency periods for naturalization. Time spent waiting for a residence permitnow counts toward the five-year legal residence requirement. The "clock" starts from the date the temporary residence permit application was submitted, provided it is eventually granted.
How to Get Portuguese Citizenship: Main Legal Pathways
While Parliament discussed a 10-year requirement, the 5-year legal residence rule remains fully in effect.
Naturalization Through Residency
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A minimum of 5 years of legal residence for most applicants. (The proposal to increase this to 10 years (7 for CPLP) was stalled by a presidential veto in late 2025).
- No serious criminal convictions (defined as a sentence of three years or more).
- Basic proficiency in Portuguese (A2 level).
- Evidence of integration into Portuguese society.
Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
Under the new nationality law, citizenship by descent is open to:
- Children of Portuguese nationals, with proof of direct lineage via official civil records.
- Grandchildren of Portuguese nationals, with additional evidence of an effective connection to the Portuguese community. This may include basic knowledge of the language, regular visits, property ownership, or cultural affiliation.
Great-grandchildren are not eligible, as naturalization by ancestry is limited to the second generation.
Portuguese Citizenship by Marriage
Under the current reform:
- Individuals married to a Portuguese citizen or in a civil union for three years may apply.
- If the couple has children who are Portuguese citizens, the requirement to prove an effective connection is waived.
- No minimum period of residency in Portugal is required for this route.
The current administration has maintained this route but has introduced additional verification procedures to prevent fraudulent claims, as noted on the Portuguese Government's official portal.
Portuguese Nationality Through the Sephardic Connection
Under the revised nationality law, this route is now subject to stricter requirements. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Prove Sephardic Jewish ancestry linked to historic Portuguese communities.
- Demonstrate at least three years of legal residency in Portugal.
- Provide documentation confirming genealogical lineage and community or cultural ties to Portugal.
Important: The "open" Sephardic route has effectively ended for those without residency; the government aims to phase it out entirely across 2026.
Importantly, the government has extended the application deadline to December 31, 2025, for those applying under the previous criteria. From January 2026 onward, no new applications will be accepted under this route, in line with the government's stated intention to phase it out, as reported by ECO.
Children Born in Portugal to Foreign Parents
According to the new nationality law, children born in Portugal to foreign nationals can apply for Portuguese citizenship if:
- At least one parent has been residing in Portugal (legally or otherwise) for at least one year at the time of the child’s birth.
Note: The proposal to increase this to three years was part of the vetoed 2025 reform.
Portuguese Nationality Through the Sephardic Connection
Under the revised nationality law, this route is now subject to stricter requirements. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Prove Sephardic Jewish ancestry linked to historic Portuguese communities.
- Demonstrate at least three years of legal residency in Portugal.
- Provide documentation confirming genealogical lineage and community or cultural ties to Portugal.
Important: The "open" Sephardic route has effectively ended for those without residency; the government aims to phase it out entirely across 2026.
Importantly, the government has extended the application deadline to December 31, 2025, for those applying under the previous criteria. From January 2026 onward, no new applications will be accepted under this route, in line with the government's stated intention to phase it out, as reported by ECO.
Children Born in Portugal to Foreign Parents
According to the new nationality law, children born in Portugal to foreign nationals can apply for Portuguese citizenship if:
- At least one parent has been residing in Portugal (legally or otherwise) for at least one year at the time of the child’s birth.
- Note: The proposal to increase this to three years was part of the vetoed 2025 reform.
How to Apply for Portuguese Citizenship
The Portuguese Nationality Application process is managed by the Central Registry Office (Conservatória dos Registos Centrais) or local civil registry offices. Applications must include:
- Valid identification documents.
- Criminal record certificates from both Portugal and the country of origin.
- A2-level Portuguese proficiency certificate (CIPLE).
- Proof of the "residency clock" start date (e.g., the AIMA application receipt)
Portuguese Nationality Application: Processing Time
While the Portuguese Government stipulates a maximum decision period of 90 days, actual processing times are often much longer due to administrative delays. Unofficial estimates from immigration professionals and other sources suggest that the process may take between 18 and 29 months, depending on the application category and documentation completeness.
Portuguese Nationality Application Status
Applicants can track the Portuguese Nationality Application Status via the online IRN (Instituto dos Registos e Notariado) portal using the unique application code. While helpful, the system is not always updated in real-time. For those with time-sensitive cases (e.g., passport issuance or family reunification), monitoring and, where necessary, escalating through legal representation is advisable.
How to Obtain a Portuguese Passport
Once citizenship is granted, individuals may apply for a Portuguese passport at any IRN office or Loja do Cidadão. The passport is biometric, valid for 10 years (for adults), and grants visa-free travel to about 190 countries.
Portuguese Citizenship Tax Implications
Obtaining Portuguese citizenship does not automatically alter tax status. However, citizenship combined with physical presence (more than 183 days a year) or maintaining a habitual residence in the country will trigger tax residency. Portuguese tax residents are subject to global income reporting and national tax obligations.
Dual nationals should seek cross-border tax advice to manage exposure, particularly regarding real estate, inheritance, and exit strategies from other tax regimes.
Final Considerations
Portugal’s nationality law is still shaped by the Organic Law 1/2024 and the stalled 2025 reforms that attempted to increase residency requirements. The changes aim to standardize procedures and ensure the "residency clock" aligns with administrative backlogs.
With heightened scrutiny and the full implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) in April 2026, accurate legal guidance and tax planning and preparation are no longer optional but essential.
For those considering an application, consulting with a tax or immigration advisor can provide clarity and ensure alignment with the current framework.
At Tytle, we provide global tax services, including:
- Accounting/bookkeeping
- Accurate tax filing
- Estate planning
- Cross-border advice
- Immigration services
- And much more!
For more international tax advice, feel free to explore: “How to Move to Portugal? A Guide to All Visa Types” and “Portugal's D2 Visa: Entrepreneurship and Residency for Expats”.
See our latest articles
.png)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Get affordable tax help in Portugal now!
