Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal, is poised to make a crucial decision that could have positive implications for immigrants residing in the country. Proposed amendments to the Nationality Law, awaiting the President's approval, suggest expedited access to the right to apply for Portuguese citizenship. The revised text specifies that, for the purpose of calculating legal residence periods as outlined in the law, the time elapsed since the request for a temporary residence permit will be considered, provided it is granted.
In practical terms, this entails counting the time from the acceptance of the Expression of Interest (IM), a method widely used by numerous foreigners in Portugal to secure a Residence Permit (AR). The office of Deputy Alexandra Leitão (PS), the rapporteur for this legislative change, has confirmed this to the press.
Upon the approval of the IM request, foreign citizens have already submitted the necessary documentation, including registration with Social Security, initiating an activity or employment contract, and obtaining a taxpayer number. Subsequent steps involve a face-to-face interview, the payment of fees, and the receipt of the residence permit. Presently, this entire duration is not considered within the mandated five years of residency required by law. With the recent transfer of services to the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), it remains uncertain whether the waiting time will be shortened for applicants during this transitional period.