Portuguese Nationality Law Update
The Portuguese government approved on 23rd June 2025 new rules aimed at tightening the requirements for acquisition of nationality by naturalization.
These new rules will affect those intending to apply under residency programs, as the time required for entitlement is raised from 5 years to 10 years, with the exception of citizens from Portuguese speaking countries who will have to complete 7 years of residence. The time extension will apply to children born in Portugal to foreign parents, as the latter must have a minimum residency term of 3 years instead of the present one year.
Besides the lengthening of the residency period, the government intends to introduce as a requirement the familiarity of applicants with the Portuguese culture, knowledge of rights and duties of citizens, as well as a declaration of support to the fundamental principles of a democratic state. It is anticipated that there will be assessment tests to validate these new requirements.
For the time being, the changes are limited to the acquisition of citizenship by naturalization and will require approval by the Parliament, which is likely to happen soon.
There are no clear indications that the present government is planning to amend other rules, namely those concerning the granting of nationality to the children of Portuguese parents born abroad, or acquisition by marriage. But in the current political climate, new requirements such as language proficiency and cultural tests may be advanced in the near future and eventually approved.
It is therefore highly advisable that anyone who is entitled to be granted or to acquire citizenship under the current rules initiates the process as soon as possible.
We are in position to advise and assist in any Portuguese nationality matters. For more information contact us by phone (+853 28591592) or email (info@mantonio.net).