Portuguese citizenship entitles you to a powerful EU passport - being an EU citizen gives you the right to live and work throughout the European Union, and in several other non-EU countries.

You can obtain Portuguese nationality through a variety of routes. The two most common routes I deal with are by naturalization or through marriage to a Portuguese citizen.

As a lawyer, I have access to the government portal for submitting and managing citizenship applications.

Naturalization

The requirements for naturalization to obtain citizenship depend on your current nationality and marital status.

• Organic Law No. 1/2026, effective from 19 May 2026, changed the requirements for residence-based
  naturalisation. The general residence period is now seven years for EU citizens and nationals of
  Portuguese-speaking countries, and 10 years for other nationals.

• The law also introduces requirements concerning Portuguese language, culture, history, national symbols, fundamental rights and duties, the organisation of the State and the ability to support oneself. Non-consecutive periods of legal residence may be combined within the statutory limits.

• You must have no serious criminal convictions.

I can assesses the best applicable citizenship route based on your situation, residence history, supporting documents and transitional
provisions before submission.

Marriage

If you are married to a Portuguese citizen for more than three years, you are entitled to apply for Portuguese citizenship. 

• Proving language proficiency is not required, you must however demonstate some level of interest and connection to Portuguese society. This is easier for those resident in Portugal, but can also be done for those living overseas.
• Have no serious criminal convictions.

If you think you meet either of the critieria above and would like help applying for Portuguese citizenship, please contact me and I can discuss the requirements in more detail and go through the evidence that you'll need to provide.