03 Mar Suspension of the Nationality Law Reform: Parliament Awaits New Composition of the Constitutional Court

The legislative process concerning the proposed reform of the Portuguese Nationality Law is currently suspended. Political parties in Parliament have agreed not to resume discussions or move forward with any vote until the new composition of the Constitutional Court is in place. As a result, the reform approved at the end of 2025 remains without legal effect. The current framework of the Nationality Law continues to apply in full, providing legal stability for applicants and ongoing procedures.

The political decision to wait for the Court’s recomposition has immediate consequences:

No amendments to nationality requirements are in force.

There is no defined timetable for resuming legislative negotiations.

Pending nationality applications continue unaffected, assessed under the existing legal framework.

Current Legal Framework That Remains Applicable

Until further legislative action is taken, the following rules remain fully in force:

Five years of lawful residence as the general requirement for naturalisation.

Residence time counted from the date of the first residence permit application, in line with current administrative interpretation.

Proof of basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level).

Assessment of criminal records according to existing criteria.

Full respect for non-retroactivity regarding already-submitted applications.

Content of the Suspended Reform

How Caiado Immigration Can Assist

At Caiado Immigration, we closely monitor all legislative and constitutional developments related to the Nationality Law and provide comprehensive legal support, including:

Full eligibility assessments

Strategies to consolidate residence time

Preparation, submission and complete follow-up of nationality applications

Representation before civil registry offices and authorities

Preventive advisory services regarding potential future legislative changes