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Portugal historically required five years of legal residence, but a 2026 reform increased the minimum period, with longer requirements now applying to most applicants. Confirm the current rule before you apply, as transitional protections are uncertain.
For many years the standard requirement was at least five years of legal residence in Portugal before applying for naturalisation. In 2026 the Portuguese Parliament approved amendments to the Nationality Law that lengthen this period for most applicants, with a shorter qualifying period proposed for nationals of EU and Portuguese-speaking (CPLP) countries.
Because the rules have changed and no clear transitional regime had been confirmed, the exact number of years that applies to you depends on your nationality and when you apply. This is a high-stakes point: check the current requirement directly with the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) or a qualified adviser before relying on an older five-year figure.
Get a personalised assessment from a licensed ACME advisor, or ask Acey.
