Portugal has announced sweeping changes to its immigration laws, significantly extending the waiting period for most foreigners to become citizens. Under the new rules, individuals from Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Angola will now have to wait seven years before applying for citizenship, while applicants from other countries face a ten-year requirement, which is double the current wait time.
The changes were confirmed on Monday, June 23rd, by Cabinet Minister António Leitão Amaro, who defended the decision as necessary to ensure stronger ties between applicants and the nation. “We are significantly strengthening the requirements for access to citizenship, naturalization, in line with the guidelines we were already included in the government’s program,” he stated.
In addition to longer waiting periods, applicants must now meet stricter conditions. These include demonstrating knowledge of Portuguese culture, having no effective prison sentences, and formally declaring support for Portugal’s democratic principles.
The reforms also introduce tougher rules for family reunification. Legal residents must now live in Portugal for at least two years before they can sponsor relatives, who must be minors to qualify. Furthermore, the new rules will allow the state to revoke citizenship from naturalized individuals convicted of serious crimes.
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