When does the timeline for a Portuguese citizenship start according to changes in the current nationality law?

Answers

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  Diogo Capela

  Lamares, Capela & Associados, Sociedade de Advogados

  February 06, 2024

  The amendment to the law allows for the consideration of "the time elapsed since the moment the temporary residence permit was requested, provided that it is subsequently approved." However, the law has not yet been promulgated, meaning it has not been officially enacted and has not come into effect. It's crucial to bear in mind the uncertainty surrounding its implementation. If the law is eventually passed, the time begins when you submit the expression of interest. In your situation, it would start in March 2020 since the previous request was canceled and couldn't be approved.

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  Tiago Gali Macedo

  NEXT/Gali Macedo & Associados

  February 05, 2024

  On January 7, 2024, the Parliament approved some changes to the nationality law, which was mainly for Sephardi Jews. However, there was also a proposal approved for the five years for the citizenship application to start counting from the deposit of the residency permit application and not its approval, which could benefit your application. The procedure still needs to be published by the President of the Republic, and currently, it is under analysis by the Constitutional Court. Afterwards, the law still needs the regulation to be done by the government. Thus, it will take a couple of months to be applicable.