On 3 May 2026, the President of the Republic, António José Seguro, promulgated Parliamentary Decree No. 48/XVII, amending Law No. 37/81 of 3 October (the Portuguese Nationality Law).
The amendments entered into force on 19 May 2026 and introduced significant changes to the legal framework governing the attribution and acquisition of Portuguese nationality.
The new rules strengthen the requirements applicable to most nationality acquisition mechanisms, particularly in relation to minimum periods of lawful residence, proof of integration into the Portuguese community, national security requirements and the applicant's ability to support themselves.
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