Portugal Passes Controversial Nationality Law Overhaul: PSD-Chega Deal Ends Automatic Citizenship Paths and Removes Transitional Protections

Portugal passes controversial nationality law overhaul: PSD-Chega deal ends automatic citizenship paths and removes transitional protections.

Lisbon, April 4, 2026 — Portugal’s parliament has approved a sweeping reform of the country’s nationality law following a political agreement between the centre-right PSD government and the far-right Chega party. The new decree, passed late last night, significantly tightens the rules for acquiring Portuguese citizenship and explicitly removes any transitional protections for those already in the application process.

The legislation marks one of the most substantial changes to Portuguese nationality rules in decades and reflects the government’s determination to reduce what it calls “abusive” use of citizenship pathways.

Key Changes in the New Nationality Law

• No more automatic citizenship after 5 years of legal residence for most categories

• Stricter language and integration requirements

• Longer qualifying residence periods in many cases

• Removal of transitional provisions — applications already submitted or in process will be judged under the new, stricter rules

• Tighter rules on criminal records and “good character” assessments

• Reduced pathways for descendants of Portuguese emigrants and Sephardic Jewish communities

The agreement between Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s PSD minority government and Chega was necessary because the government lacks a parliamentary majority. Chega had made support for the budget and key reforms conditional on a hardline approach to immigration and nationality.

What This Means for Applicants

Foreign residents who were hoping to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence will now face longer waiting periods and higher bars for approval. Those who had already started the process or were relying on previous transitional rules will see their applications reassessed under the new criteria.

Particularly affected groups include:

• Long-term residents from Brazil, PALOP countries (Portuguese-speaking African nations), and other non-EU countries

• Individuals relying on marriage or family ties

• Descendants of Portuguese emigrants with weaker documented links

The removal of transitional protections has caused particular concern among immigration lawyers and migrant communities, who argue it creates unfair retroactive rules and legal uncertainty.

Government and Chega Justification

Interior Minister Margarida Balseiro Lopes defended the reform, stating: “Portuguese nationality is a privilege, not a right. We must ensure that those who receive it genuinely integrate into our society, respect our laws, and contribute positively to the country.”

Chega leader André Ventura described the deal as “a victory for the Portuguese people” and a necessary step to “stop the abuse of our generous nationality system.”

Reactions and Criticism

The opposition Socialist Party (PS) and left-wing parties strongly criticised the move, accusing the government of surrendering to far-right pressure and undermining Portugal’s traditionally open and inclusive approach to citizenship.

Human rights organisations and migrant support groups have warned that the changes could discourage legitimate long-term residents and damage Portugal’s international image as a welcoming country.

Practical Impact

• New applications submitted after the law enters into force will be subject to the stricter rules.

• Pending applications may be delayed or reassessed.

• Employers sponsoring foreign talent should review their long-term retention and citizenship strategies for key staff.

For the latest Portugal immigration and nationality law updates, Golden Visa changes, residency permit guidance, and 2026 policy developments, explore our complete collection here: Portugal Visa & Immigration Updates

Portugal’s approval of this controversial nationality law reform signals a clear shift toward a more restrictive approach to citizenship. With the PSD-Chega agreement removing transitional protections, thousands of current and future applicants now face a significantly higher bar to becoming Portuguese citizens.

The full text of the decree is expected to be published in the Diário da República in the coming days, after which the new rules will formally enter into force