A haven for many Americans and asylum seekers, Portugal now tightens citizenship rules for foreigners
Portugal has changed its citizenship law. The government says the country needs stronger links with new citizens. The cabinet approved a decree that raises the residency threshold for naturalisation. The plan also adjusts family reunion rules and adds tests of culture and democratic commitment.
Longer Residency Rule
Most applicants had to live in Portugal for five years. They will now have to live in Portugal for a decade. The change applies to people from all countries except those that share Portuguese as an official language. The cabinet says extra years will show a clear link with the national community. Officials note that naturalisation numbers fell in 2023 even before the change.
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Separate Path for Lusophone Citizens
People from Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and other Portuguese-speaking states will face a seven-year wait. The cabinet kept a shorter path to respect historical ties. Lawmakers say the rule keeps faith with language bonds while still asking for a significant period inside the country. Lusophone communities form the largest foreign group, so the rule will affect many future applicants.
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Culture and Security Tests
New applicants must pass language checks as before. They must also show knowledge of Portuguese history and culture. The decree blocks applicants who served any prison sentence. It also asks a signed pledge to respect democratic rules. The interior ministry will run checks with police and security agencies. Authorities can cancel naturalisation later if a naturalised citizen commits a serious crime.
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Family Reunion Limits
Current law lets a resident bring partners and adult relatives soon after arrival. The decree sets a two-year wait for sponsors. Relatives must be minors. The measure aims to control growth of extended families. Officials say the policy follows similar steps in other European Union countries. Migrant groups plan to study the final text before reacting.
Possible Loss of Citizenship
The decree allows courts to withdraw citizenship from people naturalised under the new law if they later receive heavy criminal sentences. The measure will not apply to citizens by birth. The government argues that withdrawal protects public trust in the passport. Civil rights lawyers say courts must act with caution to avoid statelessness.
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You won't believe who Zohran Mamdani's parents are? Meet acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani
Political Context
The anti-immigration Chega party won many seats in the March election. Chega asked for longer residency rules during the campaign. The minority centre-right cabinet needs support in parliament, and Chega has signalled approval of the decree. The government says the proposal appears in its programme, not only in opposition demands. Debate will continue when the draft reaches lawmakers for confirmation.
Portugal has 10.5 million residents. At least 1.5 million are foreign residents. Brazilians number more than 450,000. The migration agency reports 141,300 naturalisations in 2023, a fall from 2022. More than 400,000 naturalisation files wait for review. Officials predict the new rules will slow future demand and let staff clear the queue.
Implementation Timeline
The cabinet plans to publish the decree in the official journal in July. The rules will take effect thirty days later. Applicants who already completed five years of residence must file before the change begins if they want the shorter wait. Lawyers expect a surge in last-minute filings. The migration agency is preparing extra staff and online slots. Officials say public information campaigns will run in several languages to explain deadlines and new steps.
FAQs
Why did Portugal raise the residency period to 10 years?
Officials seek stronger social ties. They argue longer residence shows commitment, supports language learning, reduces influx, and meets voter concern over rapid migration growth and integration pressure, also strengthening society.
Can new citizens lose
Portuguese nationality
under the decree?
Yes. Courts may cancel the nationality of naturalised people convicted of serious crimes. Measure protects passport trust, applies after new law, and does not affect those who gained nationality by birth.
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