Introduction

President António José Seguro has promulgated Portugal’s new Nationality Law, marking one of the most significant changes to the country’s citizenship framework in decades. The decision concludes a complex legislative process that involved intense parliamentary debate, constitutional review, and sharp political divisions.

With this move, Portugal signals a shift away from its traditionally accessible naturalization system toward a more restrictive and integration-focused model.

A Presidential Decision with Political Weight

By signing the law into force, President Seguro chose not to exercise his veto power or request further constitutional review, indicating that the revised version—amended after intervention by the Constitutional Court—complies with constitutional principles.

The decision carries political significance given Seguro’s background as a former leader of the Socialist Party, historically associated with more inclusive immigration policies. His promulgation of the law may therefore be seen as an act of institutional balance and respect for the parliamentary majority.

Key Changes to the Nationality Law

1. Extended Residency Requirement

The minimum period of legal residence required for naturalization has been increased:

• From 5 years to 7 years (EU and Portuguese Speaking Countries) citizens or 10 years (all the other residents), counting from the first residency approval and not for the date of first residency application

This is the central pillar of the reform and brings Portugal closer to the European average.

2. Stronger Integration Requirements

Applicants must now demonstrate a deeper connection to Portuguese society, including:

• Tests on language, culture, and civic knowledge
• A formal declaration of adherence to democratic values
• More rigorous evaluation of social integration

3. Stricter Eligibility Criteria

The law also tightens eligibility standards by introducing:

• More restrictive criminal record requirements
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
• Increased administrative scrutiny of applications

4. Removal of Special Pathways

Among the most controversial changes is:

• The elimination of certain exceptional or simplified routes to citizenship, like the Sephardic Jews, that previously allowed easier access under specific conditions

The Role of the Constitutional Court

Before promulgation, the law was partially reviewed by the Constitutional Court, which struck down several provisions, including:

• Vaguely defined legal criteria
• Attempts to apply new rules retroactively
• Certain automatic exclusion mechanisms

These revisions were crucial in making the law constitutionally acceptable and enabling presidential approval.

Political and Social Reactions

The law has generated mixed reactions:

• Center-right and right-wing parties have defended it as necessary to ensure stronger national cohesion and stricter standards
• Left-wing parties argue that it creates unnecessary barriers and may hinder integration
• Civil society organizations have also expressed concern about the potential impact on vulnerable migrant communities

Expected Impact

For Immigrants

• Longer and more demanding pathways to citizenship
• Increased emphasis on measurable integration

For Portugal

• A shift in migration policy toward greater control and selectivity

For Foreign Investors

• A significantly longer timeline to citizenship
• Potential reassessment, especially in relation to residency-by-investment program investors, of establishing the permanent residency as the first milestone on the path to citizenship, as a way of liquidating sooner the investment, eliminating costly residency renewals and establishing in 5 years almost all of the rights granted by the citizenship status

Conclusion

The promulgation of the new Nationality Law by President António José Seguro represents a defining moment in Portugal’s migration policy. More than a technical reform, it redefines what it means to become a Portuguese citizen.

In a broader European context shaped by debates over immigration and identity, Portugal is moving toward a more demanding model, one that prioritizes integration and time over accessibility. Whether this shift strengthens social cohesion or limits the country’s traditionally open character will become clear in the years ahead.

In terms of other Golden Visa programs, although this change is a step back in terms of attractiveness of the Portuguese option, is still a program that contrary to most of the few EU programs remaining, gives nationality with a very limited effective residency requirements and with basic language knowledge.

About us

The Blue Portugal is a leading immigration company in Portugal and has an enviable track record and reputation in serving its clients.

Our strength lies in finding the appropriate solution according to each client’s needs and providing a detailed analysis of different investment options, enabling informed decision-making.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.