Citizenship by naturalization - 5 years residence

If you are living in Portugal under a residence permit, this guide explains how citizenship by naturalization in Portugal works, who qualifies, what the requirements are, and how the application process is handled in practice.

Portuguese Citizenship by Naturalization – the 2025 law

An individual to qualify for Portugal Citizenship by Naturalization has lived in Portugal as a legal resident for a minimum of five years can apply for citizenship and a portuguese passport. Continue reading to see how to get portuguese citizenship via naturalization.

This is usually the case of the "manifestaçao de interesse", golden visa holders or EU citizens that are living in Portugal or D7 residence permit holders the ones who can get the citizenship under this article.

With the new 2024 nationality law started on from 1st April 2024, the time since the submission of a temporary residence permit application will now be considered for citizenship application countin time, not as before - only when the residence visa was issued, so this is relevant for portuguese citizenship after 5 years because processing time starts after you have applied for residece permit.

For obtaining the citizenship based on the 5 years, also known as portugal citizenship by naturalization, the permise one needs to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language usually through a portuguese test:

Portuguese test may be booked here: CIPLE test.

Sample questions for the CIPLE test here.

Moreover, the individual must have no criminal convictions for a crime with a jail sentence of three or more years.

After all documents for the submission are gathered one can submitt an online application through the help of a qualifed and bar registered lawyer.

What Is Citizenship by Naturalization in Portugal?

Citizenship by naturalization Portugal allows a non-Portuguese national to become a Portuguese citizen after meeting statutory legal conditions. Unlike citizenship by origin, this route is based on legal residence and integration in Portugal.

Once Portuguese citizenship by naturalization is granted, you acquire:

• A Portuguese passport
• Full European Union citizenship
• The right to live, work, and retire anywhere in the EU

This pathway is regulated by the Portuguese Nationality Law and updated regulations in force from 1 April 2024.

Who Can Apply for Citizenship by Naturalization Portugal?

You may apply for citizenship by naturalization Portugal if you have completed five years of legal residence, regardless of the residence permit category.

This route commonly applies to individuals who hold or held:

• Manifestação de Interesse residence permits
• D7 residence permits
• Golden Visa residence permits
• EU citizens legally residing in Portugal
• Other valid temporary residence permits

What matters is not the visa type, but whether your stay qualifies as legal residence under Portuguese law.

Important Legal Change Affecting Citizenship by Naturalization Portugal (2024)

A key amendment to the nationality law significantly benefits applicants.

As of 1 April 2024:

• The five-year residence period for citizenship by naturalization Portugal starts counting from the date the residence permit application was submitted
• Previously, the count started only when the permit was issued

This change reduces the impact of immigration processing delays and allows many applicants to qualify earlier than expected.

Portuguese Language Requirement for Citizenship by Naturalization Portugal

Applicants must demonstrate basic knowledge of Portuguese (A2 level).

This is usually satisfied by passing the CIPLE Portuguese language test, which evaluates:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Basic communication

In limited cases, education completed in Portuguese may be accepted as proof.

Criminal Record Requirement

To qualify for citizenship by naturalization Portugal, the applicant must:

• Have no criminal conviction punishable by a prison sentence of three years or more under Portuguese law

Criminal record certificates are typically required from:

• Portugal
• Previous countries of residence

Each case is assessed individually.

How the Citizenship by Naturalization Portugal Application Is Submitted

Once eligibility is confirmed and documents are gathered:

• The application is submitted online through the official nationality platform
• Applications are commonly filed with the assistance of a bar-registered lawyer
• The file can be tracked online throughout the process

This allows monitoring of progress and timely responses to any authority requests.

Documents Required for Citizenship by Naturalization Portugal

Most applications include:

• Birth certificate (where available)
• Valid passport or travel document
• Proof of legal residence in Portugal for five years
• Proof of Portuguese language proficiency
• Criminal record certificates
• Information on profession and current residence
• List of countries of previous residence

Foreign documents must be legalized and translated where required.

Permanent Residence vs Citizenship by Naturalization Portugal

Permanent residence and citizenship offer different rights.

Both allow you to:

• Work or be self-employed without restrictions
• Study in Portugal
• Access pensions and social benefits
• Purchase property

Only citizenship by naturalization Portugal grants:

• The right to vote in national elections
• A Portuguese passport
• Full EU citizenship
• Freedom to live and work in any EU member state

Citizenship by Naturalization Portugal Through the Golden Visa

Golden Visa holders may also qualify for citizenship by naturalization Portugal, provided they:

• Maintain legal residence
• Meet minimum stay requirements
• Comply with program rules

After five years, Golden Visa holders follow the same naturalization process as other residents.

Each case should be reviewed individually.

Final Advice

Citizenship by naturalization Portugal is a legal, rules-based process. When eligibility requirements are met and the application is correctly prepared, it provides a secure path to Portuguese and EU citizenship.

If you already have documents, we are glad to review them and advise you on the best path forward. You may scan and send existing records to facilitate an initial assessment with the top-rated citizenship lawyer in Portugal.

Proper legal guidance helps avoid delays, confirms eligibility under the latest law, and ensures the application is submitted correctly.

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