Lisbon, March 2026
A group of residence applicants with ongoing immigration processes in Portugal has formed a Joint Working Group to advocate for fair transitional protections in the context of the Portuguese Government’s ongoing review of the Portuguese Nationality Law.
Background and Context
In 2025, the Portuguese Government initiated a legislative process to revise the Portuguese Nationality Law. Based on developments to date and draft proposals under discussion, the reform may include measures that would: extend the minimum residence period required for naturalisation from 5 to 10 years; and change the starting point for counting the residence period to the date of the first residence permit issuance (rather than the date of the residence application).
As currently framed, these changes appear not to include a safeguard clause or a transitional regime to protect applicants who already have residence processes underway. If formalised without such protections, the reform would create significant and disproportionate consequences for individuals and families who planned their lives, careers, and investments in Portugal based on the existing legal framework.
Purpose and Objectives
The Joint Working Group was created to aggregate the collective voice of applicants who may be adversely affected and to engage constructively with policy-makers to seek a balanced, reformist outcome that remains protective of legitimate expectations.
The Working Group’s objectives are to:
- Explain real-life impacts of the proposed changes on families, residents, and long-term contributors to Portuguese society
- Advocate for a safeguard clause covering applicants with pending residence processes
- Secure a transitional regime that mitigates the impact of the reform on those who relied in good faith on the rules in force at the time of their application
The aim of this initiative is expressly non-litigious and aims to support an evidence-based policy dialogue aligned with Portugal’s reform objectives while respecting legal certainty and legitimate expectations.
Timing and Policy Window
While the Government and Parliament’s timetable for resuming and concluding the legislative process is not yet confirmed, key near-term milestones are expected. This creates a short window for immediate action, requiring focused resources and coordinated engagement.
Resources and Professional Support
To support an effective and structured engagement effort, the Working Group has launched a fundraising campaign. Funds will be used to retain professional Public Affairs support from Bloomcast to provide strategic planning, communications support, and institutional engagement.
The Working Group is committed to maximum diligence and transparency. However, due to the nature of legislative processes, no outcome can be guaranteed.
Governance and Leadership
The Joint Working Group is composed of applicants with ongoing residence processes across different categories and backgrounds. The leadership team is responsible for the collection, administration, and allocation of funds in line with the initiative’s objectives and agreed governance standards.
Institutional Support from PAIIR
The initiative is supported through a collaboration framework with PAIIR – Portuguese Association of Immigration, Investment and Relocation, which assists with institutional communications and engagement with Parliamentary groups and Government stakeholders.
Individuals who wish to formally associate with PAIIR are welcome to do so; however, PAIIR membership is not a requirement to support or participate in this initiative.
Updates, Questions, and Contact
Contributors will be able to follow the initiative’s progress. For questions regarding contributions or participation, please contact sjc.portugal@gmail.com or geral@paiir.pt.
