The Council of Ministers (Conselho de Ministros) approved regulations putting the revised Nationality Law (Lei da Nacionalidade) into effect, setting stricter criteria for foreign residents seeking Portuguese citizenship. Under the new decree-law, applicants will face standardized evaluations covering Portuguese language proficiency, national history, culture, and institutions, alongside proof of financial independence. The decree also requires applicants to declare formal adherence to democratic constitutional principles and provide biometric data.
Government Approves Tougher Regulations for Portuguese Citizenship
Saturday, 31 October 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Nationality Law (Lei da Nacionalidade) sets the rules for who can be a Portuguese citizen, covering birth, descent, naturalisation, marriage and long-term residence. Its approval alongside the 2026 State Budget means changes to those eligibility rules will be implemented as part of the government's 2026 policy package, which the prime minister said will affect the country's stability and competitiveness.
The Council of Ministers (Conselho de Ministros) is Portugal’s national cabinet where the prime minister and ministers meet to approve government decisions, laws and emergency measures. In crises it can decide on declarations such as a state of calamity and the measures that follow; those decisions are then published in the Diário da República. Residents should note that a Council declaration can unlock national aid, resources and civil protection support for affected municipalities.
