As part of our commitment to keeping you informed, we’re sharing details of a proposed legal update in Portugal. The Portuguese government has introduced a set of proposed reforms to the Nationality Law and Foreigners Law, aimed at strengthening integration, streamlining processes, and ensuring a more sustainable immigration framework.
Please note: These changes have not yet been approved, and there is no cause for concern at this stage. At Fresh Portugal, our legal immigration team is closely monitoring the legislative process. We will continue to keep you informed on any official updates, including the final version of the laws if and when they are passed.
Below is a summary of the key proposed changes:
- Nationality Law – Proposed Key Changes
- Longer Residency Requirements for Citizenship
- Portuguese-speaking nationals: Citizenship eligibility after7 yearsof legal residence.
- Other nationalities: Now require10 years(up from 5 years).
- Residency period will count from the issuance date of the residence permit.
- Greater Focus on Integration
- Applicants will need to demonstrate Portuguese language skills and a basic understanding of the country’s culture and civic values.
- Clearer Criminal Record Standards
- Citizenship will be denied to individuals with any prison sentence, regardless of duration.
- Adjustments to Nationality by Birth
- Children born in Portugal to foreign parents may gain nationality if the parents have3 years of legal residenceand make a formal request.
- Conclusion of Sephardic Jewish Route
- The special path for descendants of Sephardic Jews is being phased out in favor of a more uniform nationality system.
- Clarification on Heritage-Based Claims
- Great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens born abroad will now have a more clearly defined path to nationality.
- Foreigners Law – Proposed Key Changes
- Revised Work Visa Criteria
- Entry without an employment contract will be limited tohighly qualified professionals.
- Structured Family Reunification
- A2-year residence requirementbefore applying for family reunification.
- Additional factors: stable income, appropriate housing, and participation in integration programs.
- CPLP Visa Regime Adjustments
- Continued commitment to Portuguese-speaking countries with new steps to ensure a fair and efficient process.
- Administrative Improvements
- Immigration services (AIMA) will manage appointments based on available capacity.
- Theautomatic approval by delay systemwill be discontinued for more transparent outcomes.
- Expired Document Support
- Expired documents remain valid untilOctober 15, 2025, with simplified renewal and anadditional six monthsgranted upon initiating the process.
Final Thoughts
These proposed reforms apply to the general immigration regime in Portugal. Please be aware that exceptions or special programs may still exist. The final version of the legislation is subject to parliamentary discussion and approval, and changes may be made before it becomes law.
We are here to guide you through any developments. Should these proposals be implemented, we will provide detailed updates and personalized advice based on your individual situation.
Feel free to reach out to our team with any questions.
