Portuguese Citizenship Law: All Updates in 2025

In 2025, the Portuguese citizenship law is undergoing one of its most debated reform periods in recent years. 

The Portuguese government is debating a proposal that aims to change the current contours of the nationality law. In particular, regarding who is eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

These potential changes naturally create doubts for those planning to apply for citizenship, as well as for those already in the system.

In this regard, we intend to provide a clear overview of where things stand today. We will discuss what the proposed reforms could mean, and how they may impact your application. Instead of speculation, we focus on outlining the current rules, the possible adjustments under discussion, and how different applicant categories may be affected.

As of now, the new law for Portuguese citizenship has not been approved or published. Significant amendments, transitional provisions, or “grandfathering” periods are expected, ensuring that those who submitted their applications with the legitimate expectation of approval before this discussion began will not be unfairly excluded.

Where Portuguese Citizenship Law Stands Now: An Overview

Legislative Status

If approved, the proposal will then be forwarded to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He may promulgate the law, allowing it to enter into force.

The Portuguese government has submitted to the Assembly of the Republic the previously mentioned proposal to amend the nationality law. The proposal is currently under detailed review by specialized members of parliament, who will present reports and opinions on its content. 

We anticipate that this is likely to occur in October 2025.

Current Law

Until the new law is promulgated and published, the current Portuguese nationality law remains in effect and applies to all citizenship applications.

The Controversial Retroactivity Question

A key element of the draft is the government’s intention to apply the new rules retroactively from June 19, 2025 (the date the XXV Constitutional Government Program was approved). 

If the new law is approved in its current form, anyone who has submitted a Portuguese nationality application from June 19, 2025, onwards may be subject to the new requirements:

• Increase of the minimum legal residence period from 5 to 7 years for Portuguese-speaking countries. Or 10 years for other foreigners;
• Requirement to submit a declaration of adherence to the principles of the democratic state. Additionally, proof of knowledge of Portuguese culture and political organization;
• Loss of nationality in case of serious criminal convictions within 10 years following naturalization;
• Disregard of residence periods based on expressions of interest or waiting for a residence permit.

This retroactive application has already generated intense legal debate, as it raises constitutional concerns regarding fairness, legal certainty, and protection of legitimate expectations. While its enforcement would depend on political decisions, it may also face judicial scrutiny in the future.

Proposed Major Changes to Portuguese Citizenship Law

We would like to present the main proposed changes to the law regarding Portuguese nationality applications based on naturalization, current Article 6.º of the law, highlighting how these modifications could affect eligibility, procedures, and requirements.

Residency Requirement

• Current Law: 5 years of legal residency are required before applying for naturalization.
• Proposed Change: The general requirement would increase to 10 years. For citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries, the requirement would be 7 years.

Counting Residency Time

• Current Law: The residency clock starts from the date of the residence permit application.
• Proposed Change: The clock would start only from the date the first residence permit is issued, potentially delaying eligibility by months (or longer if application processing is slow).

Integration Criteria

• Current Law: Applicants must demonstrate basic Portuguese language knowledge (minimum A2 level), typically via a language exam.
• Proposed Change: In addition to the language test, applicants would need to pass a civic knowledge test on Portuguese history, culture, and democratic values.

Children Born in Portugal

Under the current law, a child born in Portugal to foreign parents may be granted Portuguese nationality by naturalization if, at the time of the application, one of the following conditions is met:

1. One parent has been residing in Portugal (with or without legal status) for at least five years immediately before the application;
2. One parent has legal residence in Portugal.
3. The child has attended at least one year of pre-school, primary, secondary, or vocational education in Portugal.

If the child has reached the age of criminal responsibility, they must also meet the standard requirements for good conduct and integration (as defined in the nationality law).

Under the proposed amendment, a child born in Portugal to foreign parents will only be granted nationality if all the following conditions are met:

1. One parent has legally resided in Portugal for at least five consecutive years;
2. The child is enrolled in and regularly attending compulsory education, where applicable;
3. If the child has reached the age of criminal responsibility, they must meet additional requirements related to conduct and integration.

Sephardic Jewish Ancestry Route

• Current Law: Individuals with proven Sephardic Jewish ancestry can apply for Portuguese nationality. This has been a widely used route since 2015.
• Proposed Change: The Sephardic ancestry route will be abolished. New applications will not be accepted. Only children or spouses of those who have already obtained nationality through this route may still apply. This is based on their family link, not ancestry itself.

Special Cases and Specific Routes to Citizenship

While most of the proposed reforms focus on residency-based naturalization, other routes to Portuguese citizenship remain important and deserve separate attention. Here’s where they stand under the 2025 proposals:

Citizenship by Descent

Currently, children and grandchildren of Portuguese citizens can apply for Portuguese nationality by origin after formally expressing their wish to do so.

Under the proposed reform, grandchildren of Portuguese citizens would be required to meet additional criteria, including:

• Demonstrating knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture;
• Showing understanding of fundamental rights and duties as well as the political organization of the Portuguese state.

How to Respond to the Changes: Practical Advice

With the Portuguese citizenship law still under debate in 2025, applicants face an unusual degree of uncertainty. While the final confirmation of the rules is expected later this year, there are concrete steps you can take now to protect your position.

1. Act Now

If you already meet the current 5-year residency benchmark, it is strongly advisable to consult with a lawyer and submit your application as soon as possible. Acting quickly ensures that your case is assessed under the existing rules rather than the more restrictive framework under discussion.

Under the new regime, in cases of citizenship applications based on residence, it applies to applications submitted after June 19, 2025. This means that individuals who wait risk falling under the new, longer 7–10 year residency requirement.

2. Stay Informed

The Portuguese Parliament has delayed its final vote on the reform until at least October 2025. Applicants should closely monitor updates from official government sources and trusted legal experts to ensure they understand the exact timing and scope of the new law.

3. Consult an Expert

Due to legislative uncertainty, constitutional debate, and retroactivity concerns, specialized legal advice is more critical than ever. An experienced immigration lawyer can:

• Assess whether you qualify to apply under the current law.
• Advise on whether retroactive provisions may affect your case.
• Help prepare a strong and timely application.

With the current changes under review in 2025, clear advice is more important than ever. Our legal team at Lexidy can help you understand your options, prepare your application, and adapt to any changes with confidence. For details on how we can help you, check out our Portugal immigration services page.

Frequently Asked Questions About The New Portuguese Citizenship Law

How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship now, by time of residence?

Under the current law, most applicants can apply for citizenship after 5 years of legal residency. This applies equally to holders of residence permits, including Golden Visa investors, who maintain their residency for five years. If the new law for Portuguese citizenship passes, the requirement may increase to 7 years for CPLP nationals and 10 years for most other applicants.

Do the new rules apply to me if my application is already submitted?

If your application was submitted before June 19, 2025, it will be processed under the current Portuguese citizenship law. Applications filed after June 19, 2025, but before the law is published, may fall under the new regime, depending on whether the controversial retroactive application clause survives constitutional scrutiny. This is one of the most debated points in 2025.

How do I prove my “effective connection” to Portugal?

The concept of “effective connection” remains particularly relevant for descendants and for those applying through routes like marriage or residence by investment. Evidence can include:

• Proof of legal residence in Portugal.
• Demonstrated cultural or linguistic ties (Portuguese language proficiency).
• Economic or social links, such as tax residence, property ownership, or business activity.

Your lawyer can help compile the most persuasive set of documents tailored to your situation.

What is the new civic test?

In addition to the existing A2-level Portuguese language exam, the proposed reform introduces a civic knowledge test. This exam would assess applicants on Portugal’s democratic institutions, cultural values, and civic responsibilities. While the exact format has not yet been finalized, it is likely to be a written or oral test administered by official education or migration authorities.

Confused About the New Portuguese Citizenship Law?

Portuguese citizenship law is undergoing one of its most significant debates in years. 

While the proposed reforms could extend residency timelines and introduce new hurdles like a civic test, a clear path to Portuguese citizenship still exists.

For many, acting now under the current rules may be the safest way forward, while others will need to prepare for the new requirements once the law is finalized.

What remains constant is that obtaining citizenship in Portugal is a transformative opportunity, whether for global mobility, family security, or long-term settlement in the EU. 

At Lexidy, our Portuguese immigration specialists closely follow every development in the path to Portuguese citizenship. We ensure that your application is not only compliant but also strategically positioned to withstand legislative changes.

If you are considering applying or already have a case in progress, now is the time to seek professional guidance. Fill out the form below, and a member of our expert team will be in touch!