The Portuguese government has announced a set of proposals aimed at tightens and residence and visa laws and also the acquisition of Portuguese nationality.
It focuses on the needed organization of migration flows, regulated and secure channels. This will ensure a more organized and faster process, allowing public services to respond effectively to all the requests that lead to several delays.
It requires more documentation, however visas are still being approved and businesses can still be started in Portugal without interruption.
This information is based on proposals that could still be changed before any final decisions are made.
Strengthening the criteria for granting Portuguese nationality:
- A genuine, strong, and lasting connection to the Portuguese community will be required for those seeking nationality through naturalization;
- The minimum period of legal residence will be: 7 years for citizens of the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) and 10 years for citizens of other countries;
- Nationality by descent for foreigners born in Portugal will no longer be automatic and will require at least one parent to have legally resided in Portugal for a minimum of 3 years;
- Naturalization by descent will be limited to great-grandchildren, and the current regime for Sephardic Jews will be eliminated;
- An integration test will be required, covering knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture, constitutional values, and principles of the democratic rule of law;
- Family reunification can only be requested after 2 years of legal residence by the primary resident;
- Spouses and adult family members will have to apply from their country of origin, and the possibility of applying for reunification while already in Portuguese territory will be eliminated;
- Applications will now require a more rigorous assessment of housing conditions, means of subsistence, and the applicant’s degree of integration.
Besides these new rules, OportoAccounting continues to assist with secure your visa and set up your business in Portugal smoothly and on time.
We specialize in supporting entrepreneurs, expats, and investors establish their companies in Portugal, quickly and efficiently.
