How long do I need to live in Portugal to get citizenship — and what changed in 2026?

Portugal changed its nationality law in 2026, and the headline is simple: the residency requirement went up. This is one of the most-asked and most-misunderstood topics, so here is what actually applies now.

What changed in 2026

• The clock is stricter. Only lawful residence on a valid permit counts, and it starts on the date the permit was issued — not the date you applied. Time spent waiting for a first permit no longer counts.
• New knowledge test. On top of A2 Portuguese (if you are not from a Portuguese-speaking country), you must now pass a test on Portuguese culture, history and basic rights.
• Children born in Portugal qualify only if at least one parent had completed 5 years of legal residence at the time of birth.

Routes that still exist

Marriage or união de facto with a Portuguese citizen (generally 3+ years) remains a separate route, but you still need the language proof and a genuine, subsisting relationship. Sephardic-ancestry and other special routes have their own tightened rules — check those individually.