Portuguese Parliament Approves Changes to Nationality Law
Summary
On October 28, 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved a legislative proposal that introduces significantly stricter criteria for acquiring Portuguese nationality by naturalization. The proposal was passed with 157 votes in favor—primarily from right-wing parties—and 64 votes against, all from the left-wing bloc.
The newly approved amendments change the legal framework for foreign nationals who do not have Portuguese ancestry. The changes include more stringent requirements for accessing citizenship, such as extending the required residency period for naturalization to either 7 or 10 years, implementing more rigorous standards for proving genuine ties to Portugal, and allowing for the revocation of nationality from individuals convicted of serious crimes.
Key Changes
1. Nationality by naturalization will now require:
7 years of legal residence for citizens of the European Union and Portuguese-speaking countries and 10 years for all others.
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the Portuguese language, knowledge of national culture, political organization and democratic principles and must sign a solemn declaration of adherence to the principles of the Republic.
Individuals with criminal records for offences punishable by imprisonment—regardless of wheather a sentence was served—will be ineligible to apply.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient means to support their own subsistence.
2. Acquisition of nationality at birth by children of foreign parents will be subject to:
A minimum of 5 years of legal residence by at least one parent.
A formal declaration by the parents requesting Portuguese nationality for the child.
3. Nationality acquisition based on Sephardic Jewish ancestry will be discontinued for new applicants.
4. Nationality through ancestry is now extended the third generation (i.e., great-grandchildren), and only if an effective connection to the Portuguese community is proven.
5. Naturalised citizens may lose their nationality if they have been sentenced to an effective prison term of 5 years or more, for offenses committed within 10 years following the acquisition of citizenship, and who hold dual nationality. The loss of nationality must be ordered by a judge as an ancillary penalty; it cannot occur automatically. Nationality will also be revoked from individuals who acquired it through manifestly fraudulent means.
Transitional provision, promulgation and publication
The approved proposal does not include any grandfathering clause. Once in force, the new provisions will apply uniformly to all applicants, regardless of when their residence in Portugal began or their expectations under the previous regime.
The bill is still subject to promulgation by the President of the Republic, who has the power to promulgate, veto, or request a review of constitutionality from the Constitutional Court.
After being approved, the envisaged entry into force date would be the day after publication in the Official Journal (Diário da República).
Reis Pinto Law will keep monitoring closely this matter and providing timely follow up to all their clients.
This Informative Note is intended for general circulation among clients and provides a broad, high-level overview of the subject matter. Its contents may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express prior consent of the author.
For further information or specific legal guidance on this topic, please contact Joana Ferreira Reis (joanareis@reispintolaw.com) or Sara Castro Pinto (sarapinto@reispintolaw.com)
