Starting July 1, 2025, Portugal is reshaping its citizenship and residency landscape. The standard five-year residency requirement for citizenship becomes a 10-year mandate, while citizens of Lusophone nations benefit from a shortened 7-year period. These changes aim to reinforce national integration and respond to growing political pressure influenced by the far‑right Chega party
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The new rule and its scope
- Who is affected—citizens vs. permanent residents
- Eligibility criteria, including exceptions
- Application process for citizenship
- Required documents & language/culture tests
- Costs, fees & timelines
- Quick FAQ to address common concerns
Read on to understand how this seismic policy shift may impact your long-term plans in Portugal—and what steps you can take now.
1. What Changed on July 1, 2025?
1.1 New Residency Requirement
- Residency requirement doubles from 5 to 10 years for most foreign nationals
- Exception: Nationals from Portuguese‑speaking (CPLP) countries—e.g., Brazil, Angola, Mozambique—can apply after 7 years
1.2 Integration & Language Testing
- Applicants must now pass:
- A Portuguese language exam
- A culture & civic knowledge test covering rights, duties, and democratic principles
1.3 Other Immigration Tightening
- Stricter family permit rules and the removal of sephardi nationality concessions
- Potential revocation of citizenship for serious crimes
Who Is Affected?
| Group | Old Rule (Pre‑July 2025) | New Rule (Post‑July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Most Foreign Nationals | 5 years residency | 10 years |
| Citizens from Lusophone CPLP | 5 years | 7 years |
| Children born in Portugal to foreign parents | Citizen at birth (if parents 3+ years residence & formal request) | Stricter—parents must reside 3 years + formal application |
| Sephardic Jewish descent applicants | Simplified fast-track | Removed |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply after fulfilling the new requirements, you must:
- Be a legal resident for 10 years (or 7 if CPLP)
- Have no valid criminal sentence, especially not over 3 years
- Pass Portuguese language exam (A2/B1 level recommended).
- Pass a cultural-civic exam on Portuguese society, democracy, rights/duties .
- Demonstrate integration: stable home, employment/income, community connection.
Required Documents
You’ll need:
- Residence Permit card(s): showing 10 (or 7) years of legal stay.
- Passport + copies.
- Criminal record certificate from Portugal & home country.
- Proof of language competence: diploma or exam certificate.
- Civic Culture exam: certificate from test center.
- Proof of integration: utility bills, employment contracts, tax statements.
- Birth/marriage certificates (if applicable).
- Application fee receipt (see below).
Costs & Fees
- Naturalisation fee: approx. €236 administrative fee.
- Language exam: €30–€50.
- Civic culture exam: €15–€30.
- Translations/apostilles: vary by document (~€20 each).
- Legal advice (optional): €300–€1,000.
How to Apply:
- Confirm your residency years
- Compile all residence permit cards.
- Check for valid continuous legal residence.
- Prepare documents
- Obtain translation & apostille for foreign documents.
- Request criminal background checks.
- Take required exams
- Registered through CCDR for civic exam.
- Test Portuguese at recognized language centers.
- Submit application online
- Via Citizen Portal (https://www.portugal.gov.pt) or Ministry of Justice portal.
- Pay fees.
- Wait for decision: about 6 to 12 months, processing times.
- Receive citizenship: you’ll be notified; final passport application follows.
Timeline & Transition Rules
- Rule enforced as of July 1, 2025 upon publication and parliamentary vote
- If you already applied before July 2025, your case will follow 5-year rules.
- EU law prevents retroactive effect, so pre-submission counts.
- Those in process (Golden Visa, regular residency) protected under legal principle.
Practical Impact & Advice
- Applicants previously expecting citizenship by 2026 must now wait until 2031 (non‑CPLP).
- Naturalisation becomes long-term planning, not near-term.
- Non-CPLP residents might adjust integration plans (language, community participation).
- CPLP nationals have a shortened path—still 2 extra years, but less than double.
- Golden Visa holders should note: citizenship eligibility is delayed accordingly
- Children born in-country need formal parental applications after 3 years, not automatic citizenship .
Tips to Stay Ahead
- Apply early: before July 1 if you’re close to 5 years.
- Document everything: keep historic permit cards, bills, tax returns.
- Improve Portuguese: enroll in language courses starting now.
- Study civic culture: previous exam materials available online.
- Consider legal support, especially as AIMA rejects incomplete files
- Plan around Golden Visa delays: backlog may affect your timeline .
FAQ Section
Q1: If I applied in April 2025, which rule applies?
A: As long as application is officially submitted before July 1, you fall under the 5-year rule.
Q2: I’m Brazilian—does the new rule affect me?
A: Yes. You now need 7 years of legal residency, not 5 .
Q3: Can language or civic tests be retaken?
A: Yes. Multiple attempts are allowed; each costs around €15–€50.
Q4: Will family reunification rules tighten?
A: Yes—new stricter criteria apply, including housing and income
Q5: What happens to pending Golden Visa applications?
A: They’re processed under existing rules. But naturalisation comes after 10/7 years .
Conclusion
The July 1, 2025 rule marks a major shift: 10 years of residence to become Portuguese, or 7 if from Lusophone countries. You’ll also need language and civic knowledge, not just length of stay.
To secure citizenship under the old system:
- Apply before July 1, 2025, if near the 5-year mark.
- Organize all supporting documents, translation-ready.
- Prepare for exams, and budget for legal advice.
If currently in Portugal or on a Golden Visa path, adjust your citizenship plans—this is a long-term investment now more than ever.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out via our contact page!
Written by Asif, an experienced researcher helping People’s to navigate visas and work abroad opportunities.
Explore more visa guides on LiveAbroadGuide.com
Read Our Latest Blog About: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa 2025 : How to Apply ?
