Portuguese Nationality Law can change frequently, so it’s important to stay up to date if you want to become a citizen. For example, the Portuguese parliament recently changed the nationality law regarding the starting date of residency and citizenship.
The Portuguese Nationality Act Law No. 37/81 was amended so that the five years required to obtain Portuguese citizenship, a Portuguese passport, and subsequent permanent residency can now be counted from the date of the residency application. Essentially, the date you applied for your residency permit with the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).
Recently, however, Portuguese lawmakers have proposed to increase the residency period required for nationality from five to ten years for most foreigners and seven years for CPLP nationals. The clock for this residency period would also start from the issuance of a residence card, not from the initial application or legalization submission.
This article reveals the latest changes in Portugal’s nationality law and the recent changes in the last few years. We’ll also discuss Portuguese nationality processing time and what recent changes will mean for foreign nationals outside the European Union seeking citizenship in Portugal.
You’ll also learn about:
Latest Nationality Law Changes in 2025
10 July 2025
The Portuguese Parliament has agreed to extend the discussion of the Nationality Law changes until the third week of September. This represents a significant shift from the government’s original plan to resolve the matter before the Summer parliamentary recess.
The extension allows for expert hearings and specialist consultations on the proposed changes. This decision appears to stem from growing concerns about the constitutional compliance of the original proposals – reinforcing our assessment that several amendments face serious constitutional challenges.
4 July 2025
The Portuguese Parliament held its initial debate in early July 2025, along with proposals from other parties. While several steps are required before the changes are written into law, the Portuguese Parliament didn’t follow the normal route. Instead of proceeding with an immediate vote, it was sent for a thorough review by a specialized committee.
This approach enables parliamentary experts to carry out a detailed assessment of legal and constitutional compliance and provide recommendations. Additionally, various interested parties may hold hearings to share their input on these significant changes.
Only after the committee completes its review and suggests any necessary adjustments can the proposals return for another parliamentary vote.
6 June 2025
In June 2025, the Portuguese Council of Ministers proposed several reforms to its immigration and nationality policies in a major shakeup of Portugal’s nationality and citizenship law. These could extend the residency requirement for citizenship from five years to ten years for most applicants.
The government’s proposals indicate notable adjustments in both citizenship and immigration processes, which will affect Portugal Golden Visa and Portugal D7 Visa holders, among others:
- Extended minimum residency periods from five years to 10 years for Portuguese citizenship eligibility for most applicants
- Increasing the time to citizenship for CPLP countries from five years to seven years.
- The period begins from the date the first residence permit is issued, not from the date of application.
The proposal also outlines new requirements for applying for Portuguese citizenship. Currently, applicants only have to demonstrate a proficiency in the Portuguese language, but it is proposed that it should include:
- A2-level Portuguese language proficiency
- Portuguese civic knowledge test on the culture, history, and rights of Portugal
- No criminal record for crimes that resulted in imprisonment
In addition to these proposals, the draft law also includes other recommendations:
- Stricter entry controls are linked to the country’s integration capacity.
- Job-seeker visas are restricted to highly qualified candidates.
- Mandatory Portuguese language proficiency for certain residence permit renewals.
- Creation of streamlined institutional structures, including new border management units.
- Ability to apply for citizenship through great-grandparents.
Citizenship by birth
Children born in Portugal would no longer automatically receive citizenship unless their parents have been legal residents for at least three years before the child’s birth. The parents’ residency status is now crucial, as it directly influences their children’s nationality rights.
Portugal’s Nationality Law Changes in 2024
Residency period begins at submission
Published in Portugal’s official gazette in March 2024, the updated Nationality Law clarified that the five-year residency period begins when you submit your application for a residence permit.
The law came into force in April 2024 and has significant implications, particularly for people with a Portugal Golden Visa or a Portugal D7 Visa.
Previously, the five-year residency period for acquiring citizenship and obtaining a Portuguese passport began with issuing the first residence permit card after the application for a residence permit had been approved.
This meant waiting for administrative processing time before the clock officially started ticking, potentially delaying your naturalization timeline.
Under this citizenship law update, the five-year residency requirement remains unchanged for persons born abroad seeking citizenship in Portugal.
You must remain a legal resident in Portugal for five full years before applying for citizenship and meet the guidelines of your specific pathway (investment, work, etc.). Legal residents must have a clean criminal record to apply for nationality and acquire citizenship. Also, some applicants must pass a basic Portuguese language test to qualify.
Sephardic citizenship requirement
The Portuguese Parliament has approved a government bill proposing new requirements for descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews to apply for citizenship under the Law of Jewish Return. In order to apply for citizenship through this route, it has always been necessary to present proof of ancestry of Sephardic Jews in your family tree.
With the new law, in addition to demonstrating that they belong to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin, the applicant will need to have legally resided in Portugal (or Portuguese territory) for at least three years, consecutive or interpolated.
Previous Amendments to Portugal’s Nationality Law
For children of Portuguese residents
The children of Portuguese residents who hold a Portuguese birth certificate are eligible to obtain Portuguese citizenship, but until the Portuguese government passed a new law in 2020, both parents needed to hold residence permits.
Since 2020, it has been sufficient for one of the parents to have a residence permit for at least one year. As long as this is followed, the children born in Portugal (or Portuguese territory) can directly acquire Portuguese citizenship.
Additionally, under the principle of Jus Sanguinis, citizenship can be passed to descendants, enabling future generations to benefit from Portuguese nationality and its associated rights.
All persons born in Portuguese territory before 3 October 1981 automatically received citizenship at birth regardless of their parents’ nationalities. Individuals born domestically since that date receive Portuguese citizenship at birth if at least one parent is a Portuguese citizen.
This is in line with recent amendments to the laws governing Portugal’s birthright citizenship, which you can also discover more about in our complete Portuguese citizenship by birth guide.
For spouses of Portuguese citizens
Portugal simplified the pathway to citizenship for spouses of Portuguese citizens in 2020. Before these changes were implemented, the spouse could only apply for citizenship after three years of marriage or civil union.
Previously, the Public Prosecutor’s Office was able to oppose the citizenship application if there were ineffective connections between the application and the country. Now, if the marriage has lasted more than six years, the Public Prosecutor’s Office cannot interfere with the citizenship application. Also, if the couple has children who have Portuguese citizenship, then the Public Prosecutor cannot interfere, and there is no ground for opposition.
For second-degree descendants of Portuguese citizens
Since 2020, Portuguese law has permitted second-degree descendants in a straight line of Portuguese citizens to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
This amendment specifically refers to the grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, making it easier for them to be granted citizenship, in line with the Jus Sanguini principle. An effective connection to Portugal can be shown simply by having sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language.
Previously, descendants also had to prove extensive, effective connections with the country. In essence, if the second-degree descendant can prove that they are proficient in Portuguese, then they can obtain Portuguese citizenship.
The update made in July 2020 simplified the process for a second-degree descendant of a Portuguese citizen to become a Portuguese national under the Portugal law of nationality changes. The updated version of Law 37/8 has since offered great opportunities for second-degree descendants.
Streamlined Paternity Recognition
For individuals who establish paternity after the age of 18, the journey toward claiming Portuguese citizenship based on parentage has been significantly simplified. Gone are the complexities of navigating extensive legal procedures and potential court battles.
Now, a mere court acknowledgment of paternity is the key to unlocking your Portuguese heritage. This welcome development removes bureaucratic hurdles and fosters a smoother path to claiming your rightful place within the nation.
It is crucial to remember that a three-year timeframe from the date of the court acknowledgment binds this simplified procedure. This means prompt action is highly recommended to ensure the timely use of this streamlined process.
The benefits of holding a Portuguese Passport
- EU Countries: Holders of a Portuguese passport enjoy the right to live, work, and study in European Union countries without the need for additional visas or permits.
- Visa-Free Travel: A Portuguese passport allows visa-free travel to over 180 countries, making international travel convenient and accessible.
- Legal Residence in Portugal: Portuguese passport holders are granted the automatic right to legal residence in Portugal, allowing them to live, work, and access public services without additional requirements.
- Legal Residence in the EU: With a Portuguese passport, you gain the right to legal residence across the entire European Union, providing extensive freedom of movement.
- Healthcare Access: Portuguese citizens have access to high-quality healthcare services in Portugal, often at reduced or no cost.
- Social Security and Benefits: Portuguese citizens are entitled to social security benefits in Portugal, including pensions, unemployment benefits, and other forms of social support.
- Business and Investment: Portuguese citizenship facilitates easier business operations and investments within the European Union, benefiting from European Union trade agreements and a stable economic environment.
- Consular Protection: Portuguese passport holders can receive consular assistance and protection from Portuguese embassies and consulates worldwide.
- Family Reunification: Portuguese citizens can sponsor family members for legal residence in Portugal through the family reunification scheme, making it easier for families to stay together.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
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