Portugal’s government has approved a proposal to increase the required legal residency period for most foreign nationals to apply for citizenship from five years to ten.
This change is part of the country’s immigration reform announced by the centre-right minority government.
As reported by Gulf News, the proposal is not yet law and must still pass through Parliament. The plan forms part of the government’s stated goal to strengthen migration controls and revise current naturalisation processes.
Main Policy Changes
The proposed law would require most foreign nationals to live legally in Portugal for ten years before becoming eligible for citizenship, replacing the current five-year requirement.
An exception is planned for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, who would be allowed to apply after seven years of residency.
Applicants would also need to meet additional criteria, including:
- Demonstrating knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture
- Understanding the rights and responsibilities of citizenship
- Declaring support for democratic principles
- Public Safety and Legal Provisions
The new proposal includes provisions related to public safety. Individuals who have served prison sentences or are considered threats to national security would be excluded from eligibility.
The government would also gain the legal power to revoke Portuguese citizenship from naturalised individuals convicted of serious crimes.
These measures are presented as part of an effort to align citizenship rules with national security and legal standards.
Context: Migration Trends and Political Climate
Reports indicate that Portugal has experienced a sharp rise in immigration in recent years. As of late 2024, more than 1.5 million foreign nationals were legally residing in the country, accounting for nearly 15% of the total population.
According to the data platform Pordata, 141,300 foreigners were granted citizenship in 2023, representing a 20% decrease compared to the previous year.
Immigration was a central issue in the national elections held in May 2025. The far-right Chega party, which has campaigned on reducing immigration, became the main opposition. The new government’s proposed measures reveal a shift in political direction toward tighter migration policies.
Effects on Investment and Ancestral Citizenship Programs
The proposed rules could also affect Portugal’s golden visa scheme. Under the current system, non-EU nationals who invest in areas such as real estate or designated funds — with a minimum investment of €500,000 — can obtain residency and apply for citizenship after five years.
Reports indicate that the proposed ten-year extension would also apply to these residents, potentially reducing the program’s appeal to investors.
In addition, the government plans to end the automatic citizenship pathway for descendants of Sephardic Jews of Portuguese origin. This program enabled individuals to apply for nationality based on ancestral ties to Jews who were expelled from Portugal during the Inquisition.
The government also announced the creation of a new border police unit to improve immigration enforcement.
Next Steps and Potential Impact
If passed by Parliament, the proposed reforms would introduce some of the most restrictive citizenship requirements in recent Portuguese history. These changes could influence migration and investment decisions by individuals from various countries.
The government has not given a timeline for when the new rules would take effect if approved. Until then, the existing five-year rule remains in place.
