The new Nationality and Immigration regime has already been discussed in a first phase: what could change now?

This Friday, the Portuguese Parliament approved a set of legislative changes with a significant impact on the Nationality Law and the Legal Framework for Foreigners. The new rules are part of a more restrictive policy on immigration and naturalization and reflect a shift in direction compared to the previous model.

The measures were introduced to strengthen the criteria for acquiring Portuguese nationality and to increase control over the entry and stay of foreign citizens in national territory. The proposals currently under general discussion cover timeframes, requirements for connection to the country, family reunification processes, and visa granting criteria, among other aspects.

This article outlines the most relevant changes, with a “Before and After” comparison to help you practically understand what may change and how these new rules could impact ongoing processes or future intentions to reside, invest, or acquire Portuguese nationality.

Note: The new legislation is still under discussion and will only come into force after final approval in Parliament, promulgation by the President of the Republic, and publication in the Official Gazette. However, the proposals on the table are highly significant, and some provisions may have retroactive effects, making it essential to follow the legislative process closely and understand what will actually change and when.

Nationality through naturalization: longer timeframes, stricter criteria

One of the key changes involves extending the required period of legal residence to access Portuguese nationality through naturalization. Additionally, it is being proposed that the residence period will only begin counting from the date the residence permit is issued, which could negatively affect those already in the country but still awaiting a decision on their application.

Beyond the timeframes, the law may also require a stronger connection to the Portuguese community than before, including cultural, linguistic, and civic aspects.

Nationality for children of foreign nationals: end of automatic attribution

Until now, many children of foreign nationals born in Portugal could still automatically acquire Portuguese nationality, provided that their parents met the residence requirement at the time of birth. Under the new rules, this attribution will become subject to a stricter stability criterion.

Descent and special regimes: end of naturalization through Sephardic lineage

Important changes have also been proposed to the regimes applicable to descendants of Portuguese citizens. Although grandchildren of Portuguese nationals will still be able to apply for nationality, they may now be required to demonstrate a stronger connection to Portugal.

In addition, the regime allowing the naturalization of descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews – in effect since 2015 and responsible for thousands of applications – is expected to be revoked.

New possibility of loss of nationality

Another change introduced by the new law is the possibility of withdrawing Portuguese nationality from naturalized citizens who commit serious crimes. This represents a shift with significant legal implications, especially in the first years after acquiring nationality.

Family reunification: stricter requirements, longer wait

Family reunification has also been revised. The legislator’s goal is to ensure that the family reunion process only takes place when conditions of stability and integration are guaranteed. To that end, timeframes are extended and the requirements become more stringent.

CPLP and job-seeker visas: end of flexibility

The changes also affect CPLP visas and the job-seeker visa. Both will no longer be available with the same level of flexibility, reinforcing stricter pre-entry control into the country.

Retroactive application

One of the most controversial proposals is the retroactive application of the new rules to nationality requests submitted after June 19, 2025, even before the new law formally comes into force, and even to applications submitted before that date that did not meet all current requirements at the time of submission. These measures raise serious constitutional concerns and could affect many applicants currently preparing their cases based on the legislation still in force.

Conclusion

If approved, these proposals will mark a new phase in the legal framework for immigration and nationality in Portugal. They clearly represent a tightening of legal requirements for acquiring nationality and for the entry and stay of foreign citizens in the country.

At Lamares, Capela & Associados, we closely monitor legislative developments and provide our clients with up-to-date, accurate information and strategic legal advice to navigate any changes.

If you intend to apply for nationality, start a regularization process, or request family reunification, contact us.