Portugal citizenship now takes 10 years for US citizens
Was: 5 years
Now: 10 years (7 for CPLP/EU)
Lei Orgânica 1/2026 (in force 19 May 2026) raised the residence requirement for naturalisation from 5 to 10 years for most nationalities, 7 for CPLP and EU nationals. Applications pending on 19 May 2026 keep the old 5-year rule.
Verified 2026-10-26. Every figure links to its source.
Who this affects
- Portugal D7 Visa: retirees and people living on passive income
- Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa: remote workers for employers or clients outside Portugal
Current requirements
D7 Visa
- Income required
- €920 (≈ $1,028)/month[official source]
- Fees
- National (residence) visa fee: €110 (≈ $123)
- Processing
- up to 60 days[official source]
- Citizenship after
- 10 years[official source]
D8 Digital Nomad Visa
- Income required
- €3,680 (≈ $4,111)/month[official source]
- Fees
- National (residence) visa fee: €110 (≈ $123)
- Processing
- up to 60 days[official source]
- Citizenship after
- 10 years[official source]
What to do now
- If you already filed, check whether the old rule still applies to pending applications. The source above says so when it does.
- If you have not filed, plan with the new figure and confirm it with your consulate before you book an appointment.
- See the full US to Portugal guide for every route and step.
- See all recent rule changes.
Track your move as the rules change
GoThere keeps your checklist, deadlines and documents in one place, with every requirement sourced.