Portugal’s Parliament has just approved significant changes to the Nationality Law, tightening the rules for foreigners seeking Portuguese citizenship. The bill still awaits the President’s approval (Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa) and publication in the Diário da República, but once enacted, it will immediately alter eligibility requirements and procedures for citizenship applications.
Key Changes at a Glance
1. Longer Residency Periods
- The minimum legal residence required before applying for nationality will increase from 5 to 10 years for most foreign nationals.
- For citizens of Lusophone countries (CPLP) and EU citizens, the requirement will be 7 years.
2. Children Born in Portugal
- A child born in Portugal to foreign parents will only obtain Portuguese nationality if at least one parent has held legal residence for 5 years.
- Previously, just one year of residence, even without legal status, was enough.
3. Knowledge and Integration Requirements
- Beyond demonstrating Portuguese language skills (already required), applicants must now prove knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, and national symbols, possibly through a formal test or certificate.
- Applicants must also sign a solemn declaration of adherence to the principles and values of the Portuguese Republic.
4. Proof of Financial Stability
- Applicants will need to show sufficient means of subsistence, although the law does not yet define exact minimums or proof methods.
5. Legal and Criminal Conditions
- Those convicted of a prison sentence of two years or more may have their application rejected.
- The period of “manifestation of interest” or waiting for residence permit decisions will no longer count as legal residence time.
6. Partnerships and Marriage
- Nationality through a de facto union now requires a judicial decision confirming the partnership and at least three years of cohabitation.
7. Descendants of Portuguese Nationals
- The right to nationality has been extended to great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, provided they demonstrate a “genuine link” to Portugal.
8. Loss of Nationality
- Those who acquired nationality fraudulently may lose it.
- A new amendment to the Penal Code allows courts to revoke nationality as an additional penalty in serious criminal cases involving prison terms of four years or more.
What Happens Next
The bill passed on October 28, 2025, with 157 votes in favor and 64 against (supported mainly by right-wing parties). It now awaits presidential promulgation.
Once signed and published in the Diário da República, the law will take effect the following day, unless otherwise stated.
Some provisions will still require secondary regulations (portarias) to define how tests, financial proof, and procedures will be implemented.
Practical Implications for Foreign Residents
- Act quickly: Those who already meet current requirements (5 years of residence) should consider submitting their applications before the new law takes effect.
- Legal assistance is advised: Especially for cases pending approval, couples in de facto unions, or families with children born in Portugal.
- No transitional period: Parliament rejected proposals for a grace period, meaning changes will apply immediately upon enforcement.
Final Thoughts
The new law represents one of the biggest overhauls of Portugal’s nationality system in decades, reflecting growing political pressure to align citizenship with deeper integration into Portuguese society.
While it strengthens the criteria for acquiring nationality, it may also generate constitutional debates—particularly concerning retroactive application and equal treatment.
Stay informed and seek personalized legal guidance if you or your family plan to apply for Portuguese citizenship under the current or future framework.
