Portugal is updating its citizenship and residency laws in 2025. Learn what’s changing, who can apply, and how the new rules affect expats, investors, and those planning to move to Portugal

Portugal is concluding 2025 with one of the most significant overhauls of its immigration system in recent years. The country’s leadership is actively implementing changes to two key pieces of legislation – one revising the Portuguese Citizenship Law and the other updating the Law on Residency and Immigration. Together, these reforms aim to strengthen migration procedures, align them with European standards, and enhance oversight of the steadily growing number of foreign residents in Portugal.

The changes come at a time when Portugal remains one of Europe’s top destinations for expats and digital nomads. With more than 1.6 million foreign residents – around 15% of the country’s population – the government is seeking to balance openness to skilled professionals with the need to regulate long-term immigration.

While the reforms introduce new restrictions and longer pathways to citizenship, they also clarify many grey areas that previously caused confusion among applicants. Understanding what’s changing – and when – is now essential for anyone planning to move to or stay in Portugal in 2025.

Changes to Portugal’s Citizenship Law: A Longer Path to Naturalization

After parliamentary debates, the Portuguese government approved the final version of amendments to the Citizenship Law (Lei n.º 37/81), clarifying the naturalization process and introducing new eligibility criteria for applicants. Key changes include:

Extended Residency Requirement for Portuguese Citizenship

To apply for Portuguese citizenship, foreigners must demonstrate legal residence in the country for:

- 7 years for citizens of the EU and Portuguese-speaking countries (Brazil, Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste);

- 10 years for all other applicants. 

Additional Requirements for Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship

- Mandatory proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture, history, and governmental structure.

- Introduction of a declaration of allegiance to democratic principles.

- Continued restrictions for individuals with criminal convictions exceeding two years or those under UN or EU sanctions.

- Ability to combine multiple periods of legal residence over the 10-year span.

- Residency period now counted from the issuance of the residence card, not from the date of application.

Who Do the New Citizenship Rules Apply To?

The law explicitly states that these new rules will apply only to future applications. All previously submitted citizenship requests will continue to be processed under the old regulations, with no transitional period.

When Will the New Citizenship Rules Take Effect?

Following the final parliamentary vote on October 28, the bill will be sent to the President of Portugal for approval or veto. Once published in the Official Gazette, it will take effect the very next day.

Changes to Portugal’s Residency Law: Stricter Visa and Family Rules

In addition to reforms to the nationality law, Portugal has also updated its Residency and Immigration Law, which was ratified by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in October 2025. These changes introduce stricter rules for visas, family reunification, and residency permits, affecting both new arrivals and current residents. 

1. The job seeker visa will now be available only to highly qualified professionals in designated sectors.

2. Immigrants from CPLP countries will no longer be able to convert tourist visas into residence permits.

3. Dependents seeking family reunification within Portugal may apply only after the primary applicant has resided in the country for at least two years.

4. Couples who have lived together for at least 18 months must demonstrate 15 months of legal residence and may wait up to nine months for a decision from the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) regarding family reunification. Immediate reunification remains possible for couples with minor children or for holders of a D3 (highly qualified worker) visa or the Portuguese Golden Visa.

Planning to move or apply for a residence permit or citizenship? Get a practical guide that will help you understand all the stages - from filling out the application form to submitting documents. In it you will find information about the requirements, cost, application processing times, as well as useful tips and life hacks for a successful move to Portugal.

How the New Rules Affect Expats and Visa Holders

The combined changes to Portugal’s citizenship and residency laws will have a significant impact on expats, investors, and visa holders. For those holding or planning to apply for a Golden Visa, D7 visa, or Digital Nomad Visa, the path to Portuguese citizenship will be longer and more structured. While the previous five-year residency requirement allowed relatively fast naturalization, most applicants will now face a residency period of 9–13 years before becoming eligible for citizenship, accounting for the time to obtain a residence card and meet the new conditions.

Portugal Remains a Leading Destination for Expats

Even with stricter rules, Portugal continues to attract expats from around the world. The country offers a combination of climate, safety, healthcare, education, and cultural opportunities that few other EU nations can match. Unlike Spain, which also requires 10 years of residency but does not recognize dual citizenship, Portugal allows foreign nationals to retain their original citizenship while acquiring Portuguese nationality. Available visa pathways remain attractive:

- D7 Visa: Suitable for retirees or individuals with passive income.

- Digital Nomad Visa: Ideal for remote workers and freelancers.

- Golden Visa: Still available, offering residency through investment, although the citizenship timeline is now extended.

Portugal’s 2025 reforms mark a pivotal shift in both citizenship and residency processes. While the path to citizenship has become longer and family reunification rules stricter, Portugal remains one of Europe’s most desirable destinations for expats, retirees, digital nomads, and investors.

Planning to apply for a Portuguese visa, residence permit or citizenship? Don't take risks due to complex legal nuances. Our Visit World migration lawyers will help you:

- Check your documents before submitting,

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As a reminder! Germany has abolished “turbo-citizenship”: it is no longer possible to obtain a German passport in three years. We have already told you what exactly has changed, how this will affect migrants, and what requirements are now in place to obtain a German passport.

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