Portugal Nationality Law Reform: Implications for Citizenship and the Golden Visa
- rfreij
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
On October 28, 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved substantial amendments to the Nationality Law, introducing longer residency requirements for citizenship and new integration criteria.
This reform marks the beginning of a new nationality framework, which has not yet entered into force. The legislation now proceeds to the President of the Republic, who may:
Enact the law,
Return it to Parliament for revisions, or
Refer it to the Constitutional Court for review.
Once signed by the President, the law will be published in the Diário da República (Portugal’s official gazette) and will typically become effective the following day.
Overview of the Reform
The amendments extend the residency period required for citizenship as follows:
From five to seven years for EU and CPLP nationals, and
From five to ten years for all other foreign nationals.
While the new framework lengthens the path to citizenship, it retains an open and transparent process, focusing on procedural clarity and deeper integration. Key updates include:
Residency Start Date: Residency will now be calculated from the issuance date of the residence permit, rather than the application date.
Integration Requirements: Beyond achieving an A2 Portuguese language level, applicants must demonstrate a basic understanding of Portuguese culture, history, and civic values—a straightforward process designed to foster genuine connection with Portugal.
Children Born in Portugal: Children become eligible for citizenship if one parent has legally resided in Portugal for at least five years.
Impact on Golden Visa Holders
Even under the upcoming legal framework, the Portugal Golden Visa remains Europe’s most efficient and flexible residency program—and continues to be the only route leading to EU citizenship without full-time relocation.
Below is an overview of what remains unchanged and what will adjust:
Unchanged: 14-day minimum stay every two years during the initial five-year period.
Adjustment: After five years, investors may apply for permanent residency (valid for five years and renewable) without the need to reside full-time in Portugal.
Unchanged: Inclusion of spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents or in-laws.
Adjustment: Children must remain unmarried and financially dependent only until permanent residency (after five years), not for the entire ten-year citizenship period.
Unchanged: No tax residency obligation unless relocating to Portugal.
Unchanged: The investment must remain active only during the Golden Visa process.
Unchanged: Fund-based investment routes remain fully CMVM-regulated and compliant with EU standards.
The current government—responsible for launching the Golden Visa program—continues to endorse investment-based residency. While constitutional principles prevent exclusive privileges for investors, key advantages remain intact: Golden Visa holders retain family inclusion benefits and can pursue citizenship under permanent residency status without a minimum stay requirement.
A Secure and Enduring Program
The Golden Visa program remains a cornerstone of Portugal’s investment policy, structured to remain robust under this evolving legal landscape.
Our CMVM-regulated and independently audited investment fund focuses on tangible, income-generating hospitality assets, fully compliant with Golden Visa criteria.
Recent developments reinforce confidence in the program:
Portugal’s immigration authority (AIMA) has issued a growing number of new approvals, including for fund investors.
Thousands of biometric appointments are already scheduled for early 2026.
The 2026 State Budget allocates over €70 million to modernize AIMA and enhance operational efficiency—an encouraging sign for both current and prospective applicants.
Next Steps
If you would like to understand how these reforms may affect your personal situation, we recommend speaking with one of our consultants for individualized guidance tailored to your residency or citizenship goals.
