Portugal’s naturalization clock gets longer

Portugal’s Parliament approved a revised Nationality Law on April 1, 2026 that raises the residency requirement for naturalization from 5 years to 10 years for most non-EU and non-CPLP nationals. For EU nationals and citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries, the period now stands at 7 years. The clock starts from the first residence permit issuance, not from arrival.

The bill also adds tougher integration checks, including Portuguese language proficiency and civic knowledge, plus a solemn declaration of adherence to democratic values. It bars applicants with prison sentences of 3 years or more and ends naturalization based on Sephardic Jewish descent.

Who feels the change

Digital nomads on Portugal’s D8 visa and Golden Visa holders are among the groups most directly affected, since the path to citizenship now takes longer for most non-EU applicants. The reform doesn't affect tourists, but it does matter for remote workers and expats who planned around the former 5-year rule.

The law isn't yet in force. It still needs presidential promulgation, so the current 5-year residency rule remains active for now. No grandfathering clause has been published.

What applicants should do now

Anyone close to the old threshold should move quickly and file under the current rules if eligible. AIMA’s processing backlog is still an issue in 2026, so waiting could mean more delay even before the law takes effect.

Portugal’s D8 visa still requires monthly income of €3,680 ($3,973), housing proof and health insurance and the permit process runs through AIMA after entry. Read our full Portugal guide for the complete picture. For more visa updates, keep an eye on the legal timeline.