Possible Change in Portuguese Nationality Law
Immigrants may soon need 10 years of residency to apply for Portuguese nationality. Government Proposes to Extend Residency Requirement for Citizenship
The Portuguese Government is considering a significant change to the Nationality Law that could directly impact immigrants seeking Portuguese citizenship. Currently, the law requires a minimum legal residency of five years for foreigners to be eligible to apply for Portuguese nationality. However, the new proposal discussed by the Government aims to double this period to ten years.
Potential Amendment
This potential amendment was signalled by António Leitão Amaro, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, who stated that if the current Government — led by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) — is re-elected in the upcoming legislative elections on May 18, a draft law will be presented in Parliament to modify the current rules.
Political Context
Although the proposal is not yet formalized, the PSD leadership has indicated its intention to review immigration and nationality policies, highlighting concerns about the integration process and the growing number of citizenship applications.
The PSD is currently leading in opinion polls. Still, it remains in a close race with the Socialist Party (PS), suggesting that any legislative changes would require negotiation and approval by a parliamentary majority.
Current Law
Under Law No. 37/81 (Nationality Law), foreigners can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence in Portugal, provided they meet other requirements such as knowledge of the Portuguese language and absence of criminal records.
This law has been seen as one of the most favourable in Europe for immigrants seeking naturalization.
Changes
If the new proposal is approved, the residency requirement would increase to ten years, aligning Portugal more closely with other European Union countries with more extended residency periods for naturalization.
No official date or final version of the proposal has been presented yet. Before becoming law, it would require debate, approval by Parliament, and possible adjustments.
Impact on Immigrants
This change could affect thousands of immigrants currently residing in Portugal or planning to move there. Legal experts recommend that eligible residents who meet the current five-year requirement should consider applying for citizenship as soon as possible before any new law comes into effect.
