Portugal Moves to Tighten Citizenship & Residency Rules: Key Proposed Changes Explained

On June 23, 2025, Portugal’s Council of Ministers approved a significant legislative proposal aimed at strengthening the country’s nationality and immigration framework. Announced by Minister António Leitão Amaro, the reforms bring longer residency periods, tighter integration criteria, and a streamlined digital renewal process—now heading into Parliamentary review, with full approval expected by late 2025.

Key Proposed Changes (June 23, 2025)

Citizenship & Integration Updates

1. Extended residency for citizenship
   ○ 10 years for most non‑EU residents (up from 5 years)
   ○ 7 years for Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP), such as Brazil or Angola
2. Residency period referenced
   ○ Counting begins on the residence permit issuance date, not visa application
3. Language and civic integration
   ○ A2-level Portuguese test, plus culture, civic rights, and democratic values exam
4. Stricter criminal record policy
   ○ Any past effective prison sentence disqualifies; citizenship can be revoked for serious offenses
5. Children’s citizenship eligibility
   ○ Birthright citizenship only granted if parents have 3 years’ residency and apply for the child
6. Sephardic citizenship route removed
   ○ Pathway for Jewish descendants officially abolished

Proposed Changes to Family Reunification

1. Two-Year Residency Requirement
   ○ Legal residents must live in Portugal for at least 2 years before sponsoring family reunification
2. Limited Scope and Integration Conditions
   ○ Only minor children qualify under this route
   ○ Proof of housing, financial means, and language ability required

Permit Renewals & Transitional Provisions

1. Automatic permit extensions valid until October 15, 2025
   ○ Covers approx. 280,000 openly expired permits from pandemic delays
2. Renewals reopen July 1, 2025 via a new digital platform
   ○ Applicants receive 6 months’ legal residence confirmation while processing

Enhanced Oversight & Enforcement

1. New National Foreigners & Borders Unit (UNEF) under Public Security Police
2. Increased authority for the Agency for Migration & Asylum (AIMA), linking permit processing and naturalization.

Timeline & Parliamentary Path

1. June 23, 2025 – Cabinet approves draft law
2. Undergoes Parliament debate, legal refinement, and presidential approval
3. Scheduled to become law in late 2025 or early 2026, potentially influenced by the January 2026 elections

Impact on Investors & Global Residents

1. Plan for 7–10 Years of legal residence before applying for citizenship
2. Early Integration Preparation—start language courses and civic education now
3. Family Sponsorship Requires Preparation—two years in country, housing, funds, minors only
4. Children Not Automatic Citizens—must qualify based on residency and application
5. Simplified Renewal Process—online renewals and legal continuity until Oct 2025
6. New Immigration Enforcement—expect stricter compliance under UNEF and AIMA

Final Take

Portugal’s proposed immigration reforms mark the most extensive tightening of citizenship rules in years. While raising the bar with longer residency and integration standards, the government’s measures also modernize permit renewals for those affected by pandemic delays. For investors and global residents, these changes underline a need for strategic planning and proactive compliance—but also reaffirm Portugal’s position as a regulated, transparent destination.