Over the past decade, Portugal has emerged as a highly attractive relocation destination, driven by its Golden Visa program and a comparatively accessible naturalization framework. However, as Portugal looks toward 2026, the path to citizenship is poised for profound change.

In October 2025, the Portuguese government initiated a legislative process aimed at reforming the country’s nationality laws. The proposed amendments would fundamentally reshape access to citizenship by extending residency requirements, introducing stricter integration criteria, and narrowing descent-based eligibility.

At the time of writing (February 2026), these reforms are not yet in force. Their implementation has been suspended following a partial refusal by Portugal’s Constitutional Court, sending the proposal back to Parliament for revision. For prospective applicants, understanding both the nearly adopted reforms and the current legal uncertainty is essential for informed planning.

Longer Residency Requirements: A Dramatic Shift

The most significant proposed change concerns the length of required legal residence prior to naturalization.

Under the draft legislation, the standard residency requirement would double from five years to ten years for most foreign nationals. Citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) and EU nationals would be subject to a reduced—but still extended—requirement of seven years.

Equally important is a technical but impactful shift in how residency is calculated. Instead of counting from the date of application or registration, the residency clock would begin on the issuance date of the first residence card. For applicants who experienced long processing delays at the outset of their stay, this change could significantly extend the effective waiting period.

Together, these measures mark a clear departure from Portugal’s historically permissive approach to naturalization.

Raising the Bar: Integration and Civic Requirements

Integration requirements are also set to expand beyond language proficiency.

In addition to the existing obligation to demonstrate A2-level Portuguese language skills, applicants would be required to pass a civic knowledge test. This assessment would evaluate familiarity with Portuguese history, culture, institutions, and democratic values.

Applicants would also be asked to sign a formal declaration affirming adherence to democratic principles, reinforcing a policy shift toward demonstrable civic alignment rather than residence alone.

Criminal Record Scrutiny and Revocation Proposals

The proposed reforms significantly tighten the “good character” threshold for citizenship.

Under current law, a criminal sentence of three years or more can bar naturalization. The new proposal lowers this threshold to any sentence of two years or more, making disqualification easier and more frequent.

A further proposal allowing for citizenship revocation following serious criminal convictions after naturalization was rejected by the Constitutional Court. As a result, this provision is likely to be removed or substantially reworked in any revised version of the law.

Descent-Based and Family Citizenship: Narrowing the Scope

Nationality by descent would also be restricted under the proposed framework.

Eligibility would be limited to great-grandchildren of Portuguese nationals, and only where an effective and demonstrable connection to Portugal can be shown. Automatic transmission of nationality would no longer be presumed.

For children born in Portugal, citizenship would no longer be automatic unless at least one parent had maintained legal residence for a minimum of five years. These changes reinforce the policy shift toward privileging integration and active ties over ancestry alone.

Transitional Rules and Pending Applications

The prospect of stricter rules has understandably caused concern among current residents and pending applicants.

Crucially, the draft legislation provides that applications submitted before the law enters into force would continue to be assessed under the existing five-year residency requirement. Applicants who already hold residence permits but have not yet applied for citizenship would likely fall under the new regime if and when the law is enacted—unless Parliament introduces a grandfather clause, which remains the subject of ongoing advocacy.

Legal Status and What Happens Next

Although Parliament approved the amendments on 28 October 2025, the law has not been enacted.

Following a constitutional challenge, the Portuguese Constitutional Court refused three provisions of the bill, suspending its implementation. The legislation has now returned to Parliament for revision, with lawmakers adjusting contested provisions.

Given the timing of Portugal’s presidential transition, it is expected that the newly inaugurated President—taking office after 9 March—will play a decisive role. The President may approve the revised law, return it to the Constitutional Court for further review, or veto it and send it back to Parliament.

Until that process concludes, the current law remains in force, allowing naturalization after five years of legal residence.

Political and Social Context

These proposed reforms reflect growing political pressure around immigration, integration, and national identity.

Supporters argue that tighter rules are necessary to preserve social cohesion and public confidence amid rising migration. The proposals have received backing from conservative factions and the far-right Chega party, while Socialist and left-leaning lawmakers have raised concerns about exclusion and proportionality.

This debate mirrors broader European trends, with Portugal—once viewed as an immigration outlier—now reassessing its long-standing openness.

Key Changes Explained (Without the Table)

In practical terms, the proposed reforms would introduce the following shifts:

• Residency duration would increase from five to ten years for most applicants, and to seven years for EU and CPLP nationals.
• Residency calculation would begin from the issuance of the first residence card rather than the application date.
• Integration requirements would expand to include a civic knowledge test alongside existing language requirements.
• Criminal eligibility thresholds would be tightened, lowering the sentence length that disqualifies applicants.
• Descent-based nationality would be limited to great-grandchildren, subject to proof of effective ties.
• Revocation for post-naturalization crimes, while proposed, is unlikely to survive constitutional review in its current form.

Applying Before the Rules Change: Strategic Timing

In its ruling, the Constitutional Court also clarified an interpretation of the current law under which the five-year residence requirement may be satisfied during the pendency of an application, rather than strictly at the moment of filing.

This interpretation has divided legal opinion but has encouraged many residents to apply for citizenship now, aiming to avoid a potential doubling of the residency requirement.

For individuals considering naturalization or relocation to Portugal, timing and monitoring legislative developments are critical. Acting under the current framework may preserve access to significantly more favorable conditions.

Conclusion

Portugal has clearly signaled an intention to tighten access to citizenship, aligning more closely with restrictive European norms. However, with the reforms stalled and subject to revision, the existing five-year pathway remains available—for now.

For applicants, this period represents both uncertainty and opportunity. Staying informed, acting promptly where appropriate, and seeking qualified legal guidance are essential steps in navigating this evolving landscape.

About the Author

Sara Rebolo is a Lisbon-based lawyer specializing in Immigration and Real Estate Law. She advises foreign investors, families, and entrepreneurs on Golden Visas, residency, corporate mobility, and Portuguese citizenship. With deep insight into the evolving nuances of Portuguese immigration policy, Sara provides strategic guidance tailored to each client’s objectives. Readers seeking clarity or personalized advice are encouraged to contact her directly.