Portugal Dom

Portuguese Citizenship Becomes More Accessible

In 2025, the Portuguese National Citizenship Law continues to evolve, making the path to citizenship simpler and faster. Thanks to changes that took effect in January 2024, the required period for obtaining citizenship is now five years from the moment a residency application is submitted.

Key Changes in the Law

Before the reform, the process could take an additional 2–3 years beyond the mandatory five years of residence, creating significant difficulties for applicants. A major breakthrough was the introduction of the “Citizenship Platform” in December 2023—a digital tool designed to streamline and accelerate the application process. On January 5, 2024, the Portuguese Parliament officially approved amendments, including a new provision (Point 4 to Article 15) that counts the residency period from the moment the temporary residence permit application is submitted.

What Does This Mean for Applicants?

These innovations have significantly eased the path to citizenship for those already residing in Portugal. The shortened timeframes and modernized procedures make the process more transparent and convenient.

In 2025, Portugal’s political stability supports the successful implementation of these changes, with further steps aimed at strengthening efficiency and reliability in this area.

We continue to monitor updates to provide you with the latest information and support in the citizenship application process.

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