A significant change in Portuguese law has created a major setback for thousands of Brazilians seeking citizenship. The new Nationality Law, promulgated by President António José Seguro on May 3rd, extends the minimum legal residency period required to apply for citizenship.
For citizens from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), which includes Brazil, the wait time has increased from five to seven years. For nationals from all other countries, the requirement has been extended from five to ten years. The law will take effect the day after its official publication in the Diário da República.
The impact is immediate and personal for many families. Mariza Estima, a 59-year-old Brazilian real estate agent, moved to Portugal with her husband in August 2021. They were approaching the five-year mark and were on the verge of applying for citizenship. "We find it completely unfair," she stated, noting they entered legally, have paid taxes since arrival, and have established community ties. "Returning is not an option," she added, highlighting their commitment to staying.
The legislative process involved the President's promulgation, which serves as the institutional approval from the head of state. As explained by legal expert Marianna Guimarães, this step is necessary for the law to proceed to its final stages. The law's text specifies it enters into force the day following its official publication.
Beyond the residency extension, the law also alters rules for children born in Portugal. Previously, a child was considered Portuguese by birth if at least one parent had lived in the country for one year, regardless of immigration status. Now, that parent must have had legal residency in Portugal for a minimum of five years.
Experts suggest this legislative shift signals a broader change in Portugal's immigration policy, which has been relatively open in recent decades. The move aligns with a trend of increased restrictions across Europe, driven by rising migration flows and the use of Portuguese citizenship as a pathway to access the wider European Union.
Based on reporting from g1.