Is the Portuguese citizenship test mandatory yet? What the 2026 law says
Short answer
Since 19 May 2026 the law requires applicants for naturalisation to show knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, national symbols, fundamental rights and duties and the political organisation of the State. How that knowledge is tested depends on an amended Nationality Regulation. At our last check (30 October 2026) we did not find an official test format published.
What the law requires
Article 6 of the Nationality Law, as amended by Organic Law 1/2026, adds a knowledge requirement for naturalisation. Paragraph 1(c) speaks of a test or a certificate for language, culture, history and national symbols, and 1(d) of sufficient knowledge of fundamental rights and duties and of the political organisation of the State. The official text is in Portuguese.
Comprovarem, através de teste ou de certificado, conhecer suficientemente a língua e a cultura portuguesas, a história e os símbolos nacionais;Conhecerem suficientemente os direitos e deveres fundamentais inerentes à nacionalidade portuguesa e a organização política do Estado português;In force since 19 May 2026
In plain English, the Portal da Justiça says the changes take effect on 19 May 2026 and apply only to applications filed after that date. Pending cases stay under the previous wording of the law.
As alterações entram em vigor a 19 de maio de 2026.As novas disposições aplicam-se apenas aos pedidos apresentados após a respetiva entrada em vigor.What still depends on regulation
The law gave the Government 90 days from publication to amend the Nationality Regulation. By our count that deadline ran to around 16 August 2026. The Ministry of Justice warns that the practical application of several rules depends on that complementary regulation.
At our last check, on 30 October 2026, we did not find a regulation defining the test format in the Diário da República or on the Portal da Justiça. This can change at any time, so always confirm with the official source.
a aplicação prática de várias normas depende de regulamentação complementar e da necessária densificação interpretativa e procedimental, dispondo o Governo de 90 dias para adaptar o Regulamento da Nacionalidade Portuguesa às novas disposições legais.What to do in the meantime
The topics are already in the law, so you can start studying them. Citizen Prep offers a free 10-question test where every answer comes with the official source passage that proves it, and you can browse sample questions with their sources first. Our mock exam uses an estimated format, clearly labelled, and will be updated within 7 days of the official format being published. We are independent and not affiliated with any government body.
Test what you know, for free
10 questions, each with the explanation and the official passage that proves the answer. No sign-up.
Take the free testOfficial sources
- Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026, de 18 de maio (Diário da República)
- Lei da Nacionalidade: novas regras entram em vigor a 19 de maio (Portal da Justiça)
Informational content, not legal advice. Independent project, not affiliated with IRN, AIMA or any government body.
How to cite this page
Citizen Prep. “Is the Portuguese citizenship test mandatory yet? What the 2026 law says”. Updated October 30, 2026. https://citizenprep.org/en/pt/guide/portugal-citizenship-test-required/
Primary source: Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026, de 18 de maio (Diário da República); Lei da Nacionalidade: novas regras entram em vigor a 19 de maio (Portal da Justiça).