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Portugal Citizenship Knowledge Quiz 2026

Since 19 May 2026, people applying for Portuguese nationality by naturalisation must prove, by a test or a certificate, that they know the Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols, and must know citizens' rights and duties and how the State is organised. The official pages we checked do not yet describe the format of the new test, so this is a knowledge quiz, not a copy of an official exam. It covers the new rules, the Constitution, the institutions, the symbols and key moments of Portuguese history.

  • Citizenship
  • Portugal
  • 80 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

Quick answer

It is run by Ministry of Justice (decision on naturalisation); applications through the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN). Practise here for free with 80 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Portugal Citizenship Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Under the nationality law as amended in 2026, how many years of legal residence does a citizen of a non-EU, non-Portuguese-speaking country usually need before applying for naturalisation?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 10 years

    Nationals of other countries need at least 10 years of legal residence in Portugal.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    How many years of legal residence do citizens of EU countries or Portuguese-speaking countries need for naturalisation under the 2026 rules?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 7 years

    EU citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries need at least 7 years of legal residence.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    Under the 2026 rules, what must applicants for naturalisation prove through a test or a certificate?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols

    The law requires proof, by test or certificate, of sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    Besides language and culture, what else must applicants for naturalisation know sufficiently?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Fundamental rights and duties of Portuguese citizens and the political organisation of the State

    Applicants must know the fundamental rights and duties linked to Portuguese nationality and how the Portuguese State is politically organised.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    What solemn declaration must applicants for naturalisation make?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. That they adhere to the fundamental principles of the democratic rule of law

    The law requires a solemn declaration of adherence to the fundamental principles of the democratic State based on the rule of law.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    The amended nationality law was published on 18 May 2026. When did it enter into force?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The next day, 19 May 2026

    The law entered into force on the day after its publication.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    An application for nationality was already pending when the 2026 changes entered into force. Which rules apply to it?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The law as it was before the 2026 changes

    Pending administrative procedures continue under the previous version of the nationality law.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    A foreign national is married to a Portuguese citizen. After how long can they acquire nationality by declaration?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. After more than 3 years of marriage

    A foreigner married for more than three years to a Portuguese national can acquire nationality by declaration while the marriage lasts.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    A foreign national has lived in a de facto union (união de facto) with a Portuguese citizen for over 3 years. What extra step is needed to acquire nationality?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A court must first recognise the union

    For a de facto union, nationality can only be acquired after a court decision recognises the union.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    Who decides on an application for naturalisation?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The Minister of Justice

    Naturalisation is granted, on request, by decision of the Minister of Justice.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Must the years of legal residence for naturalisation be one unbroken period?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. No, separate periods can be added together within a maximum time span set by law

    Periods of legal residence are added together, whether continuous or interrupted, as long as they fall within the maximum interval set by law.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    Which of these is also a requirement for naturalisation under the 2026 rules?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Being able to support yourself

    Applicants must be able to ensure their own subsistence.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    A child is born in Portugal to foreign parents who are not in a foreign state's service. When can the child be Portuguese by origin if they declare they want to be?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. If one parent had been legally resident in Portugal for at least 5 years at the birth

    The child can be Portuguese by origin if, at the birth, one parent had legally lived in Portugal for at least five years.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    Which event does the Constitution link to the national flag?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The Revolution of 5 October 1910 that created the Republic

    The Constitution says the national flag is the one adopted by the Republic created by the Revolution of 5 October 1910.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    What are the two main colours of the Portuguese flag?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Green and red

    The flag is divided vertically into dark green and scarlet red.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    On the Portuguese flag, which colour is on the side nearest the flagpole?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Green

    The green part is on the hoist side, next to the pole.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    What is shown in the middle of the Portuguese flag, where the two colours meet?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The national shield on a yellow armillary sphere

    The national arms, with a white-bordered shield, sit on a yellow armillary sphere.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    What is the name of the Portuguese national anthem?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A Portuguesa

    The Constitution names 'A Portuguesa' as the national anthem.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    Who wrote the music of the national anthem 'A Portuguesa'?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Alfredo Keil

    The music is by Alfredo Keil and the words by Henrique Lopes de Mendonça. Frederico de Freitas later arranged an orchestral version.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    Who wrote the words of the national anthem 'A Portuguesa'?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Henrique Lopes de Mendonça

    Henrique Lopes de Mendonça wrote the lyrics; Alfredo Keil composed the music.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    The green and red colours of the flag go back to which earlier republican movement?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The revolt of 31 January 1891

    The green-red colours trace back to the republican movement of 31 January 1891. 'A Portuguesa' was also the march of that revolt.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    Which decree officially set the national flag and named the national anthem?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The decree of 19 June 1911

    The decree of the Constituent National Assembly of 19 June 1911 set the flag and named 'A Portuguesa' as the anthem.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    What does the Constitution say is the official language of Portugal?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Portuguese

    The Constitution states that the official language is Portuguese.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    Which date is the national holiday that marks the revolution of 1974 (Freedom Day)?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 25 April

    25 April is a mandatory public holiday. It marks the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    Which date is the national holiday that marks the creation of the Republic?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 5 October

    5 October is a mandatory public holiday. The Republic was established on 5 October 1910.

What to know before the test

  • Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 changed the Nationality Law. It was published on 18 May 2026 and entered into force the next day.
  • For naturalisation you now need at least 7 years of legal residence if you are a citizen of an EU country or a Portuguese-speaking country, or 10 years for other nationals.
  • Applicants must prove, by test or certificate, sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols, and must know the fundamental rights and duties of citizens and the political organisation of the State.
  • Applicants must also make a solemn declaration that they adhere to the principles of the democratic State based on the rule of law, and be able to support themselves.
  • The law gave the Government 90 days to update the Nationality Regulation, where the details of proof are set. The official pages we checked do not yet give the test's format, number of questions or pass mark.
  • Applications already pending on 19 May 2026 are decided under the old version of the law.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a citizenship test in Portugal?

The 2026 law says naturalisation applicants must prove, through a test or a certificate, knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, history and national symbols, plus knowledge of citizens' rights and duties and the political organisation of the State. The official pages we checked do not yet describe the test's format, so check the IRN and justica.gov.pt before you apply.

How many years must I live in Portugal to apply for citizenship?

Under the rules in force since 19 May 2026, at least 7 years of legal residence for EU citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries, and 10 years for everyone else. Separate periods of legal residence can be added together within limits set by law.

Do the new rules apply to my application?

Applications that were already pending when the law entered into force on 19 May 2026 are decided under the previous version of the law. New applications follow the 2026 rules.

Can I get Portuguese nationality through marriage?

Yes. A foreign national married for more than 3 years to a Portuguese citizen can acquire nationality by declaration. For a de facto union of more than 3 years, a court must first recognise the union.

How is this quiz scored?

Our practice sets have 25 questions and we suggest aiming for 80% (20 correct). This is our own study target, not an official pass mark.

Sources

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