Portugal is tightening its citizenship requirements: what’s changing for Ukrainians

The Portuguese government no longer offers a fast track to an EU passport: new rules require up to 10 years of residency and stricter background checks. Find out how this will affect Ukrainians’ plans and whether Portugal is still worth considering as a place to move to

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Portugal is tightening its naturalization rules—and these changes will directly affect Ukrainians who view the country as a pathway to a European Union passport.

Parliament has already approved the reform by a two-thirds majority, but the final decision is still pending.

What’s changing?

The new rules call for a stricter approach to vetting applicants. Now, citizenship can be denied for a conviction of just 3 years (previously 5), and the list of offenses that block passport issuance has been expanded.

For Ukrainians, this means increased scrutiny of their legal history while residing in the country.

New timeframes

The timeframes themselves are the main change for Ukrainians. While Portugal was previously considered one of the fastest routes to EU citizenship, the situation is now changing significantly.

- 10 years of residence for third-country nationals (including Ukrainians)

- the count begins only from the moment of obtaining a residence permit

- The changes may even apply to those already in the country

In effect, this nearly doubles the time required to obtain a passport.

After 2022, many Ukrainians chose Portugal as their destination, counting on faster naturalization. Now these expectations may not be met, and the waiting periods could significantly increase.

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What remains unchanged?

Despite the tightening, some conditions remain favorable:

the ability to apply for citizenship even while receiving social assistance

the retention of relatively flexible residency requirements for maintaining a residence permit

This is important for Ukrainians who do not yet have a stable income or are in the process of adapting.

The final decision rests with President António José Seguro—he can either sign the law or veto it to take the interests of foreigners into account.

Portugal is no longer a “fast track” to European Union citizenship for Ukrainians.

However, the country remains a stable and straightforward option for long-term immigration—with a 10-year outlook rather than a 5-year one.

Need help with legalization in Portugal? The immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine will help you assess your chances of obtaining a residence permit and citizenship under the new rules, analyze potential risks, and guide you through every step of the process—from preparing documents to submitting your application. You’ll receive a clear action plan to avoid mistakes and save time during the immigration process.

We remind you! Every year, Portugal becomes more accessible to Ukrainians, offering opportunities for work, education, and a relatively high standard of living. However, moving to this southern country requires a thoughtful approach, knowledge of current requirements, and preparation of the necessary documents. Read about what types of visas are required for relocation, how to legalize your status in Portugal, and what steps you need to take to obtain a work permit.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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