Portugal has officially overhauled its citizenship law. Approved by the Portuguese Parliament on October 28, 2025, the new legislation introduces longer residency requirements, stricter eligibility criteria, and a reinforced focus on integration. Once signed by the President and published in the Diário da República, the law will take immediate effect, applying to all citizenship applications submitted thereafter.
This reform affects both EU and non-EU residents, including investors, digital nomads, retirees, and families, reshaping the path to Portuguese nationality. For applicants, the changes mean extended timelines, new documentation requirements, and stricter rules for children born in Portugal, signaling a clear shift toward deeper social and cultural integration.
Portugal’s new citizenship law introduces several significant reforms that will affect how residents qualify for citizenship. The amendments aim to ensure stronger integration, longer commitment, and alignment with broader EU standards.
Under the new rules, EU citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) must now reside in Portugal for 7 years before applying for citizenship. All other foreign nationals face a 10-year residency requirement, compared with the previous 5-year standard. This extension reflects the government’s intent to strengthen ties between applicants and Portuguese society.
Applicants must demonstrate a basic understanding of Portuguese language and culture, showing they can communicate effectively, participate in community life, and embrace local customs.
Children born in Portugal will now only qualify for citizenship if at least one parent has legally resided in the country for five years or more. This change links nationality to sustained, lawful residence rather than temporary presence, affecting many migrant families and long-term residents.
The residency period begins from the date a residence permit is issued, not from the application date. Time spent in Portugal while waiting for permit approval will no longer count toward naturalization, potentially extending the path to citizenship for many applicants, including Golden Visa holders.
The law introduces the possibility of revoking citizenship if a naturalized citizen commits a serious crime punishable by four or more years of imprisonment. This aligns Portugal with other EU countries that consider nationality a privilege contingent on good conduct.
The 2025 Portuguese citizenship law impacts a wide range of residents in Portugal, from EU and CPLP nationals to non-EU foreigners, digital nomads, retirees, and investment residents. While the Golden Visa program remains intact, the pathway to citizenship has become longer and more structured.
Applicants whose files are already under review before the law takes effect will remain subject to the previous five-year rule. However, all applications submitted after the law’s publication will face extended timelines, stricter documentation requirements, and new eligibility criteria. Residents are advised to carefully review their residence permit dates and gather supporting documents in advance to avoid delays.
For families, the new five-year parental residency rule will determine whether children born in Portugal can acquire nationality at birth. This change requires careful long-term planning for migrant families who previously relied on more flexible criteria.
While the Golden Visa program continues to provide residency through qualifying investments, the citizenship timeline is now longer: EU and CPLP nationals can apply after 7 years, while others must wait 10 years. Since the residency period now begins from the residence card issuance date, any delays in processing may further extend the path to citizenship. Despite this, Portugal remains a highly attractive destination for investors seeking flexible, safe, and family-friendly residency options.
Portugal citizenship law marks a major shift in the country’s approach to nationality. By extending residency requirements, adding stricter eligibility criteria, and emphasizing language and cultural integration, the law reinforces that citizenship is a long-term commitment, not just a procedural formality.
For EU and non-EU residents, families, retirees, and investors (including Golden Visa holders) these changes mean careful planning, thorough documentation, and a longer journey toward naturalization.
The law will take effect immediately after the President signs it and it is published in the Diário da República. There is no transitional period for new applicants.
No. Authorities now count the residency period from the date they issue the residence permit, not from the application date.
Applicants must show a basic understanding of Portuguese language and culture to participate in community life and integrate successfully.
Children born in Portugal can only acquire citizenship at birth if at least one parent has legally resided in Portugal for five years or more.
Yes. The government may revoke citizenship for serious crimes. Courts apply this rule if they sentence a naturalized citizen to four or more years of imprisonment.
Golden Visa holders can still obtain residency and permanent residency after 5 years. However, citizenship eligibility now takes longer: 7 or 10 years depending on nationality. The countdown begins from the residence permit issuance date, not the application date.
