Lei Orgânica
Published 5 November 2026, 22:39
Lei Orgânica
An organic law: a law passed by parliament on matters specifically set out in the Constitution, such as citizenship, elections, the intelligence services and the autonomous regions. It is passed under stricter rules than an ordinary law, by an absolute majority of all members of parliament. Citizenship rules can only be changed by such laws: for example, Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2026 of 18 May, which amended Lei n.º 37/81.
Where you come across it. News about citizenship and elections, references to the Diário da República.
Coming into force and being applied are different things: a law may be in force while the procedure for applying it awaits a separate regulation.
Official website: diariodarepublica.pt