Portugal has delayed implementing reforms on the Nationality law and matter has been referred to constitutional court.
The Socialist Party (PS) has requested a preventive review from the Constitutional Court on 13 November 2025, pausing two decrees that would imposes stricter nationality rules and loss of citizenship in certain criminal cases.
Portugal’s President has also announced that he will wait for the Constitutional Court to issue its preventive review of the proposed Nationality Law — following a formal request submitted by the Socialist Party (PS).
The Court has 25 days to rule on nationality law. If the Constitutional Court finds it unconstitutional, the President of the Republic is obliged to veto it. If the court not find it unconstitutional, the President of the Republic if necessary, “politically reconsider” the law
The Nationality law voted by Government cannot advance to promulgation until the Court evaluates its constitutional conformity.
Nationality Law Changes
The Assembly of the Republic approved the revision of the Nationality Law on Oct 28, a reform that strengthens the criteria for granting Portuguese citizenship and emphasizes effective integration into the national community.
The main objectives of the law are:
- To ensure a longer integration period for acquiring citizenship.
- Reinforce the requirement for legal residency in Portugal increasing 10 years for other country nationals and 7 years for CPLP nationals
- To ensure knowledge of the Portuguese language, values, and culture.
- Strengthen control and verification mechanisms for requirements.
- To protect social cohesion and national identity.
“It’s not enough to want to be Portuguese on paper or in your passport. You have to be Portuguese in language, values, and in the community you fully integrate into,”
-Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro
The Government said this approval a decisive step towards a nationality policy that strengthens the confidence of the Portuguese people in the system and values the real connection to Portugal, today and for future generations.
We will closely monitor the situation in Portugal. We urge patience and strategic planning with help of legal advisor, for investors seeking citizenship in Portugal.
