The Portuguese government has put forward sweeping changes to the country’s nationality laws that would fundamentally alter the path to citizenship for residents.
Government Proposal: A Major Shift in Nationality Rules
Under the proposed reforms announced on June 23, 2025, the residency requirement for naturalization would double from the current 5 years to 10 years for most applicants, with a slight reduction to 7 years for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries. Perhaps more significantly, the government wants to reverse a key protection introduced in April 2024 – instead of counting residency from the date you applied for your residence permit, the clock would only start ticking from when the card is actually issued, potentially adding months or years to the process due to bureaucratic delays. The proposal also introduces new integration requirements, including a cultural and civic knowledge exam alongside the existing A2 Portuguese language test, and would eliminate the popular Sephardic Jewish ancestry route to citizenship entirely.
Legislative Journey: Delays and Parliamentary Pushback
The path to making these changes law has hit significant speed bumps. While the government’s broader immigration program was approved by Parliament on June 19, 2025, the specific nationality reforms have faced considerable resistance. Initially scheduled for a quick summer passage, parliamentary committees extended hearings until the third week of September 2025 after facing pressure from opposition parties and legal experts. The nationality bill has been deliberately separated from other immigration measures, with only border control reforms potentially moving forward before the parliamentary recess. This delay means the current 5-year residency rule remains in effect, giving residents more time to navigate the existing system before any changes take hold.
Constitutional and Political Hurdles: Legal Challenges Mount
The government’s proposals face serious constitutional obstacles that could derail or significantly modify the reforms. Leading constitutional scholars have raised red flags about the retroactive application of stricter rules to applications filed after June 19, 2025, arguing this violates Portugal’s constitutional prohibition on retrospective laws that restrict rights. Additionally, provisions allowing the revocation of citizenship only for naturalized Portuguese citizens create what critics call a “two-tier nationality system” that may violate equality principles. The minority PSD-led government needs support from the far-right Chega party to pass the legislation but must carefully navigate these constitutional landmines to avoid having the reforms struck down by the Constitutional Court or vetoed by the President. Most law firms we consulted believe there will be a carve-out our significant water down on the outcome for the Golden Visa Programme.
Practical Impact on Residents: Act Now or Wait?
For current residents, the uncertainty creates both urgency and opportunity. Those who already meet the current 5-year residency requirement have a clear incentive to submit their naturalization applications before any new law takes effect, potentially as early as late September 2025. The government’s claim that the stricter rules would apply to incomplete applications filed after June 19, 2025, adds urgency for those currently preparing their paperwork. Golden Visa holders, while maintaining their route to permanent residence, could see their path to citizenship significantly lengthened if the reforms pass.
Law firms we work with believe will be difficult for the government to implement any law changes retroactively and are advising to speed-up the Golden Visa process.
Timeline Summary: Key Dates Ahead
The coming months will be crucial for determining the future of Portuguese nationality law. With the current 5-year rule still in effect since April 2024, residents have until at least September 2025 to work within the existing framework.
Parliamentary hearings are scheduled to conclude by mid-September, with a potential plenary vote following shortly after. However, even if the reforms pass Parliament, they would still need presidential approval and Constitutional Court review, potentially pushing implementation into 2026. The January 2026 presidential election adds another layer of uncertainty, as the timing could influence whether the reforms are signed into law.
For now, residents should monitor the September parliamentary calendar closely while considering whether to accelerate their citizenship applications under the current, more favourable rules.
