Golden Visa Portugal › Citizenship
Citizenship and permanent residence · Updated 2 Nov 2026Golden Visa and Portuguese citizenship: the 10-year rule explained
- Naturalisation now generally needs 10 years of legal residence, or 7 for EU and CPLP nationals, counted from the first card's issue date.
- Applications filed by 18 May 2026 keep the old 5-year rule. Permanent residence after 5 years is unchanged.
- The new law is Lei Orgânica 1/2026, in force since 19 May 2026.
When can you apply for Portuguese citizenship?
Enter your first card issue date and nationality group to see your earliest permanent residence and citizenship dates under the 2026 rules.
Enter your first card date to see your dates.
Counted from the first card's issue date under Lei Orgânica 1/2026. Gaps in your permit or long absences can change the count, so use this as a guide and confirm it with a lawyer.
Old rule vs new rule for Golden Visa holders
| Before 19 May 2026 | From 19 May 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Residence for citizenship | 5 years | 10 years (7 for EU and CPLP nationals) |
| How the years are counted | Under the previous law | From the issue date of the first residence card |
| Applications filed by 18 May 2026 | 5-year rule | Keep the 5-year rule |
| Permanent residence | After 5 years | After 5 years (unchanged) |
Source: Lei Orgânica 1/2026 (Diário da República), IRN.
From Golden Visa to Portuguese passport
- Year 0: first cardThe issue date of your first ARI card starts the clock.
- Years 1 to 5: renewRenew on time and keep the minimum stay: 7 days in year one, 14 days per later two-year period.
- Year 5: permanent residenceApply for permanent residence. This does not make you a citizen.
- Year 7: EU and CPLP nationalsEarliest naturalisation filing for EU and CPLP nationals.
- Year 10: other nationalsEarliest naturalisation filing for everyone else.
- NaturalisationFile with the IRN: language, record and residence proof.
Who gets the shorter 7-year path?
EU nationals
Citizens of any EU member state qualify for the 7-year period.
CPLP nationals
Citizens of the Portuguese-speaking community: Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and PrÃncipe and Timor-Leste.
What else you need to apply for naturalisation
Typical requirements
- The residence period (10 years, or 7)
- Portuguese language knowledge, generally level A2
- A clean criminal record, in Portugal and abroad
- Proof of your residence history
Read more on our citizenship sites
Citizenship: frequently asked questions
Does Golden Visa time count towards Portuguese citizenship?
Yes. Time as a Golden Visa holder is legal residence. Under Lei Orgânica 1/2026 the clock is counted from the issue date of your first residence card.
How many years of residence do I need for citizenship in 2026?
Naturalisation now generally needs 10 years of legal residence, or 7 years for EU and CPLP nationals. The law is in force since 19 May 2026.
Does the old 5-year rule still apply to me?
Only to applications filed by 18 May 2026. Applications filed after that date follow the new 10-year rule (7 for EU and CPLP nationals). Ask a lawyer to confirm which rule applies to your file.
When can I get permanent residence as a Golden Visa holder?
After 5 years of residence. This is unchanged in 2026, and it is a separate step from citizenship.
Which nationalities get the 7-year rule?
EU and CPLP nationals. CPLP covers Portuguese-speaking countries: Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and PrÃncipe and Timor-Leste.
What else do I need besides years of residence?
Naturalisation has other requirements, including knowledge of the Portuguese language (generally level A2) and a clean criminal record. A lawyer can check the full list for your case.
Can I keep my other citizenship?
Portugal generally allows dual citizenship, but your other country's rules also matter. See our dual citizenship guide for the details.
Do absences from Portugal affect the 10 years?
Residence has to be legal and continuous in the way the law requires, so long absences or gaps in your permit can affect the count. Ask a lawyer to review your history before you apply.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 2 November 2026. Always confirm amounts and dates with the official source before you act.
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