Portugal tightens citizenship rules as new Nationality Law takes effect
Portugal’s revised Nationality Law has officially come into force after President António José Seguro enacted the parliamentary decree on Sunday. The new legislation, backed by a broad majority in parliament, introduces stricter rules on citizenship—though not all parties supported the changes. The decree amending the Nationality Law was approved in parliament on April 1. It received votes in favour from PSD, Chega, IL, and CDS-PP. Opposition came from PS, Livre, PCP, BE, and PAN, while JPP abstained.
On the same day, lawmakers also passed a second decree modifying the Penal Code. This change introduces the loss of nationality as an additional penalty. The PS submitted this decree for a preventive constitutional review on April 21.
André Ventura, leader of Chega, praised President Seguro for signing the law into effect. He argued that the new rules should apply immediately, even to ongoing citizenship procedures. Ventura also called on the Constitutional Court to quickly review the Penal Code amendments related to nationality loss, stressing that the legislation enjoys wide parliamentary and public support. The new Nationality Law is now active, with Chega pushing for its immediate enforcement. The Penal Code changes, however, remain under constitutional scrutiny. The outcome of the review will determine whether the loss of nationality penalty can be applied as planned.
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