The Brazilian government acknowledges difficulties arising from recent changes to nationality and immigration laws in Portugal. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will discuss the issue during his visit to the European country. this Tuesday, April 21st.
The visit to Lisbon will be brief, but includes meetings with the president. Antonio José Seguro and with the prime minister Luiz MontenegroThe situation of Brazilians in the European country will be one of the main points on the agenda.
Government acknowledges sensitive issue.
The Secretary for Europe and North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador Roberto AbdallaHe stated that the issue involves challenges stemming from recent changes.
“The issue of the new nationality law and the Brazilian community abroad is obviously a delicate matter, and there is indeed an interest on the part of Brazil in addressing this issue because challenges persist arising from recent changes in immigration law by Portugal. On this subject, we always like to emphasize that it is important to seek greater integration of the Brazilian community, bearing in mind the Equality Statute foreseen in the Treaty of Porto Seguro and the CPLP Mobility Agreement. So, obviously there are disagreements, but Portugal and Brazil have an open channel on this subject and talk very frankly, seeking the well-being of the communities, both Brazilian there and Portuguese here.”
The statement reinforces the official position that Brazil intends to handle the issue cautiously, respecting Portuguese autonomy.
Changes in legislation
The new Portuguese law The minimum legal residency period required to apply for citizenship has been increased. For Brazilians, the period has been extended to seven years. For other nationalities, it has been extended to ten years.
The text also eliminates the automatic granting of nationality to children of immigrants born in Portugal.
The proposal has already been approved by Parliament and is awaiting review by the Portuguese president.
Impact on the Brazilian community
Official data indicate Significant growth of Brazilians in PortugalIn 2019, there were 4.537 births of children to Brazilian parents in the country. In 2024, the number exceeded 9.600.
The community also plays a significant role in the local economy., representing approximately 10% of the workforce.
Given this scenario, the Brazilian government considers it necessary to maintain dialogue with Portugal to guarantee adequate conditions for its citizens abroad.
Lula's visit is part of a broader agenda in Europe, which includes engagements in Spain and Germany, focusing on strategic partnerships and global issues.
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April 21 from 2026 at 15: 04
It's very interesting that the Brazilian government wants benefits in Portugal, but when it comes to Portuguese people in Brazil, there isn't the same reciprocity. Anyone who wants to work honestly can do so with a visa; it's not necessary to be a Portuguese citizen. The issue of automatic citizenship for children born in Portugal is the worst barbarity against any nation and makes no sense. If the child of a Portuguese citizen is born in Brazil, they aren't automatically Brazilian, so why does the opposite happen?