On 1 April 2026, the Portuguese Parliament approved Decree No. 48/XVII, introducing major amendments to the Portuguese Nationality Act.
These legislative changes will directly affect both new nationality applications and pending procedures, altering key requirements such as minimum residence periods, integration criteria, and the method for calculating legal residence.
Our Immigration Department, coordinated by Catarina Bastos, has prepared a legal newsletter, providing a clear and practical explanation of the most relevant changes, including:
- the increase in the minimum residence period required for Portuguese nationality;
- reinforced requirements regarding knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture, history, and political system;
- changes to the calculation of legal residence; and
- the different strategic options available depending on each applicant’s profile.
Although the new law has not yet entered into force, early planning and strategic assessment are essential to safeguard rights and opportunities.
Our team remains available to schedule a meeting and to assess, in detail, the impact of these changes on your specific situation.