How this works
Naturalisation by residence has a simple front door: time of legal residence. Since 19 May 2026, Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 sets that time at 7 years for EU and Portuguese-speaking-country nationals, and 10 years for everyone else. The most important change besides the number: the count now starts at the start of legal residence, not on the date of the first residence-permit application. This tool takes your start date and your category, adds the required years, and gives you the exact date — and how long is left.
- 1
Pick your category
EU or Portuguese-speaking country (CPLP) = 7 years. Other nationality = 10 years.
- 2
Enter the start of legal residence
The date of your first valid residence permit, or when your legal status began.
- 3
See the eligible date and countdown
I show the date you meet the time and how long is left — or that you can already apply.
- 4
Gather language proof and documents
Portuguese proof, criminal record, residence evidence. The time is only the entry condition.
Frequently asked
So is it 5, 7 or 10 years?
It depends on when you file. Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 (in force since 19 May 2026) raised the bar from 5 to 7 years (EU and Portuguese-speaking-country nationals) and 10 years (everyone else). The 5-year rule only survives for applications already pending before that date — those keep the old wording of Lei 37/81. For a new application, count 7 or 10.
When does the clock start?
The 2026 reform changed this. It used to count from the date you first applied for a residence permit. Now it counts from the actual start of legal residence — that is, from when you began residing legally with a valid permit. Use the date of your first residence permit (or the date your legal status began) in the field below.
Which countries count as "Portuguese-speaking"?
The CPLP countries: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste. Nationals of those countries, and of EU Member States, get the shorter 7-year period. Anyone with another nationality counts 10 years.
Do I need to know Portuguese? What level?
Yes. Naturalisation requires proof of Portuguese-language knowledge — the reference level has been A2 of the Common European Framework, proven by a school certificate from Portugal, a CIPLE/A2 certificate, or a recognised test. The 2026 law adds mandatory exams on culture, history and national symbols. The exact terms depend on the new Nationality Regulation, which the Government must revise within 90 days of the law.
I already have the time. Is the process instant?
No. Meeting the time is the entry condition, not the finish line. You then file the application (IRN / Central Registry), with language proof, criminal record, residence evidence and a fee. Processing takes months, and the date below is when you can apply — not when you will hold the card.
DISCLAIMER
Informational calculation, not legal advice. Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 is in force but the new Nationality Regulation is still to be revised (within 90 days of the law), so the details of language and culture exams and any exemptions may change. The old 5-year period survives only for applications already pending before 19/05/2026. There are other citizenship routes (marriage, children, grandchildren) with their own rules that this tool does not cover. Always confirm your case with the IRN or a lawyer and use the official sources linked above.