Updates to Portuguese naturalisation regulations

Portuguese naturalisation law has been officially approved and has undergone one of its most significant reforms. On 28 October 2025, the Portuguese Parliament voted in favour of amendments to extend the naturalisation period, add eligibility criteria, and tighten the definition of residency.

The reform now awaits the President’s signature before being published in the Diário da República, after which it will take effect immediately. Importantly, there is no transition period, and the new rules apply to all citizenship applications submitted after the law comes into effect.

Changes under the amended Nationality Law 2025

The amendment framework affects both EU and non-EU residents, reshaping how time, eligibility, and integration are measured in the citizenship process. Specific changes can be found at here.

Portuguese naturalisation period extended to 7 or 10 years

The most significant reform extends the naturalisation period.

• EU citizens and citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) now need to reside in Portugal for 7 years before applying for citizenship.
• All other foreign citizens must complete 10 years of legal residency.

Previously, the rules allowed for citizenship after only five years of residency. The government argues that a longer period promotes stronger integration and aligns with broader EU standards.

Language and cultural requirements

Applicants for Portuguese citizenship must demonstrate a basic understanding of the Portuguese language and culture. This reflects the government’s intention to ensure new citizens can communicate, participate in community life, and share a sense of belonging to the Portuguese social and cultural environment.

Stricter criteria for children of foreign citizens

Under the amended law, children born in Portugal are only eligible for citizenship if at least one parent has been a legal resident in the country for five years or more.

This replaces the previous flexible rule and aligns with the government’s intention to link citizenship to sustainable, legal residency rather than temporary presence. For many migrant families, this change adds a new dimension to long-term settlement planning.

Residency period begins from the date of the residence permit issuance

A technical but important adjustment redefines how the “residency period” is calculated. Under the new rules, the eligibility countdown begins from the date the residence permit is issued, not from the date the residency application is submitted.

This means that applicants who spend time in Portugal waiting for their residence card to be approved will not be able to count that period towards the citizenship requirement. For Golden Visa holders and other residents, this may push back the start of the naturalisation period effectively.

Revocation of citizenship for serious crimes

The new law allows for the revocation of citizenship in cases where a naturalised citizen commits a serious crime punishable by four years of imprisonment or more.

This measure brings Portugal in line with other EU jurisdictions that consider citizenship a privilege that can be lost upon violation of good conduct. It also reinforces Portugal’s emphasis on maintaining public integrity within the citizenship framework.

Who will be affected by the new rules

The amended law affects a wide range of residents, including EU citizens, CPLP citizens, digital nomads, retirees, and investment residents.

• Current applicants whose files are under review before the new law takes effect should remain under the previous five-year rule.
• Future applicants who submit after the publication will face extended deadlines and new documentation standards.

For families, the five-year parental residency rule will determine whether children born in Portugal can obtain citizenship at birth. Legal experts advise residents to carefully review their permit dates and prepare supporting documentation early.

Consequences for Golden Visa holders

Detailed article on the Golden Visa.

The Portugal Golden Visa programme remains unaffected regarding residency issuance; investors can still obtain a residence permit through the qualifying investment route. However, the path to citizenship is now longer and more complex.

• Golden Visa investors can continue to apply for permanent residency after five years, but eligibility for citizenship is now seven or ten years, depending on nationality.
• Because the start of the residency period is now calculated from the date the first residence card is issued, processing delays for the card may extend the journey further.

This change may alter the strategic planning of investors who previously considered Portugal as one of Europe’s fastest routes to EU citizenship. Nevertheless, the programme retains its appeal as a residency destination that offers flexibility, safety, and family inclusion.

Looking to the future

The new nationality law represents a paradigm shift in how Portugal balances openness with integration. The country remains a top destination for global investors and expatriates, but the message is clear: citizenship now requires a deeper commitment, longer residency, and proven social integration.