Portugal citizenship test: what we know about the new test

Portugal’s citizenship test was created by Organic Law No. 1/2026, in force since 19 May 2026. Applicants must prove, «by test or certificate», sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols (Nationality Law, Art. 6(1)(c)). They must know fundamental rights and duties and the political organisation of the State (Art. 6(1)(d)), and sign a solemn declaration (Art. 6(1)(e)). The test has not started. The decree-law that sets its rules was approved on 29 October 2026 and has not been published yet, so there is no format, fee or date.

The five themes

The law lists the themes but no syllabus. The Government described the tests as covering «knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture, history and institutions» (communiqué of 29 October 2026). Typical study topics, in our own selection:

Theme (from the law)	What to study (our selection)
Language and culture	The official language, Camões and Os Lusíadas, fado, public holidays
History	Founding of the kingdom (1143), the Discoveries, the Republic (1910), 25 April 1974, joining the EU (1986)
National symbols	The flag, the anthem «A Portuguesa», the coat of arms
Rights and duties	Equality, voting at 18, no death penalty, health, education, defence of the homeland
Political organisation	The four organs of sovereignty, the President’s 5-year term, the 230-seat Assembly, the Azores and Madeira

Try them in the free practice test: 20 questions, 4 per theme, with explanations and sources.

Who must take it

Almost everyone applying for naturalisation after 19 May 2026, plus grandchildren of Portuguese citizens (even if they live abroad), great-grandchildren with 5 years of legal residence, stateless people and former Portuguese nationals. Nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil, are presumed to know the language but must do the rest. People whose applications were pending on 19 May 2026 do not take it. Spouses and partners of Portuguese citizens are not required to take it by the law. Minors born in Portugal sign the declaration from age 16 but do not take the test. See the full table on our Portuguese citizenship overview.

Timeline

Date	Step
18 May 2026	Organic Law 1/2026 published
19 May 2026	Law in force; the test becomes a legal requirement for new applications
16 August 2026	90-day deadline to amend the Nationality Regulation (Art. 4) passes without a published decree
29 October 2026	Council of Ministers approves the regulating decree-law
Not yet	Publication of the decree-law; organisation of the first tests

What is still unknown

• who runs the test and where, including abroad;
• the format, number of questions, time limit and pass mark;
• the fee and booking process;
• the language of the test;
• whether there will be an official question list;
• which certificates or courses can replace the test;
• exemptions for older people, people who cannot read or write, and people with disabilities. For the language proof, the current Nationality Regulation already provides an adapted test for people aged 60 or over who cannot read or write and for people with disabilities (Art. 25(5)).

We will update this page on the day the decree-law is published.

How to prepare

• Take the 20-question practice test.
• If you read Portuguese, take the longer 25-question simulado and read the history summary.
• If you need A2 Portuguese, see the CIPLE guide (in Portuguese).

This is an independent study site, not affiliated with the IRN or the Portuguese Government. This page explains the law and is not legal advice.