Portuguese nationality law has been one of the most debated topics among investors, digital nomads, and foreign residents in Portugal in recent years. In 2025, several proposals to amend the Nationality Law were discussed in Parliament, in a political context marked by new legislative elections that culminated in a minority government whose reformist impulses are dependent on occasional support from the opposition.
In this article, we have compiled clear and up-to-date information about:
- the amendments under discussion,
- the impact of the current electoral context,
- and the main real doubts raised by foreigners who are considering applying for Portuguese nationality.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual legal advice.
Why is the Nationality Law being debated again?
Since the last significant revision of the Nationality Law (Law No. 37/81, with subsequent amendments), Portugal has become one of the most sought-after European countries for foreigners seeking residency and, subsequently, citizenship.
However, the exponential increase in orders — especially after the pandemic — brought clear challenges:
- significant delays in the processes,
- overload of public services,
- Political pressure to review criteria and deadlines.
In 2025, several parties submitted amendment proposals, primarily focusing on:
- clarification of the concept of legal residence,
- effective length of stay calculation,
- Strengthening the effective link to the Portuguese community.
How the electoral climate influences possible changes to the Nationality Law
The current political context in Portugal has a significant impact on the evolution of legislation, including the Nationality Law. After a prolonged period without definitive clarification on various proposals presented to Parliament in 2025, the country is now facing a new moment of institutional transition.
Portugal is currently facing a second round of presidential elections, scheduled for February 8th, which means that the new President of the Republic will only formally begin his duties on March 9th. Until that date, no structural decisions, legislative revisions, or promulgation of relevant amendments to the Nationality Law are expected.
In practice, this means that:
- There will be no changes or revisions to the Nationality Law in the short term, until the electoral process is completed;
- Proposals discussed in 2025 remain suspended, with no immediate effect;
- The institutional focus is centered on political stability and the presidential transition.
This type of context is particularly relevant for foreigners who follow news about potential legal changes. Often, the mere announcement of parliamentary proposals generates uncertainty, even when there is no immediate practical application.
For this reason, understanding the political timing is as important as knowing the content of the proposals. Until the new President takes office, the current legal framework remains in effect, without formal changes to the Nationality Law.
What could change in the Portuguese Nationality Law?
Although there is no final approved version, the most discussed proposals include:
- Extension of the period required to obtain Portuguese nationality from 5 to 10 years.
- Change in the starting point for calculating residency time.
- Strengthening the criteria for effective connection to the Portuguese community.
- The changes will be applied to ongoing residency processes, safeguarding only citizenship processes that have already begun.
These proposals do not automatically affect those who have already met the requirements, but they raise legitimate questions for those who have nationality applications in progress or are planning to submit them in the short term.
Frequently asked questions about Portuguese nationality.
(based on real questions from investors, digital nomads, and retirees)
1. How long does the Portuguese nationality process take?
Currently, the average approval time after application submission ranges from 18 to 36 months, depending on the type of application, the documentation submitted, and the workload of the relevant services. Delays are common, especially during periods of high demand.
2. Can I apply for citizenship after 3 or 4 years of residency?
Current law requires 5 years of legal residency, but many people with residency applications initiated 2 or 3 years ago seek advance information to:
- prepare documentation,
- to understand the risks of premature submission,
- to avoid errors that delay the process when the legal deadline is reached.
This prior planning is especially important for digital nomads and investors and has been reinforced by the recent decision of the Constitutional Court, which seems to imply that the requirements for access to Portuguese nationality via residency should be assessed at the time of approval and not at the time of application, thus giving "room" for applicants with residency processes initiated up to 2023 to start their nationality process now and complete the 5 years of residency required for approval while their nationality process is pending, which currently can take up to 3 years.
3. Does Portuguese citizenship require proof of language proficiency?
Yes. As a general rule, proof of Portuguese language proficiency is required, usually at level A2. There are exceptions in specific cases, but the language remains one of the most debated requirements, with intensive courses available for those who want to expedite their nationality application.
4. Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship from abroad?
Since 2024, Portuguese lawyers have had access to an online platform for submitting their clients' nationality applications, eliminating the need for clients to travel to Portugal and ensuring a more accurate, direct, and transparent process.
5. What happens if the law changes during my trial?
One of the biggest concerns in international forums is this. In general terms:
- the processes submitted under the current law tendem a ser analisados segundo essa lei,
- Future changes rarely have immediate retroactive effects.
- However, changes may affect deadlines and procedures.
6. Investors: Is nationality still a strategic factor?
For international investors, Portuguese citizenship continues to offer:
- access to the Schengen area,
- European mobility,
- one of the strongest passports in the world according to international rankings.
However, legal predictability is now a key factor in decision-making.
7. Digital nomads: is it worth planning your nationality from the start?
For digital nomads, the biggest risk is the discontinuation of legal residency. Planning and understanding the rules become essential for those who intend to apply for citizenship in the medium term.
8. Foreign retirees: is citizenship still a safe option?
For retirees, Portugal remains attractive due to its quality of life, healthcare, stability, and European integration. For many, nationality is seen as a way to safeguard long-term rights, especially in scenarios of international change and instability.
9. Why is there so much contradictory information online?
Much of the information is available in forums and social networks:
- It is based on individual experiences.
- It may be outdated.
- does not reflect legislative changes under discussion.
- It does not take into account the specificities of concrete cases.
Therefore, it is essential to distinguish between opinion, personal experience, and current legal framework.
Next Steps
Portuguese nationality law remains a dynamic topic, influenced by political, administrative, and social factors. For those intending to invest, live, or retire in Portugal, clear and up-to-date information is the first step towards informed decisions.
In a context of potential legislative changes occurring as early as 2026, timely planning and an understanding of the legal framework become increasingly relevant.
Deciding to proceed with your application now can protect you from the impact of future legislative changes and from being subject to longer deadlines, new criteria, and obligations!
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