On 18 May 2026, Organic Law No. 1/2026 of 18 May was published, introducing amendments to Law No. 37/81 of 3 October (the Portuguese Nationality Law). The amendments introduced by the new legislation have a direct impact on the requirements for the acquisition of Portuguese nationality, namely through the introduction of new requirements applicable to minors born in Portugal, the extension of the residence periods required for the acquisition of Portuguese nationality by naturalisation, and the reinforcement of the criterion of âeffective connectionâ to Portugal. The aforementioned law produces effects from the date of its entry into force. However, administrative proceedings pending on the date of entry into force of the new law shall continue to be governed by Law No. 37/81 of 3 October, in the wording in force prior to the amendments introduced by the present law.
