- Portugal is implementing major changes to its immigration policies.
- The residency period for foreign nationals to qualify for citizenship has been extended from five years to ten years.
- António Leitão Amaro, Minister of the Presidency, announced these updates as part of a broader immigration reform initiative.
Portugal has announced sweeping changes to its immigration policies, including a significant extension of the residency period required for foreign nationals to become eligible for citizenship from five to ten years.
António Leitão Amaro, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, shared the update as part of the government’s broader efforts to reform and streamline the country’s immigration system. He noted that these changes aim to better regulate the influx of migrants and ensure a more sustainable approach to integration.
Major Reforms Introduced
- Extended Citizenship Timeline
A key element of the reform is the proposal to double the minimum legal residency period required before an immigrant can apply for Portuguese citizenship. Instead of the current five years, foreign nationals would need to reside legally in Portugal for ten years.
Additionally, the government is proposing that the period between applying for and being granted a residence permit no longer count towards this requirement. This change could lengthen the path to citizenship for many foreign residents.
- Tougher Rules for Family Reunification
Stricter standards will also apply to family reunification, especially for migrants from non-EU countries. New rules are expected to require Portuguese language proficiency and proof of financial self-sufficiency from applicants. Minister Amaro explained that these steps are necessary due to the current strain on public services, which are struggling to accommodate the growing immigrant population.
Reform Context and Broader Goals
These policy shifts come shortly after the new government led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro assumed office on June 15. Immigration reform was a major part of his election platform, and the administration appears committed to prompt action.
The Portuguese government says the updated policies are designed to better align immigration with national infrastructure and economic goals. They are particularly focused on attracting highly skilled professionals, members of the Portuguese diaspora, and their descendants.
Supporting Developments
In February 2024, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) launched an online portal to streamline the process of converting work permits into citizenship applications. The digital tool aims to cut citizenship application processing times by as much as 50%. Over the past six years, roughly 1.4 million people have applied for Portuguese citizenship.
- As part of the reforms, foreign nationals with valid employment contracts who had contributed to Portugal’s Social Security system for at least one month prior to June 4, 2024, are now eligible for a simplified residency path. This is intended to ease the transition for skilled workers into legal status.
- Meanwhile, Portugal’s Golden Visa program has also undergone a digital overhaul. Investors must now submit all documentation electronically through the ARI Portal, eliminating physical paperwork and minimizing delays. Beginning in January 2025, biometric appointments will be scheduled automatically under the new system.
Revised fees have been set at €6,045.20 for certified documents and €8,060.20 for uncertified submissions.
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