“I will complete 5 years of residency in Portugal in March 2026, what can I do?”— practical alternatives in light of the new nationality rules

Danielle Avidago | Immigration Consultant

Portugal’s longstanding five year route from legal residence to naturalization has shaped the long term plans of many foreign residents. Many chose Portugal rather than other EU countries precisely because the five year rule offered a relatively short pathway to European citizenship. That landscape is now changing.

In late October 2025 the Portuguese Parliament approved broad reforms that raise the ordinary residence threshold for naturalization to ten years for most nationalities, and to seven years for citizens of the EU and Portuguese-speaking (CPLP) countries. The approved-by-the-parliament changes also tightens integration tests and requires knowledge and compliance to the Portuguese culture and national symbols.

To save the day, the Socialist Party (PS) sent, on the 19 November 2025, the diploma to the Constitutional Court requesting a preventive review of its constitutionality. The Constitutional Court now has 25 days to issue its decision, which means the deadline runs until 15 December 2025. During this period, the President will not promulgate the law, and the reform cannot enter into force. Until the Court issues its ruling, the timeline remains uncertain.

This miraculously extended timeframe to apply for Portuguese citizenship may still not be enough for residents who fulfill 5 years of legal residency in early 2026. What options does these residents have while they wait to be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship under the new law? Below, we set out the main alternatives you should consider to to protect your legal position and preserve your options while awaiting the final outcome of the constitutional review:

1. Apply for Portuguese nationality now, if you are eligible

If you completed - or will very soon complete - 5 years of legal residency in Portugal and have already taken an accredited Portuguese test or course, the time to submit your Portuguese citizenship application is now! Submitting a nationality application before the new law enters into force can be decisive. If you have not yet reached out to us to assess whether you are eligible – or if to apply right now is the best appropriate route for your specific case – we strongly recommend doing so at the earliest. Time has rarely been so critical.

2. Secure permanent residence permit

Permanent residence remains a distinct and robust option. Under Portuguese and EU rules, after five years of lawful residence you can apply for Portuguese permanent residence, granting you additional 5 years of legal residence. If you also have already taken an accredited Portuguese course or test in hopes of applying for Portuguese citizenship in the eyes of the current law, this alternative is a great way of using such certificate and proving your knowledge to Portuguese. The permanent residence route is widely recommended for clients who value certainty and mobility but do not (yet) meet the naturalization timelines.

3. Apply for the EU long-term resident status

The EU long-term resident status is recommended for our clients who wish to explore Europe in a more permanent and relaxed way, granting much of the practical security of citizenship such as right to live, work and travel in all Schengen countries. You may also show off your newly acquired Portuguese knowledge in this alternative, as A2 knowledge of the Portuguese language is also a requirement.

4. Other Portuguese citizenship application routes

In your 5 years of legal residency in Portugal, you may have found love in a Portuguese citizen´s heart and become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship based on being married to a Portuguese citizen for over 3 years or being in a recognized Civil Union for over 3 years with a Portuguese citizen. Where applicable, the family route to nationality remains an important alternative.

If during your time here, you have also found Portuguese roots through a grandparent or even a great-grandparent – if the changes to the nationality law enter in force as it has been approved by the Parliament – this may also be a citizenship path to consider.

To conclude, we recommend verifying if you fulfill the minimum requirements to apply for Portuguese citizenship now: 5 years of legal residency completed, valid residence permit, and A2 knowledge of Portuguese; or, being married or in a civil union with a Portuguese citizen for over 3 years. If not, life in Portugal is not yet over. You can apply for permanent residence, or for the EU long term residence status, or keep renewing your residence permit until you are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship under the new law.

These steps preserve present rights and give you flexibility in a rapidly changing environment. We can assist you conducting an eligibility audit, assemble the nationality or permanent-residence dossier, and advise on interacting with AIMA and the civil registry to minimize procedural delay. We can prepare a tailored action plan based on your exact dates of residence, and personal circumstances.

Your timely Portuguese citizenship application and/or a safe and complete permanent residence application may simply be one email away! Please feel free to reach out for tailored legal support.