Portugal announces proposal to change Nationality Law and Foreigner Law
The Portuguese government presented, at a meeting of the Council of Ministers, proposals to change the Nationality Law and the Foreigners Law. According to legal expert Isabel Comte, from Martins Castro, the measures do not yet have legal effect since the content needs to be transformed into a bill, approved by Parliament and sanctioned by the President of the Republic. In the meantime, the current rules remain valid.
Check out the main points of the proposals:
- End of the Sephardic regime: naturalization by descent from Sephardic Jews would be terminated.
- Expansion of citizenship by ancestry: would include great-grandchildren of Portuguese people in the right to nationality.
- Minimum residence time increased:
- 7 years for CPLP citizens
- 10 years for foreigners from other countries
- New naturalization criteria:
- Mandatory Portuguese language test
- Assessment of the country's culture, history and political system
- Declaration of adherence to democratic values
- Possibility of loss of nationality: for those sentenced to more than 5 years in prison.
The proposals have not yet become law, but it is important to act soon
If you are eligible for Portuguese nationality, the best time to act is now. Avoid being impacted by possible changes: click here and request your free analysis with Martins Castro.
Nationality Process Monitor in Portugal – October 2025
In October 2025, Martins Castro continues to closely monitor Portuguese nationality processes, which continue to face deadlines […]
Per Marketing Martins Castro
on October 3, 2025
Portuguese nationality through the Sephardic route: what is in force and what may change in October
The proposed legislative amendment that could end the granting of Portuguese nationality based on Sephardic ancestry has not yet been voted on. […]
Per Marketing Martins Castro
on October 3, 2025
Portuguese Parliament approves new version of the Foreigners Law; Nationality Law still awaits vote
The Portuguese Parliament approved a revised version of the Foreigners Law on Tuesday (September 30). The measure was necessary after […]
Per Marketing Martins Castro
on October 2, 2025