Portugal Tightens Nationality Rules: What Global Movers Should Know
Lisbon, Portugal
In June–July 2025, Portugal introduced a suite of significant immigration and nationality law reforms that could reshape the Golden Visa landscape and impact long‑term residency plans.
What’s Changing?
1. Residency Requirement Doubled
The draft nationality law requires 10 years of legal residence (up from 5) to apply for citizenship—though nationals of Portuguese‑speaking countries (e.g., Brazil, Angola) may qualify after 7 years. Applicants must also pass language and civic tests, and affirm alignment with Portuguese democratic values.
2. Retroactivity & Family Reunification Concerns
Draft provisions may be applied retroactively to applications filed from June 19, 2025, while family reunification timelines and rights are also likely to be tightened—raising concerns about equal treatment for dependents.
3. Parliamentary Process & President’s Intervention
The legislation has not yet passed: it has been referred to the Constitutional Court for legal review, delaying final approval until after Portugal’s parliamentary recess.
Why It Matters for Mobility & Investment Clients
Golden Visa Residency vs Citizenship
The Golden Visa program remains active—but is now limited to non-real estate investment routes (e.g. funds, job creation, research, cultural projects). Citizenship eligibility may now take twice as long.
Uncertainty for Prospective Applicants
If the new law is enacted without grandfathering provisions, current and future applicants may need to meet the extended 10-year residency requirement rather than the previous 5-year timeline.
Backlogged System Adds Delay
Over 400,000 applications remain pending across immigration and Golden Visa processes, pushing processing timelines into 2026–2030.
Beyond Borders Advisory Framework
Key Focus What Clients Should Do
Legal vs Citizenship Maintain clarity: keep Golden Visa residency separate from eventual citizenship eligibility.
Grandfather Possibility Monitor whether changes will grandfather existing applicants under the 5-year rule.
Update Exit Strategy Plan for potential extended timeline—especially if the goal is citizenship within a predictable timeframe.
Visa Route Evaluation Review eligibility for alternative paths such as work/residence permits if Golden Visa no longer suits plans.
Family Reunification If relocating with dependents, account for stricter new timelines and documentation requirements.
Government Monitoring Stay aware of dates for September parliamentary sessions and Constitutional Court reviews.
Backlog Mitigation Early submission reduces exposure to delay; expedite paperwork and support sooner rather than later.
Key Takeaways:
The Portuguese government has proposed extending citizenship eligibility to 10 years of residency, with new civic/language tests, and potentially retroactive application timers.
Family reunification and special investor categories may face tighter criteria.
Golden Visa residency remains available, but real estate routes have been permanently removed, and citizenship timelines may lengthen.
Legislative finalization remains pending pending court review and parliamentary debate—expected into September 2025.
Ongoing backlogs may delay application processing well beyond Five‑year cycles.
At Beyond Borders, we’re tracking these developments closely. We help clients navigate transitional rules, plan around timing uncertainties, and evaluate whether the Golden Visa or alternative mobility pathways best serve their long‑term relocation strategy.
If you’re currently applying, or considering Portugal residency or citizenship, let's schedule a strategy review before the legislative changes are finalized.
