Does Portuguese Citizenship Take 5 Years or 10 Years? (2026 Update)

A hand holding a Portuguese passport in front of a blurred background resembling the colors of the Portuguese flag, green and red.

As featured in...

Written by: | Last Updated: January 5, 2026

Portugal’s proposed nationality law reform has stalled. Although Parliament approved major changes in late 2025, the reform has not become law. After constitutional concerns were raised, the proposal was sent for preventive review, parts were ruled unconstitutional, and the President …

Read more

Last modified: January 5, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 2 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

Step 1 of 2

Name(Required)

Moving to Portugal From the US: Is Portugal Really Better?

A scenic view of lush green farmland on Pico, Azores, divided by hedgerows on a sloping landscape leading to a coastline with deep blue ocean waters. A few scattered houses and farm buildings are nestled amidst the patchwork of fields, with hills in the background and a partly cloudy sky overhead.

Is Portugal better or is the grass just greener?

As featured in...

Written by: | Last Updated: January 5, 2026

Portugal has long marketed itself as something of a paradise — warm weather, affordable living, and a laid-back lifestyle that feels a world away from the stress and polarization of American life. So, should you move to Portugal from the …

Read more

Last modified: January 5, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 2 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

Step 1 of 2

Name(Required)

9 Requirements That Could Impact Your D7 Visa Application in 2026

older couple budgeting at a table in front of a laptop

As featured in...

Written by: | Last Updated: January 3, 2026

Applying for a Portuguese residency visa is already complex, and much of the information online is outdated by the time you read it. Requirements, procedures, and enforcement standards do change — sometimes quietly, and sometimes quickly. If you are considering …

Read more

Last modified: January 3, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

Step 1 of 2

Name(Required)

What Portuguese Food Is Really Like (& 18 Dishes To Try)

A bowl of traditional Portuguese green caldo verde soup with leafy greens and chorizo sits on a white napkin and red tablecloth beside a spoon.

As featured in...

Written by: | Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Reality check before we dive in: Portuguese food is generally simple, fresh, and comforting rather than spicy or sauce-heavy. If you’re expecting Thai/Mexican “boom-pow” flavours every meal, you’ll think it’s plain. If you lean into great ingredients, grills, stews, soups, …

Read more

Last modified: January 1, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

Step 1 of 2

Name(Required)

The Algarve Without A Car – Here’s How To Do It

A small train station with two rail tracks and platforms. The station building is white with a red-tiled roof. There are electric lines above the tracks and a signal light. The sky is mostly clear with a few clouds, and trees are visible in the background.

As featured in...

Written by: | Last Updated: January 1, 2026

When planning a trip to the Algarve or considering a move to this stunning region of Portugal, many people assume that having a car is essential. However, there are several reasons why you might prefer to explore the Algarve without …

Read more

Last modified: January 1, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

Step 1 of 2

Name(Required)

An Overview of International Schools in the Algarve

As featured in...

Written by: | Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Are you considering making the Algarve your family’s new home? You’re in good company! The Algarve’s expat community in this stunning region is growing, and with it, the number of international schools has risen, offering a variety of educational options …

Read more

Last modified: January 1, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

Step 1 of 2

Name(Required)

From Cruise Ship Musician to Practice Portuguese Co-Founder – An Interview with Joel Rendall

Joel wearing a beige cap and green t-shirt is holding a baby dressed in white. The man is looking down and smiling at the baby, who is staring at the camera with a curious expression. They are indoors, with a shelf and a television in the background.

As featured in...

Written by: | Last Updated: January 1, 2026

Practice Portuguese is one of the most comprehensive (and most popular) tools for learning European Portuguese. It’s something many people living in Portugal will be familiar with, but most people probably don’t know the story of how it came to …

Read more

Last modified: January 1, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

Step 1 of 2

Name(Required)

Interview: From Berlin to Porto – David McNeill of Expat Empire

A person wearing dark sunglasses and a dark t-shirt stands on the shore with the Belem Tower, a historic fortress with intricate architectural details, in the background under a partly cloudy sky. Another person is seen walking near the tower.

As featured in...

Written by: | Last Updated: January 1, 2026

David McNeill is the owner of Expat Empire, a website that helps you in the process of moving abroad and which he runs from Porto. But although he’s based in Portugal now, this wasn’t where he initially thought he’d end …

Read more

Last modified: January 1, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

Step 1 of 2

Name(Required)

The Portuguese Places Where English Is Spoken Most

A man with a beard is looking down while holding a large white sign that reads "DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?" in bold, black letters. He is wearing a black vest over a gray shirt and standing against a plain, gray background.

As featured in...

Written by: | Last Updated: January 1, 2026

One of the most frequently asked questions on Portugalist is: how widely is English spoken in Portugal? Can I get by with English or do I really need to learn Portuguese?  You may have travelled or lived in other European …

Read more

Last modified: January 1, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

Step 1 of 2

Name(Required)

The Vegan’s Guide to Portugal

A plate of roasted vegetables, including mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, and onions, garnished with fresh green herbs. The vegetables are arranged on a ceramic dish with a blue and brown glaze, displaying a variety of textures and colors.

As featured in...

Written by: | Last Updated: January 1, 2026

If you’re visiting Portugal or planning to move here, you may be wondering whether it’s vegan-friendly. Truthfully, Portugal isn’t always the easiest place for vegans. Most traditional Portuguese dishes contain either meat or fish, and to not include either is …

Read more

Last modified: January 1, 2026. Since its creation, this page has been updated 1 times. If you see any errors, please get in touch.

Thinking about Moving to Portugal?

Portugalist has been running since 2016 (10 years now!) and during that time we've helped countless people move to Portugal. Whether you're weighing up the D7 against the Golden Visa, wondering whether to rent or to buy, or just trying to figure out which part of Portugal is right for you, we'd be happy to help.

Talk To Us

Step 1 of 2

Name(Required)