Portugal Citizenship: New Proposal May Change the Rules for Immigrants

INLIS Consulting
18 hours ago
2 min read

Portugal has long been one of the easiest countries in Europe to gain citizenship. Many people move here not only for the lifestyle but also because the path to Portuguese nationality is shorter than in most other EU countries.

Current Rules for Portugal Citizenship

At the moment, the law says:

You can apply for Portugal citizenship after five years of legal residence.
You must prove basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.
You cannot have a serious criminal record.
Many children born in Portugal automatically qualify for citizenship if their parents are legally settled.

This system has made Portugal attractive for immigrants, investors, and families looking for a new life in Europe.

Proposed Changes to Portugal Citizenship Law

The government is suggesting several big changes:

Longer Residency Requirement

10 years for most immigrants.
7 years if you are from a Portuguese-speaking country.
Time would only count from when you receive your residence permit, not from when you first arrive.

Stricter Application Rules

A language test and a civic test about Portugal’s history and values.
A formal declaration of support for democracy.
A clean criminal record.

Rules for Children Born in Portugal

Citizenship at birth would no longer be automatic.
At least one parent must have lived legally in Portugal for three years.
Parents would need to apply on the child’s behalf.

Why Is Portugal Changing Its Citizenship Law?

There are a few reasons:

Political pressure: Some parties want stricter rules for immigration and nationality.
Delays and backlogs: Portugal has hundreds of thousands of pending applications.
European alignment: Other EU countries often require 8–10 years for citizenship.
Integration: Authorities want proof that people are part of Portuguese society before giving nationality.

How the New Portugal Citizenship Rules Could Affect Immigrants

It may take much longer for people to qualify.
Families and children may face more barriers.
People already in the process are worried about whether the new rules will apply to them.
Some fear the changes will discourage newcomers who want to contribute to Portugal.

Support and Criticism of the Portuguese Citizenship Reform

Supporters say the new rules will:

Encourage integration and cultural knowledge.
Protect Portugal’s identity.
Align Portugal with other EU countries.

Critics argue that:

The changes are too strict and unfair.
Families and children will suffer most.
Portugal’s image as a welcoming country could be damaged.

What’s Next for Portugal Citizenship Law?

The proposal is still being discussed in Parliament and has not yet become law. Some parts may change, and there may be legal challenges if the rules are applied to people already living in Portugal.

Final Thoughts on Portugal Citizenship Reform

Portugal is debating how open it wants to be. While the government wants stronger rules, many people worry that this will make it harder to build a life here.

If the law passes, immigrants will need more time, effort, and patience to get Portugal citizenship. For now, it’s important to stay informed, keep your documents ready, and follow official updates about the new nationality rules.