Comparative summary — New Portuguesa Nationality Law

What Is Happening

The Portuguese Parliament has approved new amendments to the Portuguese Nationality Law (Law no. 37/81).

These changes directly affect foreigners living in Portugal, especially those who have legally resided in the country for 5 years or more — as the new text increases the minimum period required to obtain nationality.

The new law has not yet entered into force, but it will take effect on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette (Diário da República).

This means that anyone who has already completed 5 years of legal residence should act now, before the new rules begin to apply.

The Main Change: Minimum Residence Period

Current Situation (Law in Force)

Today, to apply for Portuguese nationality by naturalization, you must:

• Be of legal age;

• Have legally lived in Portugal for at least 5 years (counted from the date of the Manifestação de Interesse);

• Speak Portuguese;

• Have no serious criminal convictions;

• Not represent a threat to national security.

In other words, currently 5 years of legal residence is sufficient.

Situation Under the New Law

With the approved amendments, the minimum residence period will increase:

• 7 years of residence for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (such as Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, etc.) and citizens of the European Union;

• 10 years of residence for citizens of other countries.

In practice, those who have lived in Portugal for 5 years and have not yet applied may lose the opportunity if they wait until the new law comes into force.

Children of Foreigners Born in Portugal

Currently, a child born in Portuguese territory may be entitled to nationality if one of the parents has lived in the country for at least 1 year.

Under the new law, this period increases to 5 years of legal residence.

This means that many children of foreign nationals born in Portugal may no longer have direct access to Portuguese nationality.

Other New Requirements

The new law also introduces additional requirements for nationality applicants:

• Proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture, history, and national symbols;

• Declaration of adherence to the principles of the Portuguese democratic state;

• Proof of stable means of subsistence (income or financial resources);

• Continued absence of serious criminal convictions.

In practice, the process will become more bureaucratic and demanding.

Who Will Be Most Affected

• Brazilians and CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) citizens with less than 7 years of residence;

• Foreign nationals from outside the CPLP and the European Union with less than 10 years of residence;

• Foreign parents with children born in Portugal but with less than 5 years of legal residence;

• Individuals preparing their nationality application but who have not yet formally submitted it.

What To Do Now

If you have legally lived in Portugal for 5 years or more, now is the time to act.

Once the new law is published, applications will follow the new rules — even if the process was already being prepared.

Key Message:

“If you have legally lived in Portugal for 5 years, you may still apply for Portuguese nationality before the new law enters into force.

The deadline is approaching — do not wait!”

How We Can Help

Our firm can guide you step by step:

• Reviewing your documentation;

• Preparing your nationality application;

• Providing legal support until the conclusion of the process.

Take advantage of this moment before the law changes. Contact us and find out whether you are already entitled to Portuguese nationality.