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Portuguese Citizenship Now Takes 10 Years — Here’s What You Need to Know

A hand holding a Portuguese passport in front of a blurred background resembling the colors of the Portuguese flag, green and red.

On May 3, 2025, Portugal’s President António José Seguro signed the country’s revised Nationality Law, doubling the residency requirement for most foreign nationals from five years to ten. The law passed parliament on April 1 with a 152-64 vote and now awaits formal publication in the Diário da República before taking effect. For anyone who moved to Portugal — or was planning to — with citizenship in mind, this is a significant change. For some people already in the process, …

A Couple holding passports at an airport with boarding passes inside.

On 30 September 2025, Portugal’s Parliament approved a sweeping reform of the Foreigners Law. The new measures mark a major tightening of immigration rules, with decisive backing from the far-right Chega party and other right-wing factions. The law now awaits presidential sanction and publication in the Diário da República before it takes effect, but here’s what’s changing — and what it means for you. Important Pointers Before we continue, there are a few things to be aware of. Key Changes …

Portugal’s Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) ruled that several norms in the recently approved amendments to the Nationality Law are unconstitutional, according to RTP, preventing the diploma from being promulgated in its current form. This development preserves the current legal regime while the legislature considers how to respond. The decision comes from a preventive constitutional review requested by the Socialist Party (PS) and represents a major development for foreign residents and nationality applicants, since it ensures legal certainty under the existing …

Many people tracing their family tree back to Portugal ask the same question: “Can I get Portuguese citizenship through my great-grandparent?” The short answer? Not directly. The Current Law: You Can Only Go Back as Far as Grandparents Under Portuguese law, citizenship by descent is currently only available up to the grandparent level. If you have a Portuguese parent, the process is relatively straightforward as you don’t need to show language skills or ties to the Portuguese community. If your …

Parliament was expected to vote this week on major changes to Portugal’s nationality law, including extending the required residency period for citizenship. But last-minute proposals from two parties — Partido Socialista (PS) and Chega — have postponed the vote. Adding to the uncertainty, the death of former Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemão has led to a two-day suspension of parliamentary activities, meaning the vote may be delayed further. Here’s what’s on the table — and what these changes could mean …

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa signed the revised Foreigners Law into effect, after the legislation was approved by 70% of parliament. This new law represents one of the most significant overhauls of immigration rules in recent years. While some changes are technical, others will have a direct impact on people who are moving to Portugal, applying for residency, or bringing family members here. Below, we’ll break down the key changes — and what they might mean for you. 1. Family …

A white and brown bulldog sits in the back seat of a car, looking out the rear window. The dog wears a black collar and has a contemplative expression. Sunlight illuminates the interior and the snowy, urban landscape outside the car.

If you’ve been dreaming of sunshine, seaside towns, and a better lifestyle in Portugal, but hesitated because of the hassle of bringing your pet, there’s great news: the EU Pet Passport scheme is back for UK residents. As of May 19, 2025, a new agreement between the UK and EU means that pet passports are once again valid for cats and dogs traveling from the UK to the EU. This marks a welcome end to the post-Brexit red tape that …

A person’s hand holding a passport and boarding pass rests on the handle of a blue suitcase at an airport check-in area, with blurred signs and counters in the background.

A new proposal from the Portuguese government could dramatically reshape who qualifies for Portuguese citizenship — and how long they’ll have to wait. On June 23rd, the government approved a bill to increase the minimum legal residency period to obtain Portuguese nationality. The plan: This bill now heads to the Assembly of the Republic, where it will be debated and voted on. It is not yet law, but the government is clearly pushing for reform. What Exactly Is Being Proposed? …

A person in a beige sweater pours sugar from a packet into a green cup and saucer on a wooden table. The person's face is partially out of frame.

Portugal’s Golden Visa program, long seen as one of Europe’s most appealing residency-by-investment options, may soon become even more attractive. According to a Bloomberg report, the Portuguese government is considering reforms to streamline the application process and introduce improved financial incentives — potentially aligning the Golden Visa more closely with Portugal’s favourable tax regime. In short, Portugal’s new centre-right government appears determined to reinforce its commitment to international investors, talent, and entrepreneurs. Portugalist Insight: A Timely Boost for Golden Visa …

Portuguese Citizenship Now Takes 10 Years — Here’s What You Need to Know

Portugal Approves Stricter Immigration Law: What You Need to Know

Constitutional Court Declares Key Parts of Nationality Law Unconstitutional

Can I get Portuguese Citizenship through my Great-Grandparents?

Portugal Citizenship Vote Postponed: How These Last Minute Proposals Could Affect You

Portugal’s New Foreigners Law: What It Means for You

Big News for Pet Owners: Moving to Portugal from the UK Just Got Easier

Is Portugal Really Raising the Citizenship Residency Requirement to 10 Years?

Portugal Looks to Sweeten Golden Visa Incentives — But Will Promises Be Delivered?