Barbara Queiróz Updated: November 4, 2025
The Portuguese Government recently announced significant changes to the Portuguese Nationality Law. This could include doubling the minimum period of legal residency required for most foreigners to apply for citizenship, from five to ten years.
The core change approved is the increase of the minimum legal residency requirement for citizenship via naturalization. The new nationality law is not yet active as it still requires the President’s approval. However, this vote marks a significant shift, concluding the debate phase.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Portuguese Nationality Law, including the announcements made so far, the legal challenges the proposals face, and what applicants need to know about their current situation.
What has the Portuguese Government announced?
The Portuguese Parliament approved key amendments to the Portuguese Nationality Law on 28 October 2025. These changes will increase the minimum period of legal residency required for most foreigners to apply for citizenship, from five to ten years.
New Portuguese Nationality Law 2025: What we know so far
The Portuguese Parliament has approved significant changes to the Portuguese Nationality Law, particularly regarding the residency requirement for applying for Portuguese citizenship.
Portugal’s nationality law 2025 approved amendments include:
- Extended residency requirements to apply for Portugal citizenship: From five to ten years. For EU citizens and CPLP nationals, this would change from five to seven years.
- New testing requirements: A mandatory civic and cultural test for applicants to show a “true connection” to Portugal.
Alongside the Nationality Law amendments, the following have been recommended:
- Stricter entry controls linked to Portugal’s integration capacity
- Restricting the Job Seeker Visa to only highly qualified candidates
- Mandatory Portuguese test for certain residence permit renewals
- Creating streamlined institutional structures, including border management units
Latest Developments
The Portuguese Parliament has approved the changes to the nationality law, concluding the legislative discussion phase.
This approval represents a significant change that affects how visa holders and residents can obtain citizenship. However, the amendments are not yet in effect. The law needs to undergo Presidential review. The President can approve the amendments, issue a veto, return to parliament, or refer it to the constitutional court.
This reinforces the assessment from our residency and citizenship division, Global Citizen Solutions, that several amendments may face serious constitutional challenges.
Expected timeline:
- Promulgation (approval): Up to 20 days from receiving the approved bill
- Veto and return to parliament: Up to 20 days
- Referral to the constitutional court: The court has 25 days to issue a decision
This extended timeline provides a valuable opportunity for comprehensive constitutional review and inclusive stakeholder input.
Is the new nationality law already in effect?
The new nationality law isn’t active yet. Parliament approved it on 28 October 2025, but it still needs the President’s approval. It will only take effect after the President signs it and it’s published in Portugal’s official gazette.
How does it affect current applicants?
If you have already applied for citizenship by naturalization, the revised citizenship regulations will not affect naturalization applications submitted before 19 June 2025. Applications that are submitted after this time or incomplete submissions could be subject to new regulations once they are officially enacted.
How does it affect Golden Visa holders?
Portugal’s Golden Visa is the country’s popular residency by investment program that was introduced in 2012. The Portuguese Government has not proposed any changes to the residency rights under the Golden Visa program, with your right to residency protected once your Golden Visa application has been submitted.
The route to access Portuguese citizenship may be impacted by the proposed law.
Alongside this, there were the following changes to the Portuguese Golden Visa:
- Processing timeline: Formulization of up to 18 months for official processing for future applications.
- Administrative modifications: Changes to timeline calculations and processing procedures.
While there is no way to get Portugal citizenship by investment, the Golden Visa allows investors to secure residency by investment.
Previous changes to the Portugal Golden Visa.
Previous changes to the Golden Visa unfurled in September 2023. The Golden Visa is not ending, although there have been changes to the investment options. For example, the Portugal Golden Visa properties pathway is no longer available.
This includes the Portugal 280k investment option and investing in Madeira Golden Visa property and real estate in the Azores.
You can find out more: Has the Portugal Golden Visa Program Ended?
Alternatives to the real estate investment pathway
As the real estate investment option has ended, the investment funds pathway has seen a steady rise in popularity. Find out more Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund Option: The Complete Guide.
The Cultural Production Visa Portugal has also proved to be increasingly popular amongst investors.
To apply for citizenship with the Portugal Golden Visa, you will need to hold an A2-level Portuguese certificate and have a clean criminal record. Find out more: Portugal Golden Visa language test.
AIMA: Operational Improvements
AIMA, the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, has introduced several measures to enhance operations.
From January 2026, they will launch a new digital system to improve communication and transparency for applicants and legal representatives.
Alongside this, and already in circulation since June 2025, the online renewal system has progressed, removing the need for in-person appointments if biometric data remains valid.
These changes will help speed up residency timelines in the country, whether applicants are applying for a D7 Visa (Portugal retirement visa), Golden Visa, or Digital Nomad Visa (Portugal D8 Visa).
The HQA Visa Portugal is also an option for highly-qualified individuals seeking to relocate to Portugal.
Families can also move to Portugal if they have a family member already living in the country, under the Portugal D6 Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portuguese Nationality Law Changes in 2025
What is the new nationality rule in Portugal?
The approved amendments extend the Portuguese residency requirement for citizenship from five to ten years for most applicants, including seven years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. New requirements also include a civic knowledge test.
Who is eligible for Portuguese citizenship by descent?
Regarding citizenship eligibility for children born to Portuguese parents, you can generally apply for Portuguese citizenship by descent if you have parents or grandparents who hold Portuguese citizenship.
How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship?
The approved amendments extend the residency period for Portuguese citizenship for foreign nationals. For all applicants via naturalization, the requirement for legal residency is set to increase from the current five years to ten years. For EU citizens and CPLP nationals, this would change from five to seven years.
Who is eligible for a Portuguese passport?
A Portuguese passport is primarily issued to Portuguese citizens. There is a wide range of Portuguse passport benefits.
Citizenship can be acquired through birth, descent (having Portuguese parents or grandparents), marriage to a Portuguese citizen, or naturalization after residing in Portugal for a set period of time and holding a valid Portugal residency visa.
Residency options include the Golden Visa, D7 Visa, and Portugal D2 Visa, amongst others.
How can I get Portuguese citizenship?
You can be granted citizenship through several avenues, including citizenship by Portuguese descent, naturalization after a period of legal residency, or marriage to a Portuguese citizen.
Can I have dual citizenship in Portugal?
Yes, you can have Portugal dual citizenship. You can have both Portuguese and foreign citizenship (provided your country of origin also allows dual citizenship).
What are the benefits of obtaining Portuguese nationality?
There are several benefits to obtaining Portuguese nationality. This includes acquiring the right to live, work, and study in any EU country, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and greater financial and mobility freedoms.
What is the Portuguese nationality processing time?
Portuguese nationality processing times can take a few months to two years. The processing time is currently experiencing delays due to backlogs and staff shortages.
