Portugal is in the midst of one of its most sweeping nationality and immigration law overhauls in recent decades. A government proposal aimed at tightening most paths to nationality has prompted both public debate and constitutional scrutiny. Here we outline the key proposals, what has already been struck down by Portugal’s Constitutional Court, and what applicants should watch out for when applying for Portuguese citizenship or Portuguese dual citizenship within the European Union.
The Current Reform Landscape
The Portuguese government approved a series of proposals in June 2025 that would dramatically alter nearly every pathway to acquiring Portuguese citizenship. The system is becoming more demanding, with more documents, longer residency time, more proof of ties to Portugal, and greater scrutiny of civic and cultural integration — which will certainly result in higher costs and longer waiting times to obtain nationality.
The Portuguese Parliament has decided to postpone the vote on the proposed amendments to the Nationality Law until September 2025. This delay reflects the controversial nature of the reforms and the need for broader political consensus. These changes have also drawn attention from the wider Portuguese community and legal experts across the European Union.
Changes for Portuguese Descendants
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
First, let’s analyze what impacts this could have on ancestry-based citizenship by descent in Portugal. The reforms tighten requirements for those with Portuguese grandparents or other Portuguese parents in their lineage.
For grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, proof of effective ties with Portugal will be stricter: in addition to Portuguese language skills, it will be necessary to demonstrate knowledge of Portuguese culture, rights and duties, political organization, and the principles of the Rule of Law.
Although in practice, it was already very difficult for great-grandchildren or further removed generations to go through direct naturalization as a Portuguese citizen, it was not explicitly forbidden. The restrictive new rules will limit direct nationality through naturalization to great-grandchildren – while further restricting the necessary ties requirements defined by Portuguese law.
Eliminated Pathways
Several pathways to Portuguese citizenship will simply cease to exist, and those who do not act now may never again have access to Portuguese nationality:
- Sephardic Jews;
- Ascendants of Portuguese nationals by origin;
- Those who once had Portuguese nationality and lost it (e.g., those born in former colonies before independence);
- Those residing in Portugal for less than 5 years as of April 4th, 1974;
- Children born in Portugal to parents in an irregular situation.
The elimination of the Sephardic pathway is particularly notable, as this route had provided a considerable number of descendants of Portuguese Jews expelled in the 15th century an opportunity to reclaim their ancestral citizenship. However, the program has been noted for repeated abuses and scandals in recent years. By eliminating this program, Portugal will be eliminating the second remaining pathway to ancestry citizenship in their country.
Key Changes for Portuguese Residents
Naturalization by Length of Residence
The most impactful change affects foreign residents seeking nationality through long-term residence. The minimum period of legal residence increases from 5 to 10 years (or 7 years in the case of CPLP citizens) from Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP – Community of Portuguese Language Countries).
Enhanced Integration Requirements
The proposed reforms introduce comprehensive cultural integration testing. The integration test will be expanded: in addition to the Portuguese language, it will be necessary to demonstrate knowledge of culture, rights and duties, political organization, and the principles of the Rule of Law.
This represents a significant departure from the current system, where basic Portuguese language proficiency was often sufficient. The new requirements align Portugal with countries like the Netherlands and Germany, which have implemented similar comprehensive integration tests under European Union standards.
Enhanced Integration Requirements
The proposed reforms introduce comprehensive cultural integration testing. The integration test will be expanded: in addition to the Portuguese language, it will be necessary to demonstrate knowledge of culture, rights and duties, political organization, and the principles of the Rule of Law.
This represents a significant departure from the current system, where basic Portuguese language proficiency was often sufficient. The new requirements align Portugal with countries like the Netherlands and Germany, which have implemented similar comprehensive integration tests.
Impact on Children and Families
Children Born in Portugal
The reforms significantly restrict automatic nationality for children born in Portugal to foreign parents. It will now require 3 years of proven legal residence (periods of illegality or shorter duration are not admitted) by one of the parents, and an express declaration of intent to grant nationality to the child will be required.
This eliminates the current automatic acquisition system where one year of parental residence was sufficient, fundamentally changing the jus soli (right of the soil) principle that has governed the Portuguese law, and indirectly emphasizing jus sanguinis, or citizenship through ancestry and bloodline.
Family Reunification Challenges
Even if a foreign resident manages to comply with the new, longer deadlines, their family may face their own independent obstacles. Spouses and minor children of naturalized citizens will face additional requirements, including language proficiency tests and cultural integration assessments.
Applicants are also expected to present a birth certificate and potentially other civil documents through a Portuguese Consulate or Portuguese Embassy as part of the application process.
Family Reunification Challenges
Even if a foreign resident manages to comply with the new, longer deadlines, their family may face their own independent obstacles. Spouses and minor children of naturalized citizens will face additional requirements, including language proficiency tests and cultural integration assessments.
Applicants are also expected to present a birth certificate and potentially other civil documents through a Portuguese Consulate or Portuguese Embassy as part of the application process.
Political and Social Context
These reforms come amid broader European discussions about immigration and integration. Earlier this year, Italy also ended its ancestry-based citizenship program with an unexpected emergency order. The country also voted against a naturalization reform which would have reduced the time people must live in the country to naturalize.
The timing is significant as Portugal has experienced unprecedented immigration in recent years, partially driven by its Golden Visa program and relatively accessible visas and nationality laws compared to other EU citizenship programs.
Legislative Process and Timeline
It is important to note that this is only a proposal. The 2025 proposed Portuguese Nationality Law is far from final. Given the extensive legislative process, constitutional safeguards, and multi-party negotiations, significant modifications are highly probable.
The Portuguese Parliament held its initial debate in early July 2025, along with proposals from other parties. While several steps are required before the changes are written into law, the Portuguese Parliament didn’t follow the normal route. Instead of proceeding with an immediate vote, lawmakers opted for further consultation to build broader consensus.
What Has Already Been Struck Down by the Constitutional Court
Because of concerns about constitutionality, some of the more restrictive proposals have already been challenged:
- On 8 August 2025, Portugal’s Constitutional Court invalidated certain provisions in the proposed changes, particularly relating to family reunification. These include:
- Mandatory two-year waiting periods for spouse reunification,
- Excessively long processing times (in some cases proposed 18 months),
- Overly burdensome integration requirements, and
- Restrictions on judicial protections. Global Citizen Solutions
- Those struck down must now be redrafted to comply with constitutional guarantees before new legislation is passed. Parliament expected to return to debate in mid-September 2025.
Strategic Considerations for Applicants
Legal experts are unanimous in their advice: those eligible under current rules should act immediately. For foreign residents, as well as for relatives of Portuguese citizens, the advice is clear: those who already meet the current requirements should consider applying without delay, because tomorrow the path will be harder and slower.
The transitional period represents a critical window for thousands of potential applicants who may find themselves permanently excluded under the new system. For anyone with Portuguese parents or grandparents, the best first step is to check your eligibility through Citizenship.EU. Our platform helps you understand whether you qualify for Portuguese citizenship by descent and what documents you’ll need — such as your birth certificate and proof of ancestry — before starting the formal application process
International Perspective
Portugal’s nationality law reforms occur within a broader European context where countries are reassessing their citizenship policies. The proposed changes align Portugal more closely with countries like Germany and the Netherlands, which have traditionally maintained stricter naturalization requirements.
However, the reforms also risk Portugal losing its competitive advantage in attracting international talent and investment, as more accessible citizenship by descent had been a key factor in the country’s appeal to foreign residents and investors pursuing Portuguese dual citizenship and a Portuguese passport.
A New Era for Portuguese Nationality
The proposal signals a paradigm shift: more than formal criteria and deadlines, emphasis will be placed on integration and effective ties, while any type of criminal conviction will constitute a bar. The reforms represent a fundamental philosophical change in Portuguese nationality policy, moving from a relatively inclusive system based primarily on residence and ancestry to one emphasizing cultural integration, civic knowledge, and pristine criminal records.
As Portugal navigates this transformation, the international community watches closely with comments coming from the Brazilian and Angolan governments, among other prominent voices. These reforms will undoubtedly influence migration patterns, investment decisions, and the broader landscape of European and EU citizenship acquisition for years to come.
For those currently eligible or considering Portuguese citizenship by descent, dual citizenship, or a Portuguese passport, the message is clear: the window of opportunity under the current, more accessible system is rapidly closing.
Find out if you are eligible for Portuguese dual citizenship via ancestry by signing up for our EU dual citizenship eligibility assessment before it’s too late!
This article is based on proposed legislation as of September 2025. Laws are subject to change during the parliamentary process. Individuals considering Portuguese citizenship should consult with a qualified legal professional or reach out to their nearest Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate for current information and personalized advice.