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Recent updates to the Portuguese Nationality Law, particularly the tenth amendment published on March 5, 2024, have introduced important changes for applicants seeking Portuguese nationality through naturalisation. Here's what clients need to be aware of:
Residency Time Now Counts from Application Submission
The length of residence required for nationality applications now starts from the moment a residence permit application is submitted, rather than from when the permit is granted.
This change addresses delays between the application and the actual approval of the residence permit, which can sometimes take years. Applicants no longer have to wait for their permit to be finalised to start counting the required residency period.
No Dependence on the Regulation Amendment
While the Portuguese Government was supposed to amend the Nationality Law Regulation within 90 days, this delay has not impacted the application of the new rules.
The media reports, confirmed by RFF Lawyers, show that the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) is already applying the new rules.
Application Process Clarity
For "Golden Visa" (Investment Residence Permits) applicants, the residence period now officially begins when the application is submitted via the electronic platform, which is typically the date of payment for the analysis fee. This eliminates ambiguity regarding when residence time starts.
Restoration of Confidence
These changes aim to mitigate the frustration caused by long delays in the residence permit process, allowing applicants to move forward with their plans for acquiring Portuguese nationality.
Clients should be aware that the time required for nationality applications now begins from the submission of their residency application, offering a more efficient pathway to citizenship despite potential delays in the approval process.
Disclaimer: Information is subject to change.
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