After a long legislative process, Portugal has finally agreed on the Nationality Law, which was approved by the Parliament and later by the President of the Republic. The first draft of the law was initially vetoed by Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President at the time, due to concerns over its constitutionality. The revised law, approved by António José Seguro, addresses these concerns and outlines the criteria for obtaining Portuguese nationality.
The new law stipulates that the Portuguese Government will grant nationality to individuals aged 18 or older who have legally resided in Portugal for at least 7 years, particularly for those from Lusophone countries and citizens of European Union countries. For naturalised citizens from third countries, a legal residence period of 10 years is required. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture, and history, including national symbols such as the anthem and flag. Additionally, applicants must not have a criminal record exceeding 3 years in prison or be associated with terrorism, violent crime, or organized crime.
Children born in Portugal to foreign parents can be considered Portuguese if at least one parent has legally resided in the country for a minimum of 5 years. The Government also requires proof of the children's attendance in the mandatory school system.
This new law aligns Portugal with other European Union regulations regarding nationality attribution. Similar to Spain and Italy, a 10-year legal residence period is required in those countries, and citizenship at birth is not automatically granted. The emphasis on proving a connection to the country is a significant criterion across various European nations, highlighting the focus on integrating immigrants into society.
With the new Nationality Law, Portugal adopts a model that is more selective and gradual in its approach to nationality attribution. This reflects a broader concern for security and integration, which is becoming increasingly important across Europe.