🧠Quick summary at Dec 2025
The reform approved by Parliament is paused under preventive constitutional review.
No changes are in force; the current law still applies (including the 5‑year residence period for naturalisation).
Proposed changes included longer residence periods, a new civic knowledge test, stricter criminality rules, closing the Sephardic route, and counting residence from card issuance.
Permanent Residency remains stable and is a practical anchor for families and Golden Visa investors while awaiting clarity.
🏛️ Where Portugal’s Nationality Law Stands Now
Parliament approved amendments on 28 October, but a preventive constitutional review halted the process. The Constitutional Court is examining the text. Until the Court issues its decision and any required adjustments are made, none of the proposed changes take effect. The existing nationality framework remains valid.
🧾 What Parliament Approved (Draft Highlights)
If enacted as originally passed, the draft would:
Increase the general residence requirement for naturalisation from 5 to 10 years.
Set a 7‑year residence period for EU and CPLP nationals.
Add a civic knowledge requirement alongside A2 Portuguese language proficiency.
Tighten rules concerning serious criminal convictions and international sanctions.
Close the Sephardic ancestry route.
Start the residence countdown from the issuance date of the first residence card (not from the initial application).
⏸️ What the Constitutional Review Means Right Now
None of the approved changes are currently in force.
The existing Nationality Law and 5‑year residence period still apply.
The Court may uphold the text, request changes, or remove sections.
No official timeline has been announced for the review’s conclusion.
Legal practitioners generally advise planning based on current law rather than a draft that could change before publication.
🧩 Practical Guidance for Families and Investors
Stay the course with the current legal framework until the Court rules.
Keep documentation current (residence cards, tax compliance, language certificates).
Avoid making irreversible plans based solely on the draft text.
Consider Permanent Residency as a stability strategy while monitoring the reform.
🛡️ Why Permanent Residency Is a Reliable Anchor
Rules for Permanent Residency remain unchanged.
Golden Visa investors can apply for PR five years after the first residence card is issued.
Once granted, PR allows extended time outside Portugal without jeopardising long‑term rights.
For many families, PR provides continuity while the nationality reform is resolved.
âť“ FAQs
- Is the 10‑year rule in effect?
No. The 5‑year residence period still applies until the Court’s decision and any subsequent enactment.
- Can I still apply under the current law?
Yes. Applications are processed under the existing framework.
- -What happens if the Court requests changes?
Parliament may need to amend the draft. Only the final, published law will have legal effect.
- Is the Sephardic route still open?
The draft proposes closing it, but no change is in force until the review is complete and the law is published.
- Should Golden Visa holders switch strategies?
Not necessarily. Many are pursuing Permanent Residency at year five as a stable interim step.