Portugal’s Citizenship Rules May Be Changing: What Golden Visa Investors Need to Know

Portugal’s Citizenship Rules May Be Changing: What Golden Visa Investors Need to Know

On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese government introduced a draft law that could significantly change the country’s Nationality Law. While the proposals are still working their way through Parliament, the suggested amendments are substantial and, if passed, would extend the timeline to citizenship for most applicants, including those under the Golden Visa program.

This article outlines what’s on the table, what’s still uncertain, and what you need to consider if you’ve already applied or are planning to do so.

What’s Changing in the Citizenship Law?

• Residency Requirement: Extended to 10 years for most applicants (up from 5 years)
• Exception: Citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) would only need 7 years
• Start Date: The clock would begin at the issuance of your residence permit, not the date of application
• Additional Criteria: A2 Portuguese language, a civic integration test, and a clean criminal record
• Sephardic Route: Proposed cancellation of the Sephardic Jewish ancestry path to citizenship

Also proposed: a new security agency (UNEF) and reforms to immigration oversight – indirect but relevant changes for those navigating Portugal’s residence pathways.

Is This Already Law?

No. These are proposals, not active legislation.

The bill was introduced on June 23, 2025. It still needs to pass through Parliament, where:

• Political negotiations may alter its content
• Amendments could reduce or delay certain provisions
• The legislative timeline could take weeks or months

So while this is a serious development, nothing is final yet.

How Will This Affect Golden Visa Holders?

The draft law doesn’t directly change the Golden Visa program itself. Your residency rights are still protected under current rules. However, the path to citizenship through the Golden Visa route could become longer.

Right now, Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship after 5 years, assuming they meet language and residency criteria. Under the new proposal:

• That wait could extend to 10 years
• The timeline would begin once your first residence card is issued, not when your application is submitted

What If You’ve Already Applied for Citizenship?

According to the government:

• Applications submitted before June 19, 2025 will follow the current rules
• Submissions must be complete – not just placeholders

So if your file is in and fully documented, the 5-year rule should apply. Incomplete applications risk being judged under the new law.

There’s also a constitutional safeguard. Retroactively applying new rules is generally not allowed under Portuguese law. This offers some reassurance that changes won’t affect past applicants unfairly.

What About New Applications?

If the law passes in its current form:

• Golden Visa investors who haven’t yet reached citizenship eligibility would need to wait 10 years
• They’d also need to meet new conditions: language, civic knowledge, no serious criminal record
• The government may scrutinise your “connection” to Portugal more strictly

For those still considering the program, this raises a strategic question: is it worth pursuing just for citizenship – or are there other benefits that still justify the investment?

Is Permanent Residency Still Available After 5 Years?

Yes.

Golden Visa holders can still apply for permanent residence after 5 years. This gives you:

• The right to reside indefinitely in Portugal
• Visa-free travel across the Schengen zone
• Continued pathway to citizenship if laws change again later

Permanent residence usually requires:

• A2-level Portuguese
• Proof of meeting stay requirements (14 days every 2 years)

Note that rules may differ between regular PR and GV-based PR, so check with your legal advisor.

Steps to Protect Your Position

If you’re already in the program:

• Make sure your citizenship application is complete and submitted before any legal changes take effect
• Keep documentation organised and ready in case authorities request clarification

If you’re considering applying:

• Be aware that timelines may soon double
• Evaluate whether permanent residence alone meets your goals
• Consider starting your process now – residence rights are less likely to change retroactively

Final Thoughts

This proposal could redefine the Portuguese citizenship timeline, but it’s not law yet.

For now:

• Nothing changes immediately
• Citizenship after 5 years is still available if your application is timely and complete
• Permanent residence remains an option for long-term EU access

We’ll continue tracking updates closely. In the meantime, smart investors should prepare, not panic.

Want help reviewing your timeline or accelerating your strategy?

Our advisors at Citizenship360 are here to guide you.