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.
En bref
Organisé par : Ministry of Justice (decision on naturalisation); applications through the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN). Entraînez-vous ici gratuitement avec 80 questions, chacune avec la réponse et une explication. Vérifié à partir des sources officielles le 11 octobre 2026.
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Question 1 sur 25
Voir la réponse
Réponse: A. 10 years
Nationals of other countries need at least 10 years of legal residence in Portugal.
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Question 2 sur 25
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Réponse: C. 7 years
EU citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries need at least 7 years of legal residence.
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Question 3 sur 25
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Réponse: 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.
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Question 4 sur 25
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Réponse: 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.
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Question 5 sur 25
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Réponse: 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.
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Question 6 sur 25
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Réponse: B. The next day, 19 May 2026
The law entered into force on the day after its publication.
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Question 7 sur 25
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Réponse: B. The law as it was before the 2026 changes
Pending administrative procedures continue under the previous version of the nationality law.
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Question 8 sur 25
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Réponse: 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.
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Question 9 sur 25
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Réponse: 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.
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Question 10 sur 25
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Réponse: D. The Minister of Justice
Naturalisation is granted, on request, by decision of the Minister of Justice.
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Question 11 sur 25
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Réponse: 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.
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Question 12 sur 25
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Réponse: D. Being able to support yourself
Applicants must be able to ensure their own subsistence.
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Question 13 sur 25
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Réponse: 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.
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Question 14 sur 25
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Réponse: 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.
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Question 15 sur 25
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Réponse: A. Green and red
The flag is divided vertically into dark green and scarlet red.
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Question 16 sur 25
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Réponse: D. Green
The green part is on the hoist side, next to the pole.
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Question 17 sur 25
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Réponse: A. The national shield on a yellow armillary sphere
The national arms, with a white-bordered shield, sit on a yellow armillary sphere.
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Question 18 sur 25
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Réponse: D. A Portuguesa
The Constitution names 'A Portuguesa' as the national anthem.
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Question 19 sur 25
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Réponse: 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.
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Question 20 sur 25
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Réponse: B. Henrique Lopes de Mendonça
Henrique Lopes de Mendonça wrote the lyrics; Alfredo Keil composed the music.
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Question 21 sur 25
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Réponse: 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.
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Question 22 sur 25
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Réponse: 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.
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Question 23 sur 25
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Réponse: A. Portuguese
The Constitution states that the official language is Portuguese.
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Question 24 sur 25
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Réponse: A. 25 April
25 April is a mandatory public holiday. It marks the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974.
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Question 25 sur 25
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Réponse: D. 5 October
5 October is a mandatory public holiday. The Republic was established on 5 October 1910.
Clavier : 1–4 pour répondre, Entrée pour la question suivante.
À savoir avant l’examen
- 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.
Questions fréquentes
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
- Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 amending the Nationality Law (Diário da República, 1st series, no. 95, 18 May 2026), copy published by the Regional Government of Madeira (PDF)
- justica.gov.pt: Nationality for people living in Portugal
- Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, English text (Assembleia da República, PDF)
- Constituição da República Portuguesa (Assembleia da República)
- Assembleia da República: Electoral system
- Museu da Presidência: Presidents in democracy, election and powers
- Museu da Presidência: The First Republic (1910-1926)
- Presidência da República: The national flag and anthem
- Labour Code, art. 234 (mandatory public holidays) (PGDL)
- Visit Portugal (Turismo de Portugal): 25th April, Freedom Day
- UNESCO World Heritage: Historic Centre of Guimarães
- Visit Portugal (Turismo de Portugal): Guimarães
- UNESCO World Heritage: Monastery of Batalha
- UNESCO World Heritage: Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém
- European Union: Portugal country profile