Portugal Tightens Citizenship Acquisition Periods: 7 and 10 Years Without Transitional Measures

The Portuguese Parliament has approved a new version of the nationality law, which sharply differs from the Socialists’ proposals that preserved previous timelines and introduced gradual changes. If the country’s president also endorses the amendments, EU citizens will be able to obtain a Portuguese passport only after seven years of residence, while all others will have to wait ten years. No transitional measures are provided for those already living in the country, reports Imidaily.

Political Deal to Approve Portugal’s Citizenship Law

The vote took place on April 1, 2026. The reform was passed with a qualified majority—152 votes in favor, 64 against, and one abstention—allowing it to surpass the threshold required for nationality legislation.

An agreement between PSD parliamentary leader Hugo Soares and the right-wing Chega party was reached less than an hour before the debate began. Soares described it as “an important step in respect of Portuguese identity.”

Ultimately, the law was supported by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Chega, and the Liberal Initiative (IL). Opponents included the Socialist Party (PS), Livre, the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), the Left Bloc (BE), and People-Animals-Nature (PAN).

Separately, a package of amendments to the Penal Code, introducing loss of nationality as an additional penalty, was also approved with support from more than two-thirds of deputies.

Debates in the Portuguese Parliament

Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro characterized the vote as “an opportunity to correct historical errors,” noting that the decade-long consensus on nationality had been “broken since 2018.”

PS deputy Pedro Delgado Alves warned of constitutional issues: “There are passages in the Constitutional Court ruling that they either did not read or chose to ignore. We tried to minimize the damage but were left on our own.” His criticism is directly related to the longer residence periods and the absence of transitional measures, which create risks for current residents.

CDS-PP deputy João Almeida accused the Constitutional Court of “judicial activism,” while Chega leader André Ventura stated that the party had achieved “extremely important results” and accused PS of “betraying the country.” He emphasized that “the threshold is sufficient to override a veto” and urged not to provoke further constitutional conflict.

What Changed in Portugal’s Citizenship Law

Debates among government representatives and deputies led to significant changes that directly affect the naturalization process:

• Residence periods for citizenship were increased—seven years for EU and CPLP nationals and ten years for all others.
• The criminal threshold for blocking citizenship was reduced from five to three years.
• New crimes were added to the Penal Code that can trigger loss of citizenship: leadership of a criminal organization, arms trafficking, and drug trafficking.

PSD and Chega agreed on procedural safeguards for cases of citizenship revocation, but the self-sufficiency requirement for applicants who received social benefits was not discussed. Socialists’ proposals for gradual implementation, preserving application submission dates, and other transitional measures were rejected.

The President’s Role in the Law’s Adoption

The law has been sent to President António José Seguro, who took office in January 2026 and is affiliated with PS. He has three options: sign the law, veto it, or submit it for preventive review to the Constitutional Court.

If Seguro vetoes the law, Parliament can override it with an absolute majority of all deputies—116 out of 230. If the law is referred to the Constitutional Court, its effect is suspended until the court issues a ruling, as occurred in November 2025 when Socialists challenged new citizenship conditions. All these mechanisms directly affect the real timelines for obtaining Portuguese citizenship, leaving uncertainty for those relying on previous rules.

Expert Opinions on Amendments for Foreigners in Portugal

Fieldfisher Portugal partner André Miranda stated that the new version of the law repeats the mistakes of the 2025 edition, which was deeply unbalanced and did not protect investors’ interests. He emphasized that this signals a sharp break from Portugal’s tradition of openness.

Liberty Legal founder Madalena Monteiro believes that Portugal is following a nationalist wave affecting the West. “It is unfortunate that parties succumb to populist rhetoric that ignores rights and freedoms won over centuries,” she said, adding that the parliamentary session was “highly conflictual” and that the president might submit the law for review or veto it.

Lawyer Adriano Vieira noted that the new conditions “are not particularly favorable for Golden Visa participants,” although the program itself and the possibility of obtaining permanent residency after five years remain unchanged.

Analysts at International Investment point out that Portugal intends to implement one of the strictest citizenship law reforms in recent years. The current situation negatively affects investors’ sentiment, as many were planning not only for returns but also for a certain European status. Uncertainty around citizenship timelines and the absence of transitional measures may influence the decisions of those considering Portugal as a long-term investment destination.

FAQ on Changes to Portugal’s Citizenship Law

What are the residency requirements for obtaining Portuguese citizenship?

Seven years for citizens of the EU and Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) and ten years for all other applicants.

Are there transitional measures for current residents?

No, transitional measures are not provided.

What changes affect criminal restrictions on citizenship?

The criminal record threshold for citizenship denial has been lowered from five to three years. The Penal Code now includes new offenses that can lead to loss of citizenship: leadership of a criminal organization, arms trafficking, and drug trafficking.

Which parties supported the nationality law?

The Social Democratic Party (PSD), Chega, and Liberal Initiative (IL).

Which parties opposed the law?

The Socialist Party (PS), Livre, Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), Left Bloc (BE), and People-Animals-Nature (PAN).

What is the role of the President of Portugal in adopting the law?

President António José Seguro can sign the law, veto it, or refer it for review by the Constitutional Court.

What happens if the president vetoes the law?

Parliament can override the veto with an absolute majority of all deputies — 116 out of 230.

What happens if the law is referred to the Constitutional Court?

The law’s effect is suspended until the court issues a ruling.

Do the changes affect the Golden Visa program?

The program itself and the possibility of obtaining permanent residence after five years remain unchanged, but the new citizenship timelines may affect investors’ plans.

How do experts assess the changes?

Lawyers and analysts say the law sharply changes Portugal’s tradition of openness, warn of risks for investors, and note the possibility that the law could be sent for Constitutional Court review.