Today, the amendment to Law no. 37/81 of 3 October, which approves the Portuguese Nationality Law, was published in the Diário da República. The new legislation enters into force tomorrow, 19 May 2026, and introduces structural changes to the framework governing the acquisition of Portuguese nationality, particularly in naturalisation proceedings based on legal residence in Portugal.

Increased Residence Requirements for Portuguese Nationality Applications

Among the most significant amendments is the extension of the minimum period of legal residence required for the acquisition of Portuguese nationality. The currently applicable period of 5 years is increased to 10 years for third-country nationals, while a period of 7 years is established for citizens of the European Union and the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries).

New Rules on When Residence Time Starts Counting

One of the amendments giving rise to the greatest concern among foreign investors, Golden Visa holders and other international residents in Portugal relates, however, to the redefinition of the point in time from which the relevant residence period for nationality purposes begins to run.

Under the new regime, the qualifying residence period may no longer be counted from the date of submission of the residence permit application or immigration process, and will instead only begin to run from the date of issuance of the first residence permit.

Impact on Golden Visa Holders and Foreign Residents in Portugal

In practical terms, this amendment removes any relevance previously attributed to periods of administrative delay before the Portuguese authorities, including the historically significant delays affecting residence proceedings. This change may have a substantial impact on many foreign residents who structured their personal, family and investment projects in Portugal on the basis of the legal framework previously in force.

Transitional Rules and Pending Nationality Applications

It should also be noted that the new legislation includes a safeguard provision for pending nationality applications, which should continue to be assessed under the previous legal framework. Nevertheless, significant interpretative uncertainties remain regarding the application of the new regime to transitional situations, namely in respect of residents who had already begun accruing residence time for future naturalisation purposes but had not yet submitted their nationality application by the date on which the new law entered into force.

Other Relevant Changes to the Portuguese Nationality Regime

The new legislative framework also introduces other relevant amendments to the Portuguese nationality regime, including changes to certain modes of attribution and acquisition of nationality, a revision of the criteria applicable to children of foreign nationals born in Portugal, and the repeal of certain previously existing special regimes.

Legal and Practical Implications of the New Nationality Law

Given the impact of these amendments, it will be particularly important to monitor the subsequent regulatory developments and the administrative and judicial interpretation to be adopted by the competent authorities, especially with regard to the transitional application of the new regime and the protection of the legitimate expectations of current foreign residents in Portugal.

Legal Assistance for Residence, Golden Visa and Nationality Matters

Our team is closely monitoring the implementation of these amendments and remains available to assess the specific impact of the new regime on each individual situation, particularly in relation to residence, Golden Visa and nationality applications currently pending or under preparation.

If you believe your situation may be impacted, click here to contact us directly.