Portugal’s Parliament has approved a new Nationality Law, marking one of the most significant overhauls of citizenship rules in recent decades. Passed late on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, after a heated parliamentary debate, the reform aims to make it more difficult for foreigners to obtain Portuguese nationality, aligning the country with some of the more restrictive European nations on naturalisation.
A heated parliamentary vote
After months of negotiation and amendment, the bill was approved with 157 votes in favour from PSD, Chega, IL, CDS and JPP, while 64 MPs from PS, Livre, PCP, BE and PAN voted against. The Government secured a crucial deal with the far-right Chega party, whose support proved decisive for its passage.
After the vote, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro declared, “Today, Portugal becomes more Portugal. Today, we decide who our people are.” Prime Minister Luís Montenegro echoed the sentiment, stating that the reform “defines who we are, what we value, and the country we want to pass on. Being Portuguese is both an honour and a responsibility.”
The law will now be sent to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for ratification, potential veto, or referral to the Constitutional Court. Once approved, it will be published in the official journal Diário da República.
Key changes in the new Nationality Law
The new legislation introduces stricter requirements for those seeking Portuguese citizenship, affecting both immigrants and descendants of Portuguese nationals.
Longer residency requirement
The minimum legal residency period for naturalisation increases from five to ten years for most applicants. Citizens from Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) will have a seven-year requirement.
Importantly, the residency period will now begin from the date a residence permit is issued, rather than from the application date.
New tests and integration criteria
Applicants will be required to pass a civics and language test, demonstrating adequate knowledge of the Portuguese language, the rights and duties of citizens, and the organisation of the country’s political system.
Candidates must also provide a sworn declaration affirming adherence to Portugal’s democratic principles.
Stricter rules for children born in Portugal
Children of foreign residents born on Portuguese soil will only be eligible for nationality if their parents have lived legally in Portugal for at least three years and expressly request Portuguese citizenship for the child.
End of Sephardic Jewish nationality scheme
The extraordinary nationality route for Portuguese Sephardic Jews, introduced in 2015, has been terminated under the new law.
Limits on descent-based nationality
Nationality by descent is now restricted to great-grandchildren of Portuguese nationals. Previously, the right could be extended to more distant generations in certain cases.
Revocation of citizenship for serious crimes
Naturalised citizens who commit serious crimes resulting in prison sentences of five years or more may lose their Portuguese nationality if it was granted less than the length of their sentence ago.
Changes to the Law on Foreigners
The reform also modifies the Law on Foreigners, introducing tighter immigration controls and new visa conditions.
- Visas for job seekers will now only be available to highly qualified professionals.
- The government plans to create a special immigration channel within AIMA (the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) to attract academic and professional talent in partnership with higher education institutions.
- Family reunification will require two years of legal residence and applies only to minors already in Portugal. Adult relatives must apply via Portuguese consulates abroad, and all applicants must prove they have adequate housing and financial means without relying on social benefits.
- Applications can be denied for public order, safety, or health reasons.
- The new law also ends the “tacit acceptance” system that previously simplified visa approvals for citizens from CPLP countries.
Immigration and border control reforms
Alongside the nationality changes, the Government approved the creation of a Borders and Immigration Unit within the PSP (Public Security Police). Minister Leitão Amaro stated, “Portugal must resume having border police that control entries, supervise, and return those who do not respect the rules.”
Additionally, residence permits automatically extended during the pandemic will remain valid until 15 October 2025, provided renewal requests are submitted before 20 June 2025.
A shift in Portugal’s immigration policy
The reform marks a major shift in Portugal’s traditionally open immigration stance. The number of foreign residents in the country has grown sharply — from around 400,000 in 2017 to over 1.5 million by the end of 2024, roughly 15% of the population.
Chega leader André Ventura commented that the agreement “places Portugal among European countries where it will be harder to obtain nationality,” adding that the reform “protects national identity” while introducing “fairer standards” for applicants.
What happens next?
The new Nationality Law awaits presidential ratification before taking effect. Once enacted, it will redefine the path to citizenship, making it longer and more selective.
For those considering applying for Portuguese nationality, it will be crucial to check eligibility early and ensure compliance with the updated residency, language, and civics requirements.
Thinking of moving to Portugal? Find out everything you need to know in our living in Portugal guide.