Major Reform of Portuguese Nationality and Immigration Laws – June 2025
At the Council of Ministers meeting held on 23 June 2025, the Portuguese Government announced a broad package of legislative reforms targeting the Nationality Law, the Immigration Law, and the structure of immigration enforcement. These proposals are framed as a response to structural and demographic challenges and aim to ensure firm yet humanistic regulation of nationality and migration in Portugal.
1. Stricter Requirements for Portuguese Nationality
A draft law to amend the Nationality Law was presented. The proposed changes are substantial and include:
Naturalisation by residence will require:
- 7 years of legal residence for citizens from Portuguese-speaking countries and 10 years for all others.
- The residence period is to be counted from the issuance of the first residence permit.
- Proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language, national culture, and the rights and duties associated with Portuguese citizenship, demonstrated through official tests.
- Applications will no longer be admissible for individuals with criminal records for crimes punishable by imprisonment, regardless of the sentence applied.
Attribution of nationality at birth to children of foreign nationals will be conditioned on:
- At least one parent has 3 years of legal residence in Portugal; and
- An express declaration by the parents requesting Portuguese nationality for the child.
Nationality based on Sephardic Jewish descent will be abolished for new applicants.
Acquisition through ancestry will be limited to the third generation (great-grandchildren), subject to proof of an effective connection to the Portuguese community.
Loss of nationality may be imposed as an accessory penalty in cases involving naturalised citizens (within 10 years), who are convicted of serious crimes with effective prison sentences of 5 years or more. This will be determined by a court decision on a case-by-case basis, based on proportionality.
2. Reform of the Immigration Law
A separate draft law seeks to regulate key migration channels, with emphasis on family reunification, CPLP residence, and job-seeker visas:
The job-seeker visa will now be available only for highly qualified professionals, with technical qualifications and eligible professions defined by ordinance.
Family reunification will require:
- At least 2 years of legal residence in Portugal.
- In-country applications are allowed only for minors; other family members must apply via consular channels.
- Proof of adequate housing, financial means (excluding public assistance), and integration efforts such as language learning and school attendance.
- The possibility of refusal based on public order, health, or security concerns.
CPLP residence permits:
- A residence visa will become mandatory.
- It will no longer be possible to obtain a residence permit based on a tourist visa or visa exemption.
- Security clearance by the UCFE (Internal Security Unit) will be required.
- The Government aims to avoid creating a “Manifestação de Interesse 2.0.”
Administrative reforms:
- AIMA will be authorised to plan appointment schedules according to its operational capacity.
- The tacit approval rule for residency processes will be eliminated.
3. Creation of UNEF – National Unit for Foreigners and Borders
A new police unit, UNEF, will be established within the PSP (Public Security Police), assuming exclusive competence over:
- Border control.
- In-country inspections related to foreign nationals.
- Execution of deportation and removal orders.
This is not a reinstatement of SEF (the former border agency), nor a transformation of AIMA into a police body.
4. Final Extension of Expired Residence Permits
Residence permits valid until 30 June 2025 will be automatically extended until 15 October 2025.
- From 1 July 2025, renewal requests can be submitted to AIMA through a new contact platform.
- Applicants who pay the renewal fee will receive a temporary six-month certificate confirming their legal status until the new card is issued.
Important Note: These proposals are not yet in force and remain subject to parliamentary debate and potential amendments. While the Government has not addressed the Golden Visa regime in this announcement, further legislative developments may follow.
