2025 has been a year of uncertainty and anticipation for individuals considering Portugal as a new home or seeking Portuguese citizenship. Portugal’s Parliament approved far-reaching reforms to its nationality law, aiming to significantly reshape naturalization and residency pathways. However, these proposals have encountered constitutional obstacles, leaving the legal landscape unsettled.

Understanding the current state of Portuguese immigration and citizenship law is essential for anyone planning a long-term future in the country. While reform remains likely, the timing, scope, and final structure of any changes are still evolving.

Proposed Changes to Citizenship Requirements

The reforms passed by Parliament in October 2025 signal Portugal’s intention to align its nationality framework more closely with broader European trends while addressing domestic concerns around integration and system integrity. If enacted, these proposals would introduce a notably stricter citizenship regime.

The core elements of the proposed reform include:

Extended residency periods The minimum legal residency requirement for most applicants would increase from five to ten years. Nationals of EU Member States and CPLP (Portuguese-speaking) countries would face a reduced—but still extended—requirement of seven years.

Language and civic integration requirements Applicants would continue to be required to demonstrate A2-level Portuguese language proficiency. In addition, a new civic knowledge examination is proposed, testing understanding of Portuguese culture, institutions, rights, and responsibilities.

Criminal record restrictions Eligibility would be narrowed by excluding individuals with criminal convictions punishable by imprisonment, tightening the standard for demonstrating good character.

Elimination of the Sephardic Jewish ancestry route The proposed reforms include the abolition of the special naturalization pathway for descendants of Sephardic Jews, a move that has attracted significant international attention given the program’s historical and symbolic importance.

Clarification of residency timelines Residency would be counted from the date of issuance of the first residence permit, rather than from the application date. This technical change could materially delay eligibility for many applicants.

Taken together, these measures would position Portugal’s citizenship framework among the more restrictive in Western Europe, with longer integration timelines and higher entry thresholds.

Current Legal Status: Constitutional Review and Legislative Pause

Despite parliamentary approval, the proposed reforms are not currently in force.

On December 15, 2025, Portugal’s Constitutional Court issued a critical ruling invalidating several provisions of the draft law. Among the rejected elements were automatic exclusions based on criminal sentences of two years or more, retroactive application of new rules to pending cases, mechanisms allowing applications to be blocked on grounds of “manifest fraud,” and broad denials tied to perceived rejection of Portuguese society or symbols.

Importantly, the Court did not reject the principle of extending residency requirements outright. Instead, concerns related to proportionality, procedural safeguards, and fundamental rights halted implementation of the broader reform package.

As a result, the legislation has been returned to Parliament for revision. There is currently no definitive timeline for when revised reforms may be reintroduced, debated, or enacted.

For now, legal certainty remains in place: the existing five-year residency requirement for naturalization continues to apply.

Other Key Immigration Developments in Portugal

Portugal’s immigration framework is evolving beyond citizenship reform, with notable changes affecting residence pathways and investor migration.

CPLP Residence Permit Simplifications

In late 2025, Portugal introduced significant procedural simplifications for nationals of CPLP countries. Applicants from Portuguese-speaking states are now exempt from several requirements, including travel insurance, proof of financial means, return flight tickets, and in-person application appointments.

These measures reinforce Portugal’s strategic commitment to strengthening ties within the Lusophone world and substantially lower administrative barriers for CPLP nationals seeking to live and work in Portugal.

The Golden Visa: Stability Amid Reform

Amid broader reform discussions, Portugal’s Golden Visa program has remained relatively stable. The primary qualifying routes continue to be:

• A €250,000 donation to approved cultural projects
• A €500,000 investment in qualifying Portuguese funds

While future citizenship eligibility timelines could lengthen if nationality reforms are enacted, the Golden Visa continues to offer strong residency rights and access within the European Union. As a result, it remains a viable option for investors seeking long-term flexibility and strategic mobility.

Strategic Guidance for Prospective Residents and Citizens

Given the current uncertainty, timing and strategy are critical.

Individuals already eligible for citizenship under existing rules are generally advised not to delay and to apply while the five-year residency requirement remains in force. For those earlier in the relocation process, close monitoring of legislative developments is essential, as future reforms could extend timelines and introduce additional integration requirements.

Because the reform process remains unresolved—and constitutionally sensitive—personalized legal advice is particularly valuable. Each case may be affected differently depending on residency history, nationality, and timing.

Conclusion

Portugal has clearly signaled its intention to tighten access to citizenship, even as constitutional safeguards have delayed implementation. Until revised legislation is adopted, the current framework remains operative, offering a window of opportunity for eligible applicants.

For anyone considering residence or citizenship in Portugal, informed planning and up-to-date guidance are essential to navigating this evolving legal environment successfully.

About the Author

Diogo Capela is a certified member of the Investment Migration Council and has been recognized by UGlobal Immigration Magazine as one of the world’s leading lawyers in the field of immigration law.