An Introduction to Portugal Nationality Law 

Portugal Nationality Law has significant revisions, which are expected to take effect on June 19, 2025.  The country’s immigration policy has undergone a dramatic change as a result of these reforms, which have tightened eligibility requirements and closed numerous popular visa and immigration pathways.

It changed the route for Sephardic Jews.  It’s more crucial than ever to comprehend how these changes may impact you as Portugal joins other EU countries in their efforts to control the volume of citizenship and visa applications.

Portugal Nationality Law has become an important issue for immigrants in 2025. Thousands of people had migrated to Portugal only for the sake of nationality. The 5-year time period which would have given you nationality has now changed to 10 years. Early action and professional advice are crucial if you’re thinking about moving to Portugal with your family or applying for Portugal nationality.  

Portugal’s Nationality Law is good for Immigrants?

If you study the entire country of Portugal from the perspective of immigrants, then you have to face many challenges like adjusting the cost of living in the basic salary and also supporting the back home, many people are not able to meet their expenses in the basic salaries and then they work in double shifts, due to this their personal life gets spoiled, it also harms their health.

The second most important problem is that if any immigrant brings his family here, then he has to live his life happily with his family; he has to struggle twice, as it costs him a lot of money for accommodation, food, and necessities. And earlier, living alone in Portugal was hectic, but living with family is also difficult.

The following are the modifications to the immigration and nationality law. 

Longer Residency Requirement for Citizenship

Portugal Nationality Law now requires ten years of general residence, up from the previous five-year requirement. Exclusion: After seven years, citizens of nations that speak Portuguese, such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, may apply.

New Regulations for Portuguese-Born Children

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Only if one parent has lived in Portugal lawfully for at least three years can a child born there be granted immediate nationality. At birth, the parents must formally express their desire for the child to become a Portuguese citizen. Not that if the child were born in Portugal, he would have gotten nationality. But this is wrong because if any person is born in any country, then it should be their right to get nationality.

Tougher Integration Requirements

Citizenship applicants now need to show Portuguese language proficiency and Portuguese cultural knowledge.  They have a dedication to civic responsibilities and democratic ideals. These requirements are for application for citizenship and not initial visa applications.

Criminal Record-Based Restrictions

It is now possible to deny or revoke Portuguese nationality for those who have engaged in:  Organized crime or violence, and the act of terrorism. Both new applicants and current Portuguese nationals who have been found guilty of major crimes are subject to these new regulations.

The Sephardic Jewish Citizenship Route’s Termination

The acquisition of Portuguese nationality based on Sephardic Jewish heritage will no longer be feasible. As direct relatives of a Portuguese citizen, wives and children of those who have already acquired nationality through this method may still apply.

Stricter Guidelines for Family Reunification

After the primary candidate has a residency visa, for reunification. The resident must have lived in Portugal lawfully for a minimum of two years. The inhabitant must possess sufficient proficiency in the Portuguese language.If a whole family applies at once, these regulations won’t be applicable (e.g., joint D7 visa applications).

Applying the New Citizenship Rules Retroactively

The new nationality law will take effect retrospectively on June 19, 2025, according to the administration. This implies that the new regulations will apply to any citizenship applications filed after this date. But the Portuguese Nationality Law has not been implemented yet. It has been postponed till September. Once it is approved, it will be implemented properly.

Timeline for Implementation

Although the new law has not yet been released, it is anticipated to do so in the coming days. Changes will take effect on the date of publication for family reunification and residency permits. The automatic extension of current residency permits will last until October 15, 2025.

Portugal National Law will affect Current Applicants

Portugal national law has not been implemented yet. The date on which it will be implemented will not matter to those who have already applied for nationality. After implementation, those who will apply for nationality will have to follow the new law.
 Anyway, it will be too injustice for the immigrants who have been living here for 4 years, and this year they wanted to start their nationality process. 4 years is a long time to live in this country and pay taxes; the government should also pay attention to their applications.

Why is Portugal Nationality Law Revised?

The government claims that the new rules strengthen a strong connection to Portuguese identity and values, ensuring that persons seeking citizenship are really dedicated to the country’s society. However, critics argue that the measures risk generating more barriers for immigrants who are already contributing to Portugal, thereby shifting from an integration to filtration paradigm. For many expats and families, this implies:

Longer wait times for citizenship.

The additional paperwork and testing requirements.

 Long-term residency intentions in Portugal require careful planning.

FAQS