Portugal’s centre-right coalition has unveiled an ambitious overhaul of the nationality code that, if approved by Parliament, would stretch the waiting time for a Portuguese passport, raise language and civics requirements and tighten the criminal-record filter. While nothing is yet carved in stone, foreigners already living in the country—or thinking of moving—should follow the debate closely, as some measures could apply retroactively to files already in the queue.

A tougher start for children born in Portugal

A child born on Portuguese soil has long enjoyed a relatively direct path to citizenship. Under the draft bill, that path narrows. Parents who are themselves foreign nationals will have to prove three consecutive years of legal residence before the birth, and they must actively request nationality for the newborn rather than obtaining it automatically. The government argues that the change ensures a “real bond” with the country instead of a mere accident of geography.

Naturalisation: the clock resets and runs longer

For adults, the most dramatic shift is a doubling of the residence requirement—from five to ten years—for most applicants. Citizens of CPLP countries would face a seven-year wait, while recognised stateless persons could apply after four. Just as significant, the residence ‘clock’ would no longer start when you filed for a permit; it would begin only on the date the permit was actually issued. Lawyers warn that thousands of residents who thought they had reached the current five-year mark might suddenly find themselves years short if the bill passes unchanged.

Demonstrating “effective connection”

The draft sets out a new two-stage test of belonging. First comes the well-known A2 Portuguese language exam. On top of that, candidates would sit an additional assessment covering history, culture, constitutional values and civic duties. Spouses, long-term partners and grandchildren of Portuguese citizens—groups that previously faced lighter scrutiny—could also see these knowledge tests become grounds for refusal if prosecutors raise objections.

Criminal-record bar raised and a new loss-of-citizenship clause

Anyone with an effective prison sentence on their record would be turned down, regardless of the sentence length; today only terms above three years are disqualifying. A controversial clause would even allow the state to strip nationality from recently naturalised citizens convicted of serious crimes within ten years of obtaining their passport, with a further decade-long ban on re-application.

Retroactivity dispute: act now or wait?

Perhaps the most contentious element is the plan to apply the new residence-counting rule retroactively to applications filed after 19 June 2025. Constitutional scholars question whether such backward-looking measures will survive judicial review, but the mere possibility has prompted immigration lawyers to advise eligible residents to file as soon as possible. The national registry already holds more than 400,000 pending citizenship files, with average processing times exceeding three years.

What still has to happen

Because Prime Minister Luís Montenegro governs without an absolute majority, the bill needs support from either the Socialists or the right-wing Chega party. It must clear committee stages, a final plenary vote, presidential promulgation and, potentially, scrutiny by the Constitutional Court. Even in the fastest scenario, observers doubt that the new rules could take effect before early 2026—but clauses on retroactivity mean the practical cut-off may arrive much sooner.

Why the nationality debate spills into immigration policy

Parallel legislation on foreigners’ rights is moving through the same pipeline. It would obligate CPLP nationals to secure a residence visa in their home country, limit job-seeker visas to highly qualified workers and require two years of residence before a migrant can request family reunification. Although technically separate, these immigration reforms would directly influence who can rack up the years of legal stay needed for future naturalisation.

Preparing for an uncertain landscape

Foreign residents can take a few concrete steps while lawmakers wrangle: keep residence cards up to date, gather proof of uninterrupted legal stay, enrol in certified Portuguese courses and follow parliamentary hearings through the Assembly’s live feed. Above all, consult a qualified lawyer before assuming that today’s five-year rule will still apply tomorrow.

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Portuguese Parliament building exterior sunset; Foreign residents waiting outside Lisbon IRN office; Adult studying Portuguese language textbook at kitchen table