Haven't you started your Portuguese nationality yet? The time to act is now.
The world is closing its doors. And Portugal? The advance of restrictive policies in Europe and the United States is already impacting those seeking citizenship by descent or residence:
- In Italy, citizenship was restricted to children and grandchildren of Italians.
- In the UK, language requirements and visa restrictions have increased.
- In the United States, the focus is on deportation of immigrants and the Gold Card.
In Portugal, changes are also on the agenda. The elected government advocates:
- Double the period for naturalization, from 5 to 10 years.
- Exclude the waiting period for a residence permit from the count.
- Implement greater control over immigration.
What remains guaranteed — for now
If you fall into one of these situations, you can still apply for Portuguese citizenship under the current rules:
- Children and grandchildren of Portuguese people
- Spouses of Portuguese citizens who have been together for more than 3 years
- Descendants of Sephardic Jews
- Children born in Portugal to foreigners
- Foreigners with 5 years of legal residence (rule subject to change)
Why acting now is important
The current rules are still in effect but may change at any time.
Anyone who files the application before the change maintains the right based on the current rules.
Delaying may mean facing stricter requirements, longer deadlines and more bureaucratic processes.
If you are entitled, now is the time to act. Count on Martins Castro to conduct your process safely, efficiently and within current legislation. Click here and chat with our team.
Proposed amendment to the Nationality Law will be reviewed by the Constitutional Court: what does this mean for the Portuguese-descendant community?
The recent approval of amendments to the Nationality Law by the Portuguese Parliament has opened a new phase in the legal debate. The […]
Per Marketing Martins Castro
on November 14, 2025
Monitoring of Nationality Processes in Portugal – November 2025
In November 2025, Martins Castro continues to closely monitor the Portuguese nationality processes, which continue to face deadlines […]
Per Marketing Martins Castro
on November 7, 2025
Transmission of nationality to children and spouses: what needs to change and why acting now is crucial.
The amendments to the Portuguese Nationality Law approved by Parliament are not yet in effect. The text is awaiting review by […]
Per Marketing Martins Castro
on November 7, 2025