Íæż½ã½ã

Hi fellow Íæż½ã½ãs,
I have been issued a 5 yeas temporary residence card. I have been in Portugal for 183 days in each of the past two years. Does this new legislation mean I need to stay in Portugal another 8 years before becoming a citizen or does this only apply to people coming in to the country now.
i would be grateful to receive some advice.
thank you
Ben - @Beninuk1996

Has it been made law yet? I dont think it has, it's only been proposed. They still need to be approved by the parliament and signed by the president, as far as I am aware. The countdown for the residency period begins when the applicant receives their first residence permit.

@Beninuk1996,

The new law has already been approved by parliament and will come into force in the next few weeks. It will apply to all people who apply for nationality as soon as they are able to do so. In your case, you will also have to fulfil the new deadlines and requirements, i.e:

- 10 years' residence in Portugal

- You must demonstrate an effective connection to Portugal

- Proficiency in the language is mandatory

- Proof of cultural and social integration and participation in the community is mandatory

-The possibility of withdrawing nationality acquired less than ten years ago in the event of a conviction for serious crimes punishable by Portuguese law has also been introduced.

P.S. Do you think that just being physically in Portugal for 183 days x 5 years = 915 days gives you the right to apply for citizenship?!!?

@JohnnyPT

Ahh, I stand corrected. I just hadn't heard that it was finally past. Many countries are taking such measures to address immigration issues.

P.S. Do you think that just being physically in Portugal for 183 days x 5 years = 915 days gives you the right to apply for citizenship?!!? - @JohnnyPT

This will be interesting when they start scanning the passports in 7 days.