New restrictions on Italian citizenship: what does this signal for the future of Portuguese nationality?
The European Union has given clear signs of a tendency to review its nationality legislation, with a focus on limiting the recognition of historical rights.
In March, a new decree-law came into force in Italy that restricts the right to citizenship for families who have lived abroad for more than two generations. Although it still awaits final approval by the Italian parliament, the proposal is already causing concern for many families of Italian descent. In Spain, the extension of the so-called “Democratic Memory Law” also has an end date: October 2025 should mark the end of the possibility of applying for Spanish citizenship based on this legislation.
What about Portuguese nationality?
Portugal has already begun to adjust its legislation. In 2024, significant changes were implemented in the process of granting nationality to descendants of Sephardic Jews. Now, with the examples of Italy and Spain, expectations are growing that the country could follow the same path, with possible legislative proposals that would further tighten access to Portuguese nationality.
The time to act is now
At Martins Castro, we emphasize that nationality is much more than a legal status: it is a legitimate right to international mobility and a recognition of the history of families that maintain emotional and cultural ties with their origins.
“It is important to emphasize that the nationality process is analyzed based on the law in force on the date the application is submitted. Therefore, even with discussions about possible changes, the most important thing is to start the process as soon as possible,” emphasizes Isabel Comte, a lawyer at Martins Castro. She adds: “In the Portuguese case, this urgency intensifies as the legislative elections approach. If a right-wing government remains in power, it is possible that more restrictive measures will be adopted regarding the granting of nationality.”
If you have Portuguese ancestry or would like to learn more about the Sephardic path, please contact our team. We are ready to answer your questions, analyze your eligibility and outline the best strategy to ensure your access to this right.
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