Portugal Nationality Law was now published in Gazette Dario Republica on May 18, 2026 officially becoming a law 37/81 and will now be implemented for new applications.
On May 3rd, 2026, Portugal’s updated Nationality Law was promulgated by the President of the Republic. Mercan Properties confirms that these changes do not affect the Portugal Golden Visa Program from a residency perspective, which remains fully in force under the existing legal and contractual framework.
What has Changed for Portugal Citizenship
The new conditions set for Portuguese citizenship as follows..
a) Being of legal age, according to Portuguese law;
b) Have resided legally in Portuguese territory for at least seven years, in the case of nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and citizens of Member States of the European Union, or 10 years, in the case of nationals of other countries;
c) Demonstrate, through a test or certificate, sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols;
d) To have sufficient knowledge of the fundamental rights and duties inherent to Portuguese nationality and the political organization of the Portuguese State;
(e) To solemnly declare their adherence to the fundamental principles of the democratic rule of law;
f) Not having been convicted, with a final and unappealable judicial decision, to an effective prison sentence exceeding 3 years, for crimes of terrorism, violent and especially violent crime, highly organized crime, crimes against the security of the State or for aiding illegal immigration, punishable under Portuguese law;
(g) They do not constitute a danger or threat to national security or defense, in particular through involvement in activities related to terrorism, violent crime, especially violent or highly organized crime;
Citizenship for Minors
The Government grants nationality to minors born in Portuguese territory to foreign parents, provided that, at the time of application, the following requirements are cumulatively met:
a) One of the parents has been legally resident in the national territory for at least five years;
b) The minor is enrolled in and regularly attending compulsory schooling, where applicable;
c) If the minor has reached the age of criminal responsibility, they must meet the requirements of points e) to h) of the preceding paragraph.
Stateless People
The Government grants Portuguese nationality to stateless persons who have legally resided in Portugal for at least four years and who cumulatively meet the requirements set out in points c) to h) of paragraph 1.
The residency period for citizenship is expected to begin from the date the residence permit is issued, rather than the date of the initial application submission, according to current indications.
No Changes to Golden Visa
No changes proposed to golden visa program. No changes done to PR path achievable through golden visa program after 5 years with minimal living (7 days).
. Portugal continues to offer one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe. The program remains supported by one of the most structured and legally robust residency-by- investment frameworks in Europe, combining flexibility, transparency, and credibility.
Key advantages remain Unchanged
• Minimal stay required: Just 7 days per year or 14 days every two years
• Full access to European lifestyle and mobility benefits
• A stable, transparent, and investor-friendly legal framework
• Eligibility to apply for permanent residency after 5 years of legal residence
• A clear pathway to Portuguese citizenship
• Aligned with global and European regulatory trends
Portugal continues to provide strong value for investors seeking European residency, family security, lifestyle optionality, and future citizenship potential.
