Portugal’s path to citizenship just became longer and stricter in 2025, following sweeping changes that reshape who can become Portuguese, when, and under what conditions.
For years, Portugal stood out in Europe for its openness to immigrants, with a relatively straightforward five-year residency path to naturalisation and automatic birthright citizenship for many children born on Portuguese soil. Now, Portugal’s new citizenship law doubles the required residency period, imposes stricter integration requirements, and ends automatic citizenship for most children born in the country.
So, what qualifies you for Portuguese citizenship? Here is what you need to know about Portugal’s new rules and what they mean for expats, digital nomads, and families living in Portugal.
- 10 years of residency required for citizenship
- Stricter language, culture, and civic knowledge requirements
- No automatic citizenship for children born in Portugal
- Family reunification rules become stricter
- Why is Portugal changing its citizenship law?
- What expats should do now
- Final thoughts: a new era for Portuguese citizenship
10 years of residency required for citizenship
Under the new 2025 rules, foreign residents will need to complete 10 years of legal residency in Portugal before applying for citizenship, replacing the previous five-year requirement.
Even nationals from Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, who previously had faster pathways, will now face a longer process—typically seven years instead of five.
A significant procedural change is that the countdown for residency now starts only when a residence permit is granted, not when you apply. This means months or years spent waiting in Portugal while your residency application is processed will no longer count towards citizenship eligibility.
Stricter language, culture, and civic knowledge requirements
Applicants will now need to pass a civic knowledge test covering Portugal’s constitution, democratic principles, and national values, alongside existing Portuguese language proficiency requirements.
Additionally, applicants must sign a formal pledge to uphold Portugal’s constitution as part of the naturalisation process.
No automatic citizenship for children born in Portugal
Until now, many children born in Portugal to foreign parents could acquire Portuguese citizenship at birth. From 2025, this will no longer apply automatically.
Parents will now need to:
- Prove that at least one parent has legally resided in Portugal for three consecutive years.
- Formally request Portuguese nationality for their child.
This change impacts many second-generation immigrant families, adding new steps, paperwork, and uncertainty regarding children’s legal status in Portugal.
Family reunification rules become stricter
Portugal’s new law also affects family reunification:
- The sponsoring resident must have lived legally in Portugal for at least two years before applying to reunite with a spouse, dependent child, or parent.
- Family members must demonstrate basic integration, including Portuguese language and cultural knowledge.
These changes reflect Portugal’s shift towards a security-focused migration system while aiming to reduce bureaucratic backlogs.
Why is Portugal changing its citizenship law?
The government argues that the new rules reinforce a robust connection to Portuguese identity and values and ensure that those seeking citizenship are genuinely committed to the country’s society.
However, critics say the reforms risk creating additional barriers for immigrants already contributing to Portugal, shifting from a model of integration to one of filtration.
For many expats and families, this means:
- Longer timelines to citizenship.
- More paperwork and testing requirements.
- A need to plan carefully for long-term residency goals in Portugal.
What expats should do now
If you are planning to move to Portugal, or are already living there under temporary residence:
- Check your current residency timeline to understand how the new rules affect your eligibility.
- Prepare for the civic knowledge and language test early.
- If you have children or plan to reunite with family, review the new requirements to avoid delays.
- Seek legal advice if your residency status is unclear, especially if you are in Portugal while awaiting a permit.
Final thoughts: a new era for Portuguese citizenship
Portugal’s new nationality law in 2025 mark a significant shift away from the country’s previously open and accessible path to citizenship. For many expats, digital nomads, and families, becoming Portuguese will now take a decade, clear cultural integration, and a clean record.
If you are planning to build your life in Portugal, understanding these changes is essential for your long-term plans and ensuring your journey towards Portuguese citizenship remains on track.
Thinking of moving to Portugal? Find out everything you need to know in our living in Portugal guide.
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