Last week, Portugal parliament reviewed proposed amendments to Immigration and Nationality Laws by council of Ministers. During the debate, members from multiple parties raised significant concerns, and as a result, the Government withdrew its proposal from general vote and requested amendments to Immigration and Nationality Law to be sent back to parliamentary committee stage for more detailed discussion,, in order to secure a broader consensus with opposition parties. More than 7,500 people have signed a petition opposing changes to Portugal’s Immigration & Nationality Law. As a result the changes to the law have to be debated in Parliament.
Experts opinions including that of Jorge Miranda’s (father of the Portuguese Constitution) opinion rule “constitutionally inadmissible” pointing out several loopholes with the law, as it violates the principles of legal certainty, equality and human dignity. The opinion document has been sent to the President of Republic for consideration.
- The Government wants to increase the period of residence in Portugal required to obtain citizenship (from five to seven or ten years, depending on whether the citizen is Portuguese-speaking or non-Portuguese-speaking).
- Counting from the submission of the application for legalization, as has been the case until now, changed to only when the residence permit is granted, which can take years.
- Restriction of the power of the courts in cases of family reunification.
During the Council of Ministers meeting of 23/06/2025 – The Council of Ministers approved four bills on nationality, foreigners, the creation of a borders and immigration unit, and residence permits.
The Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro stressed that “there is a reinforcement of the requirement for an effective tie to the national community that allows attributing political powers to those who are Portuguese” and there is “a clear reinforcement of the requirement and limitations to obtain residence permits for Portugal”. This reinforcement of requirements “is always guided by the respect for the Constitution and humane values” and “mindful of the transformation that occurred during seven years of unruly immigration”, he said.
Lastly, it approved a bill that extends until 15 October validity of the residence permits that have been extended automatically that end by 20 June, and determine whether are to be renewed if the request is made until that date.
Discussion on Portuguese Nationality Law Extended Until September. The Government has agreed to hold a series of hearings on the matter. The agreement was reached on morning, July 9th, in the Committee on Rights, Freedoms, and Guarantees.
The Government has made it clear golden visa scheme wont be scrapped and more incentives will be brought to further bring investments.
