Portugal's Citizenship Law May Be Changing: Here's What You Need to Know

Proposed Reforms to Portugal's Citizenship Law Could Double Residency Requirements

If you’re planning to relocate to Portugal with the long-term goal of citizenship, there’s an important development you need to be aware of. The Portuguese government has recently proposed sweeping changes to its nationality law—changes that could significantly impact how and when foreign nationals become eligible for citizenship.

The most significant proposal? Doubling the required legal residency period from five years to ten for most foreign nationals. If passed, these changes would represent the biggest shift in Portugal's naturalisation process in decades.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what’s on the table, what it means for expats and property buyers, and what you should do next if you’re already living in Portugal or considering a move.

Why the Law Might Change: What's Behind the Proposal

Portugal has long been praised for its progressive, welcoming immigration system—but as immigration numbers reach new highs, the government is under pressure to introduce tighter controls. The proposed changes, introduced in June 2025, are aimed at managing long-term migration and ensuring new citizens have strong cultural and civic ties to Portugal.

But critics say the law, if enacted, could have serious unintended consequences for expats, retirees, digital nomads, and investors who have already begun their journey to citizenship under the existing rules.

Key Changes in the Draft Legislation

Here are the headline proposals that could affect non-EU citizens:

• Residency Requirement Increases: From 5 years to 10 years for most applicants. Citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP nations like Brazil and Angola) may face a shorter 7-year requirement.
• Residency Start Date Change: Residency time would be counted from the date of your residence permit being issued—not the date of your application. That’s a big deal for those affected by administrative delays.
• Stricter Integration Criteria: Applicants may need to pass cultural literacy and civics tests in addition to proving A2-level Portuguese language proficiency.
• Clean Criminal Record Requirement: Any criminal conviction involving a custodial sentence would disqualify an applicant.
• Tighter Family Reunification Rules: The main applicant would need at least two years of residency before applying for family reunification.
• Abolition of Sephardic Jewish Ancestry Route: New applications under this special naturalisation route would no longer be accepted.

What Stage Are These Changes At?

These reforms are not yet law. They are currently in the early stages of the legislative process. To be enacted, they must:

1. Pass three rounds of parliamentary debate
2. Achieve a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament
3. Be signed by the President
4. Be published in the government’s official record (Diário da República)

Because the current government does not hold an outright majority, the final version of the law may look quite different. Amendments, delays, and even legal challenges are possible—if not likely.

Why This Matters for Algarve Property Buyers

At Private Luxury Collection, many of our clients relocate to the Algarve not just for sunshine and lifestyle, but also for long-term residency and citizenship opportunities.

If you’re already on a legal residency pathway—such as the D7, Golden Visa, or Digital Nomad Visa—this proposal could impact your timeline.

But it’s not all bad news:

• Applications submitted before 19 June 2025 would not be subject to the new rules
• Golden Visa applicants may still be eligible for citizenship under the 5-year rule, though this has yet to be clarified
• Legal experts expect constitutional challenges to some of the proposed reforms

In short: there is still time and uncertainty. The key is to stay informed and act quickly if you're eligible under the current rules.

What Should You Do Now?

1. Don’t panic: These changes are not law yet.
2. Check your eligibility: If you're close to applying for citizenship or just starting the process, speak to an immigration lawyer.
3. Stay up to date: Follow reputable sources, including SEF and AIMA, and consider signing up for our monthly newsletter.
4. Join our free expert webinar: On Friday, 11 July, we’re hosting a live, no-obligation webinar with a top Portuguese immigration lawyer to unpack what these changes could mean for you. Whether you're midway through your visa journey or just starting to explore Portugal as a destination, this is your opportunity to get direct answers from those in the know. Reserve your spot here—space is limited.

Final Thoughts

Portugal remains one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for international buyers. While changes to the nationality law could bring new challenges, they are unlikely to undermine the country’s appeal for those looking to relocate, invest, or retire here.

At Private Luxury Collection, we work closely with legal experts and immigration professionals to ensure our clients are well-informed and well-prepared.

If you have questions about how this affects your plans—or you're simply curious about how to structure your move around these proposed reforms—our upcoming webinar is the best place to start.

Register for the free session today, or contact us directly to schedule your private consultation.