Socialists of Portugal Proposed a Compromise on the Citizenship Law

Photo: IMI Daily

The Socialist Party of Portugal submitted amendments to the citizenship bill in parliament, proposing a compromise naturalization period of seven years instead of the current five and the government’s proposed ten. The amendments also include protection for investors under the Golden Visa program from retroactive changes, reports IMI Daily.

The 13-page document was sent to the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms, and Guarantees. It introduces a three-tier model: five years for EU citizens and CPLP (Portuguese-speaking community) nationals, and seven for all other foreigners.

The amendments remove the most controversial points of the government’s version, including the revocation of citizenship from naturalized persons who commit crimes within 10 years after obtaining a passport. According to the authors, such a measure violates fundamental principles of law and effectively divides citizens into “by birth” and “by acquisition.” Similar proposals by the far-right Chega party — to revoke citizenship and require continuous physical presence in the country — are deemed excessive and legally questionable.

The Socialists propose to maintain the current three-year imprisonment threshold as grounds for refusal of naturalization, rejecting a total ban for convicted persons. The requirements for applicants are also clarified: command of the Portuguese language, knowledge of the basics of state structure, absence from UN and EU sanctions lists, and mandatory proof of commitment to democratic values.



A separate part of the initiative concerns the Golden Visa program. Investors who have already obtained or submitted residence permit applications will retain the right to citizenship under the current five-year rule. The seven-year period will apply only to those who file documents after the law comes into force. According to AIMA, almost 5,000 such visas were issued in 2024 — 72% more than in 2023 — which underlines the program’s importance for the country’s economy.

The document also addresses other applicant categories. Descendants of Sephardic Jews will be able to apply for citizenship after five years of residence instead of two, and ascendants of Portuguese citizens — after six. For children born in Portugal to foreign parents, the requirement of one year of legal residence by one parent remains in place. Birth on Portuguese territory alone does not grant automatic right to a passport.

In its explanatory note, the Socialist Party stresses that citizenship must remain an instrument of integration and affirmation of belonging to Portuguese society rather than a form of restriction. It emphasizes the importance of close ties with the EU and CPLP and the need to make the procedure transparent and predictable. The new rules will apply to applications submitted from January 1, 2026. The transition period will last until December 31, 2026: applicants who filed documents before the law takes effect will complete the process under the current five-year residency condition.

For the initiative to pass, at least 116 out of 230 votes are required. The Socialist Party holds 58 seats, the ruling Democratic Alliance — 91, Chega — 60, and the remaining 21 belong to smaller factions. With such a balance of power, the adoption of any bill is possible only with broad inter-party support.



Earlier, constitutional law expert Jorge Miranda sharply criticized the government’s proposal, noting that it violates the principles of equality, proportionality, and respect for human dignity. Moving the start of the residency count from the date of application to the date of residence permit issuance places applicants at the mercy of bureaucracy and effectively punishes them for administrative delays. He also pointed out that the lack of transitional provisions for investors and Golden Visa participants undermines legal certainty and erodes trust in state institutions.

The Socialist project has been receiving more positive evaluations. Madalena Monteiro, founder of Liberty Legal, called it a “balanced and legally sound compromise.” She noted that the proposed model preserves predictability for long-term residents and protects them from AIMA-related delays. Vanessa Rodrigues Lima of Prime Legal added that “the law will not have retroactive effect,” which, in her opinion, strengthens investor confidence and confirms stability.

The debate around the citizenship reform unfolds amid a broader revision of migration policy. Back in September 2025, parliament approved an updated immigration law. The tough stance remains, but conditions for families were softened. A request for spousal reunification is now possible after two years of legal residence, and the required period was shortened for couples who had been in a relationship for more than a year before moving. The entry of minor children and dependent relatives with disabilities is allowed regardless of the applicant’s length of legal stay.

Cabinet Minister António Leitão Amaro stated that the revised law “ensures the necessary balance — with neither fully open nor completely closed doors.” He underlined that Portugal aims to align migration policy with labor market needs and integration capacity. “The time of irresponsible approaches to immigration is over,” he remarked.

The adopted changes reflect a political shift to the right and the government’s intention to control migration flows without aligning with radical forces. According to AIMA, more than 1.5 million foreign nationals reside in the country — twice as many as three years ago — making the updated law one of the key tools of the national strategy in this field.