Citizenship by Length of Residence
Understand the requirements for naturalization based on residence in Portugal after Organic Law 1/2026 and what changes for Brazilians. Talk to our team.
Art. 6(1) of the Nationality Act (Lei da Nacionalidade), as amended by Organic Law 1/2026 (Lei Orgânica) (in force since May 19, 2026), allows an adult foreign national who legally resides in Portugal to acquire Portuguese citizenship by naturalization. To do so, they must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be of legal age under Portuguese law;
- Have resided legally in Portuguese territory for at least 7 years, in the case of nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language (such as Brazil) and European Union citizens, or 10 years, in the case of other foreign nationals (periods of legal residence, whether continuous or interrupted, are added together provided they occurred within a maximum span of 9 or 12 years, respectively);
- Demonstrate, by test or certificate, sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols;
- Have sufficient knowledge of the fundamental rights and duties inherent to Portuguese citizenship and of the political organization of the Portuguese State;
- Solemnly declare adherence to the fundamental principles of the democratic rule of law;
- Not have been sentenced, by a final and unappealable decision, to actual imprisonment of more than 3 years for crimes of terrorism, violent, especially violent or highly organized crime, crimes against State security or aiding illegal immigration;
- Not pose a danger or threat to national security or defense, nor be subject to restrictive measures of the UN or the European Union; and
- Have the capacity to support themselves.
For Brazilians and other nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language, knowledge of the Portuguese language is presumed, unless there is a manifest lack of proficiency (Art. 6(10)); the other knowledge requirements must be proven under the implementing regulations. Applications filed by May 18, 2026, continue to be assessed under the previous law (5 years of residence). For new applications, the time spent waiting for a decision on the residence permit (autorização de residência) application no longer counts as legal residence (repeal of Art. 15(4) of the Nationality Act).
If you have questions about your right to acquire citizenship based on length of residence, Sene & Araújo Advogados will be glad to help you.
Documents
- Full-content birth certificate (certidão de inteiro teor) of the Applicant, with notarial recognition (at a notary's office) of the clerk's signature and with a Hague Apostille;
- Certified copy of a valid photo ID (RG, CNH, or passport) with a Hague Apostille;
- Criminal record certificate from every country where the applicant has lived since age 16 (if written in a foreign language, accompanied by a certified translation and with a Hague Apostille); and
- A document issued by AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) proving the length of legal residence in the country.
Step by step – receipt and review of documents
Learn how the process works to verify whether your family has a right to Portuguese citizenship
Other services in this area
Children of Portuguese citizens
Citizenship for children of a Portuguese father or mother.
Learn more →
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Current requirements after Organic Law 1/2026 (Lei Orgânica).
Learn more →
Marriage or de facto union
For spouses and partners of Portuguese citizens.
Learn more →
Adoption
Citizenship for persons adopted by Portuguese citizens.
Learn more →
Ascendants
Only for applications filed by May 18, 2026.
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Urgency and delays in the process
Priority processing and what to do when the application is delayed.
Learn more →
Citizenship step by step
From documents to registration, one step at a time.
Learn more →
Citizen Card and passport
Portuguese documents after citizenship.
Learn more →Common questions
Didn't find your question? Talk to our team on WhatsApp.
How many years of legal residence are required to apply for Portuguese citizenship?
Under Organic Law 1/2026, in force since May 19, 2026, it is 7 years for nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language, such as Brazil, and for European Union citizens, and 10 years for other foreign nationals. Continuous or interrupted periods are added together if they occurred within a maximum span of 9 or 12 years, respectively. Applications filed by May 18, 2026, follow the previous law (5 years).
What are the requirements for naturalization by residence, besides the length of time?
In addition to the length of residence, the law requires legal age, knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, the absence of certain convictions and the capacity to support oneself.
- be of legal age under Portuguese law;
- knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols;
- knowledge of fundamental rights and duties and of the political organization of the State;
- solemn declaration of adherence to the democratic rule of law;
- absence of the convictions set out in the law and of any threat to security;
- the ability to support oneself.
Do Brazilians need to take a Portuguese language test?
For Brazilians and other nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language, knowledge of the Portuguese language is presumed, unless there is a manifest lack of proficiency (Art. 6(10) of the Nationality Act (Lei da Nacionalidade)). The other required knowledge, such as culture, history, national symbols, rights and duties and the political organization of the State, must be demonstrated under the implementing regulations.
Does the time spent waiting for a residence permit count toward citizenship?
For new applications, no. With the repeal of Art. 15(4) of the Nationality Act by Organic Law 1/2026 (Lei Orgânica), the time spent waiting for a decision on a residence permit application no longer counts as legal residence. Citizenship applications filed up to May 18, 2026 continue to be assessed under the previous law.
What documents are required for naturalization by residence?
Naturalization by residence requires an apostilled birth certificate and personal ID document, criminal record certificates from the countries where you have lived, and an AIMA document showing your length of residence.
- full-content birth certificate of the applicant, with notarial recognition and Hague Apostille;
- certified copy of a valid personal identity document with photo (RG, CNH or passport), with Hague Apostille;
- criminal record certificate from every country where you have lived since the age of 16, with a certified translation if necessary;
- an AIMA document proving the length of legal residence in Portugal.
Talk to our team
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