Portugal Plans Stricter Regulations for Citizenship and Family Reunification
Portugal to Tighten Rules for Citizenship and Family Reunification as Part of Immigration Reform
The Portuguese government has confirmed plans to tighten citizenship and family reunification rules in an effort to enhance control over migration flows and improve the country’s immigration framework. These changes are expected to have a direct impact on foreign nationals living in Portugal, particularly those from Portuguese-speaking countries.
Proposed Changes to the Nationality Law
Interior Minister Margarida Amaro stated that the current Nationality Law will be reviewed, with particular focus on residency period requirements and the timelines associated with citizenship eligibility. While the minister did not elaborate on all the details, it is widely anticipated that the legal residence requirement to apply for Portuguese citizenship will increase from five years to ten years.
This proposed extension is expected to exclude the waiting time between an applicant’s residency request and the issuance of a residence permit. The matter was discussed in a government meeting on June 14, where officials considered not counting this period as part of legal residence, effectively delaying eligibility for naturalization.
Immigration as a Priority for the New Government
On June 15, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro was re-elected, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tightening immigration policies. One of his key promises includes addressing immigration challenges during his mandate.
The government aims to regulate migration flows in accordance with the country’s public service capacity and social integration limits. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to create a more selective and skilled migration model.
Stricter Rules for Family Reunification and Work Visas
As part of this approach, the government plans to introduce more restrictive criteria for family reunification applications. Applicants may face new limitations designed to align migration levels with the capacity of Portuguese institutions and communities.
Additionally, job-seeking visas will be reserved primarily for highly qualified professionals, and a language proficiency requirement may be introduced as a condition for obtaining or renewing residence permits.
“Measures and procedures will be introduced to promote and prioritize the attraction and retention of highly qualified foreign talent,” the government stated, with a particular focus on individuals of Portuguese descent and returning emigrants.
Impact on CPLP Nationals, Especially Brazilians
Portugal continues to be a top destination for citizens of CPLP (Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries), which includes Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Timor-Leste, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Among them, Brazilians represent the largest foreign community in Portugal, often arriving for employment opportunities. The proposed restrictions are likely to affect their ability to bring family members under reunification provisions and may limit their path to citizenship if stricter residency requirements are implemented.
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