Portugal: New 10-Year Citizenship Law Approved

Changes to the Nationality Law approved this Monday in the Council of Ministers also determine that a child will only be Portuguese if the parents have already lived legally in the country for three years, and must make this request.

Lisbon, 23 June 2025, On Monday, the Portuguese Council of Ministers approved significant changes to the Portugal Nationality Law, raising the bar for individuals seeking Portuguese citizenship through naturalization or descent.

According to António Leitão Amaro, Minister of the Presidency, these reforms aim to reinforce a “robust connection” to Portugal, ensuring that nationality is granted based on a genuine sense of belonging and integration into the national community.

Key Changes to Portugal's Nationality Law

1. Longer Residence Periods Required

The minimum legal residence required for nationality has increased:

• From 5 to 7 years for nationals of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP)

• From 5 to 10 years for nationals of non-CPLP countries

Important: The residence period now starts counting from the date the residence permit is granted, not from the date of initial application.

2. Children Born in Portugal No Longer Automatically Portuguese

Children of foreign parents will only be granted Portuguese nationality if:

• Both parents have had legal residence in Portugal for at least three years

• The parents actively apply for the child’s nationality (no longer automatic)

3. Cultural Integration Tests

Applicants will now need to demonstrate:

• Sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language

• Awareness of Portuguese culture

• Understanding of fundamental rights and duties in the Portuguese Republic

Assessment tests are expected to be introduced as part of this process.

4. Declaration of Commitment

All applicants must now sign a “solemn declaration of adherence to the principles of the democratic rule of law”, affirming their alignment with Portugal’s constitutional values.

5. Stricter Criminal Record Checks

The criteria for criminal background clearance will be tightened. Applicants with any effective prison sentence on their record will be excluded, unlike the previous rule, which only disqualified those with sentences longer than 3 years.

What This Means for Foreign Residents

These changes represent a substantial shift in immigration and nationality policy, especially affecting:

• Long-term residents preparing for citizenship

• Families of children born in Portugal

• Residents from non-CPLP countries (e.g., Pakistan, India, Ukraine, etc.)

What You Can Do

If you're planning to apply for Portuguese nationality in the future:

• Make sure your legal residency is properly documented from the date of your residence permit.

• Start preparing for language and cultural exams.

• Keep a clean criminal record.

• If you have children, ensure both parents meet the three-year legal residence rule before applying for their nationality.