Portuguese Citizenship
Applying for Portuguese citizenship — by naturalisation, marriage, descent or other grounds — with a lawyer.
Provided by VPA — Venture Partners Advogados, a law firm registered with the Portuguese Bar Association, with offices in Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro.
Overview
VPA advises on eligibility for Portuguese citizenship and prepares the application. Since 19 May 2026, Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 changed the rules: naturalisation generally requires seven years of legal residence for nationals of the EU and Portuguese-speaking (CPLP) countries and ten years for other nationalities, counted from the issue of the residence permit. Nationals of CPLP countries therefore benefit from the shorter period, and special CPLP conventions and agreements may provide further facilitations. Applications filed before that date follow the previous rules. Other routes include citizenship by marriage or civil partnership and by descent. Administrative processing times at the registries (IRN) vary and are often longer than the legal targets; we manage the file, the documents and any delays through to a decision.
Common processes
- Eligibility assessment
- Naturalisation
- Citizenship by marriage
- Citizenship by descent
- Document preparation
- Appeals and delays
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for citizenship by naturalisation?
Since 19 May 2026 (Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026), naturalisation generally requires seven years of legal residence for EU and CPLP nationals and ten years for other nationalities, counted from the issue of the residence permit. Nationals of CPLP countries benefit from the shorter period and, in some cases, from special CPLP agreements. Applications filed before that date follow the previous five-year rule. We confirm which regime applies to you.
How long does the process take?
Administrative processing times at the registries (IRN) are variable and frequently longer than the legal targets. We track your file and press for a decision, but the timeline is set by the authorities, not by us.
Are there language and knowledge requirements?
Yes. A knowledge-of-Portuguese requirement applies, and the 2026 reform added proof of knowledge of Portuguese culture, history and civic rights and duties. We confirm the current requirements for your case.
Can I get citizenship through marriage or descent?
Yes. Marriage or a civil partnership with a Portuguese national, and descent, remain recognised routes, each subject to its own conditions.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Portugal allows dual nationality, so you generally do not have to renounce your current citizenship.
Related areas
Specialists
Contact
For advice on this service, contact VPA — Venture Partners Advogados, Lisbon.