Finally, the Portuguese Parliament has passed the citizenship laws. The European country has taken a major step in reshaping its nationality laws by implementing 10 years of residence instead of 5. As per the latest details, on April 1, 2026, the Portuguese Parliament approved significant updates that could affect thousands of current and future applicants.
These changes, now widely referred to as Portugal’s New Citizenship Rules, introduce stricter requirements, longer residency periods, and new eligibility conditions. However, the law is not yet in force, as it still awaits the President’s final decision. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you understand exactly what’s happening and what it means for you.
What Happened on April 1, 2026?
Portugal’s Parliament approved revisions to the Nationality Law with a strong two-thirds majority. The decision came after a last-minute political agreement between the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Chega, without support from the Socialist Party (PS).
Furthermore, this approval indeed marks one of the most important legal changes in recent years, as it defines who can become Portuguese and under what conditions.
At the same time, Parliament also approved changes to the Penal Code, allowing loss of nationality in certain serious criminal cases.
Key Changes Under Portugal’s New Citizenship Rules
The new law introduces stricter eligibility criteria and a more structured process for obtaining Portuguese citizenship. Some of the major changes are as follows:
1. Longer Residency Requirements
To apply for Portuguese citizenship, you must now legally reside in Portugal for:
- 10 years – for most applicants,
- 7 years – for EU citizens and nationals from Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP).
This is a significant shift, especially for non-EU applicants who previously benefited from shorter timelines.
2. Residency Counting Rule Has Changed
The residency period will now start from the date your first residence card is issued, not from when you first applied. This change could delay eligibility for many applicants. Previously, application time was included as well, but that is no longer possible.
3. Stricter Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must now meet additional conditions, including:
- Portuguese language proficiency at the A2 level (unchanged),
- Passing a new civic knowledge test (culture, history, rights, and duties),
- Signing a formal declaration of commitment to democratic values,
- Providing proof of financial self-sufficiency,
- Having no sanctions from the EU or the UN.
4. Criminal Record Rules Tightened
The law introduces stricter rules regarding the following criminal history:
- Applicants with prison sentences of 3 years or more will be ineligible for citizenship.
- Certain serious crimes (like drug trafficking or arms trafficking) may lead to loss of nationality.
5. End of the Sephardic Jewish Route
One major change is the termination of the citizenship pathway for descendants of Sephardic Jews, which had been widely used in recent years.
6. No Protection for Current Applicants
One of the most controversial aspects of Portugal’s New Citizenship Rules is the lack of transitional measures, which means:
- No “grandfathering” rules for current residents,
- No gradual implementation,
- Applications may be assessed under the new rules, even if submitted earlier.
This has raised concerns about fairness and legal certainty among the migrants who have been legally residing in Portugal and paying social contributions.
Constitutional Concerns
Before this approval, Portugal’s Constitutional Court had already rejected parts of the proposed law in December 2025.
The Court found issues with:
- Automatic rejection based on criminal sentences,
- Vague legal terms like “fraud” or “rejection of the national community”,
- Rules that could retroactively affect pending applications.
Because of this, the law was revised before being approved again in April 2026.
Is the Law Already in Effect?
No, Portugal’s New Citizenship Rules are not yet in force. The approved law has been sent to the President for review. Up next, the President can:
- Approve the law, and it becomes official
- Veto the law, and then parliament can override the veto
- Send it to the Constitutional Court, which will cause further delays while legality is reviewed.
Moreover, until one of these steps is completed, the current citizenship rules remain unchanged.
What This Means for Applicants
If you are planning to apply for Portuguese citizenship or are already in the process, this situation requires attention.
Here’s the reality:
- The rules may soon become stricter and less flexible,
- Processing timelines could effectively become longer,
- Legal uncertainty remains until the President makes a decision.
Furthermore, if you’re close to meeting the current requirements, timing could make a significant difference.
Lastly, Portugal’s New Citizenship Rules represent a shift toward a more demanding and structured system. The government says the goal is to strengthen the connection between applicants and the country, but critics argue the changes may be too restrictive.
Right now, everything depends on the President’s next move. Until then, the law is in a waiting phase, but the direction is clear: Portugal is tightening its path to citizenship.