On 28 October 2025, Portugal’s Parliament approved amendments to the Nationality Law that introduce more demanding requirements for the acquisition of Portuguese citizenship.
These changes are not yet in force: the bill must still be promulgated by the President of the Republic and published in the Diário da República before it enters into force. Until then, the current rules continue to apply.
What are the main proposed changes
- Residence-period requirements extended: Applicants will face a longer minimum residency requirement, counted from the date on which the residence permit is granted, rather than the application date. The new timeline sets: 7 years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and citizens of the European Union, and 10 years for most other applicants.
- Broader evaluation criteria: In addition to language knowledge, future applicants must demonstrate understanding of Portuguese culture, civic rights and duties, and the country’s political organisation through a formal assessment.
- Tighter eligibility for children born in Portugal: Children born in Portugal to foreign parents will only be eligible if at least one of the parents has legally resided in Portugal for at least 5 years prior to the birth.
- Stricter criminal-record rules: People sentenced to two years or more in prison, with a definitive sentence, are barred from receiving citizenship.
- Extension of nationality by descent: Access to Portuguese nationality has been extended from grandchildren to great-grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, provided that they meet the requirements of an effective connection to the Portuguese community.
- End of the Sephardic route: The special naturalisation route for descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews will no longer be available for new applicants.
- Loss of nationality for naturalised citizens: The approved proposal provides for the introduction, in the Penal Code, of the possibility of losing Portuguese nationality by judicial decision in cases of conviction for particularly serious crimes, such as homicide, terrorism, rape, or crimes against the State.
These amendments reflect a broader policy shift: strengthening ties between legal residence, integration, and citizenship. The new framework signals Portugal’s intention to align with European standards for naturalisation, while emphasising clarity, accountability and social integration.
Until the final text is promulgated and published, it’s important for individuals and families considering Portuguese nationality to stay informed, monitor forthcoming regulations, and assess how the changes might affect their eligibility timeline or strategy.
Nationality Department
Ana Santos Fontes | Maria Moura Fonseca | Ana Luíza Fronczak
