The Portuguese Parliament approved the tightening of citizenship rules

On April 1, 2026, the Parliament of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal approved extensive amendments to the nationality legislation.

Voting results:

In favor: 152 deputies (PSD, Chega, CDS-PP, IL)

Against: 64 deputies (PS, PCP, BE, Livre, PAN)

Main Amendments to the Law

1. Extension of the naturalization period

Previously: 5 years

Now:

- 10 years — for most foreign nationals

- 7 years — for citizens of the EU and CPLP countries

This is a key tightening: the path to a passport has become twice as long.

2. Change in the starting point for calculating the qualifying period

Previously: from the date of application for a temporary residence permit

Now: from the date of issuance of the first residence permit

In practice, this adds several months or even years of waiting time.

3. No transitional provisions

The law will enter into force immediately after being signed by the President.

Previous rules will not be preserved for current applicants.

This is particularly important for those who were already planning to apply.

4. Revocation of citizenship

At the same time, amendments have been introduced to the Criminal Code:

Naturalized citizens may be stripped of citizenship for serious criminal offenses.

This strengthens control and makes the status less "guaranteed."

What happens next

The process is not yet finalized:

1. The final text of the law is published

2. It is transmitted to the President

3. The President has 20 days to sign (promulgation)

4. Thereafter — official publication and entry into force

What this means for investors and immigrants

- Portugal becomes a less fast-track country for obtaining citizenship

- The planning horizon increases to 10+ years

- Risks intensify (including the possibility of citizenship revocation)

- There is no grandfathering period — the changes may affect current residents

The NATLAN will continue to monitor amendments to Portuguese legislation and will promptly inform you of any new developments. If you have any questions or require an individual assessment of your situation, you may schedule a consultation with our company.