Portugal’s Constitutional Court has issued a split verdict on the nationality reform, extending the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years while striking down other provisions.
• Residency requirement for citizenship increased from 5 years to 10 years. • Provisions invalidated include automatic disqualification for past criminal sentences and vague criteria on national community values. • Applications already submitted continue under the rules in effect when filed; these applicants are protected. • Thousands nearing their fifth year of residency face timing pressure to submit applications before the new rules take effect. • The president must decide whether to return the decree to parliament for amendment or promulgate only the constitutional provisions, determining when the changes apply.
Takeaway: Foreign residents in Portugal must monitor the rollout closely, as timing will be critical for those approaching eligibility under the old five-year residency rule.
