Portugal’s New Nationality Law: What Just Changed and What It Means for You

Like many of you, we’ve been glued to the news. And tonight, it happened — the Portuguese Parliament approved the new, much stricter Lei da Nacionalidade (Nationality Law).

This isn’t just a small adjustment. It’s a major shift in Portugal’s approach to immigration, integration, and citizenship. Let’s break down what actually passed, what changes, and how it affects those of us living and building our lives here.

What Happened in Parliament
The amendments to the Nationality Law were approved with 157 votes in favor and 64 against — a two-thirds majority. The PSD, CDS, Liberal Initiative, Chega, and JPP deputy Filipe Sousa voted in favor. PS, Livre, Left Bloc, PAN, and PCP voted against.

The bill now heads to Belém for review by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who can approve, veto, or send it to the Constitutional Court. Given the strong political backing, it’s likely to be enacted soon.

The New Rules in Detail

1. The residency timeline just doubled

• General rule: 10 years of legal residence (up from 5). This is now the minimum period for most foreign residents to apply for citizenship.

• CPLP and EU citizens: 7 years (up from 5). This applies to citizens from Portuguese-speaking countries and EU nations.

• Children born in Portugal: A child now only qualifies for citizenship if at least one parent has lived legally in Portugal for 5 years. Previously, just 1 year was enough.

2. What stays the same
The path to nationality through Portuguese parents or grandparents (jus sanguinis) remains unchanged. So does the route for spouses of Portuguese citizens, which still requires 3 years of marriage or residence.

3. Permanent residence at 5 years
You can still apply for Permanent Residence (PR) after 5 years of legal stay. This status lets you live and work in Portugal indefinitely and gives you Schengen travel rights.

But PR is not citizenship. You’ll remain a foreign resident, without a Portuguese passport or the right to vote in national elections. The new system effectively creates a 10-year journey — five years to PR, then five more before you can apply for citizenship.

4. New requirements for nationality
Applicants must now prove:

• “Sufficient” knowledge of Portuguese language, culture, history, and national symbols (through a test or certificate).

• A clean criminal record — no prison sentences of two years or more.

• Proof of financial means to support themselves while living in Portugal.

5. No more automatic naturalization for children of undocumented parents
Children born in Portugal to parents without legal status will no longer be eligible for citizenship.

6. Losing nationality for serious crimes
In a separate but related vote, Parliament approved a change to the Penal Code allowing judges to revoke nationality for naturalized citizens convicted of serious crimes.

• This applies to those sentenced to 4 or more years in prison.

• It can only be applied if the person has another nationality (so they don’t become stateless).

• They may only apply to regain nationality 10 years after their criminal record has been cleared.

This provision, backed by PSD/CDS, Chega, and Liberal Initiative, is highly controversial and may face constitutional challenges. The PS and other left-wing parties warn that it could violate fundamental principles of equality before the law.

Why This Shift?
The current center-right government, supported by Chega, argues this reform restores “order” and “dignity” to Portuguese nationality. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has said it ensures “time for integration” and guarantees that new citizens truly share Portugal’s language, culture, and values.

These changes come amid a wider overhaul of immigration policy — including the end of the “Manifestation of Interest” process and the introduction of a new “return law” aimed at speeding up deportations.

What You Should Do Now
If you’re close to the 5-year residency mark, check whether you can still apply under the old rules before the new law takes effect.

If you’re just starting your journey, prepare for a 10-year path to citizenship. Focus on securing your Permanent Residence Permit first and building the language and cultural knowledge you’ll need later.

This law is a setback for many who’ve followed the rules and built lives here, but it’s the new reality. For now, stability lies in permanent residency — and in fully integrating into Portuguese life while planning for the long road ahead.