Portuguese Citizenship Requirements 2026: Complete Guide
Quick Answer
Portuguese citizenship requires: 5 years continuous residence (or 10 years non-continuous), CIPLE A2 language exam, clean criminal record, and basic knowledge of Portuguese culture. The Constitutional Court rejected the 10-year proposal in February 2026 — the 5-year rule remains.
Residency Requirements
- 5 years continuous residence: Live in Portugal continuously for 5 years
- OR 10 years non-continuous: Live in Portugal for 10 years total (can leave and return)
- Legal status: Must have valid residence permit
Language Requirement: CIPLE A2
You must pass the CIPLE A2 exam (A2 level Portuguese). This is the main barrier for most candidates.
Criminal Record Check
You must have a clean criminal record. Background check required from:
- Country of origin
- All countries where you have lived
- Portugal
Cultural Knowledge (Optional)
Some sources mention basic knowledge of Portuguese culture and history, but this is not formally tested.
Timeline
The Portuguese citizenship process typically takes 6–12 months after you meet all requirements.
2026 Changes
In February 2026, Portugal's Constitutional Court rejected a proposal to increase the citizenship requirement from 5 years to 10 years. The 5-year rule remains in effect.
FAQ
- Do I need CIPLE A2 for Portuguese citizenship?
- Yes. CIPLE A2 is required for all Portuguese citizenship applications (with rare exceptions for returnees).
- How long does Portuguese citizenship take?
- 6–12 months after submitting your application and meeting all requirements.
- Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship if I'm not in Portugal?
- No. You must be physically present in Portugal for the 5-year residency requirement.