While many residents in Portugal considered applying for citizenship as a possibility that was always available, now the timing of the application could make all the difference. Those who are eligible, or close to meeting the criteria, should consider expediting the filing of their applications.

The Current Law

Foreigners residing in Portugal can apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization if they meet five basic conditions:

1. Being of legal age or emancipated under Portuguese law;

2. Having legally resided in Portugal for at least five years;

3. Demonstrating sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language;

4. Absence of a criminal conviction with a sentence of three years or more;

5. Not posing a threat to national security or public order.

This system has made Portugal one of the most accessible EU countries for immigrants, especially for nationals from Lusophone (Portuguese‑speaking) countries. However, this list of requirements is about to change.

The Proposal: Stricter Rules Ahead

In June, the Portuguese government introduced Bill No. 1/XVII/1.ª, which proposes major amendments to the nationality law—particularly regarding naturalization. The changes include longer residency requirements: a general minimum of ten years, lowered to seven for CPLP nationals.

A new rule regarding the start date for counting residence time will be implemented. The clock will start from the issuance date of your first valid residence permit, not the date of application or biometrics.

Stronger integration requirements will be enforced, such as **an** understanding of Portuguese culture, rights, and duties; **a** commitment to democratic values and the Portuguese Constitution; and **a** formal declaration of allegiance.

Under the current law, only convictions with a sentence of three years or more disqualify an applicant for citizenship. Under the proposal, any effective prison sentence, no matter how short, could block your application.

Finally, if a naturalized citizen commits a serious crime (leading to a prison sentence exceeding five years) within ten years of being granted citizenship, **their** citizenship may be revoked by court decision.

These changes aim to ensure that only long‑term, well‑integrated residents obtain Portuguese citizenship, but they also make the process significantly more difficult.

Retroactive Application and Controversy

While the law has not yet passed and won’t be debated in Parliament until September 2025, the government wants it to apply to all applications submitted on or after June 19, 2025. This retroactive approach is controversial.

Constitutional law experts and several political parties **say that such a provision** breaches the Portuguese Constitution, particularly the principle of legitimate expectation, which protects people who acted in good faith under the current law.

Critics argue that those who meet the five‑year residency rule now, or met it before June 19, should not be penalized because the government wants to apply stricter rules retroactively.

There is still time, and the law isn’t yet approved. But waiting until after September could be penalizing, and applicants could find themselves facing stricter rules, longer waiting periods, and uncertain legal battles over eligibility.

No Transitional Rules Yet

So far, the Portuguese government has not introduced any transitional period for residents who are close to meeting the five‑year requirement. This has sparked frustration and fear among immigrant communities.

While Parliament may eventually consider such a measure, until a transitional clause is confirmed, the best protection is to apply before the proposed changes to the nationality law are approved.

Practical Steps to Consider

If you are eligible or will soon reach five years of legal residence (or have reached this milestone before June 19, 2025), applying before the law comes into force is recommended.

Consider:

1. Reviewing your residence history to make sure you have legally lived in Portugal for five years.

2. Compiling documentation: this includes your passport, residence permit, Portuguese language certificate, criminal record check, and proof of residence.

3. Seeking legal advice from an immigration lawyer to confirm eligibility and help you avoid mistakes that could delay your application.

Final Thoughts

While the proposed law is stricter, it’s not yet final. The bill may change during parliamentary discussion, and constitutional challenges are possible. Nonetheless, applications submitted before any new law takes effect are less likely to face the proposed stricter criteria. Weigh your situation, documentation readiness, and risk tolerance before deciding when to file.

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