| Summary of the proposed rules |
|---|
| ‣ Portugal’s Citizenship Eligibility Period Extended: Residency requirement proposed to increase from 5 to 10 years. ‣ Tighter Entry Rules: Entry only with pre-approved visas; informal entries to be disqualified. ‣ Restrictions on Family Reunification and Job Seeker Visas: Only highly qualified applicants to benefit, with Portuguese language requirements introduced. |
The Portuguese government has officially presented a proposal to Parliament aimed at tightening immigration and citizenship laws. Debate on the measure is expected to begin Tuesday, the 17th. The proposed legislation reflects a significant shift in how Portugal manages immigration, citizenship eligibility, and family reunification policies.
Key Changes in Portugal’s Citizenship Law
| Immigration Route | Current Law | Proposed Change |
| Residency for Citizenship | 5 years of legal residence | 10 years of legal residence |
| Visa Entry Requirement | Entry possible without prior visa | Only entry with visa from country of origin |
| Counting Time for Citizenship | Starts after residence permit granted | Includes waiting time before permit approval |
| Family Reunification | Open to most family members of residents | Restricted, subject to stricter eligibility |
| Job-Seeker Visa | Broad eligibility | Only for highly qualified professionals |
| Language Requirement | Varies | Portuguese proficiency required for renewals (specific types) |
Details of the New Proposal
1. Citizenship Residency Requirement Extended to 10 Years
Luís Montenegro’s administration, represented by Minister Leitão Amaro, emphasizes the need to revise the Nationality Law. A major change includes doubling the required legal residency from 5 to 10 years for those seeking Portuguese citizenship.
2. Inclusion of Waiting Period Toward Citizenship
This change follows a petition by Brazilian national Juliet Cristino. Under the new policy, time spent waiting for residence permit approval will count toward the total legal residency period required for citizenship, potentially benefiting applicants caught in bureaucratic delays.
3. Strict Visa Compliance for Entry
Currently, immigrants can apply for residence by proving intent to stay and showing an employment contract—even if they entered as tourists. This flexibility will end. All entries must now be made with a pre-approved visa, ensuring arrivals occur “within the law.”
4. Impact on Those Already in Portugal
Uncertainty remains regarding individuals who have begun the immigration process or are living in Portugal on temporary status. However, the government promises to respect the rights of those already legally residing in the country.
Changes to Family Reunification and Job Seeker Visas
Family Reunification
The government proposes tighter controls on family reunification, citing strain on public services and institutions. Minister Amaro pointed to the inability of AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) to handle the current volume of requests, calling it a “de facto suspension.”
Job Seeker Visas
The job seeker visa will be limited to highly qualified professionals, and Portuguese language proficiency will become a condition for certain types of residence permit renewals. This move aims to align immigration policy with the country’s economic and cultural integration goals.
Government’s Justification and Broader Goals
The overarching aim of Portugal’s new citizenship laws is to:
- Attract highly skilled workers and descendants of Portuguese citizens
- Encourage the return of Portuguese emigrants
- Ensure better integration and commitment to Portuguese society
- Combat illegal immigration and human trafficking
A new removal regime is also being introduced to quickly process and deport foreigners in irregular situations.
Public Reaction
The government’s new direction has sparked opposition. Nearly 200 associations and individuals involved in immigration support have signed a document condemning the planned restrictions, especially those on family reunification.
Final Thoughts
Portugal’s New Proposed Citizenship Laws mark a major policy shift, reflecting a strategic focus on controlled, skilled migration and deeper integration. While offering some continuity for legal residents, the government is setting clear conditions to regulate entry, stay, and naturalization more strictly.