Portugal Citizenship Law Changes – Amendments Approved on 29 October 2025

After several postponements and multiple revisions, Portugal’s new Citizenship Law has finally been approved by Parliament — though it hasn’t yet been promulgated by the President.

Here’s what you need to know — especially if you’re a Golden Visa investor

1. Longer timelines for citizenship eligibility

The path to citizenship has been extended to:

• 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens

• 10 years for everyone else

(Yes, I live in Portugal and was eagerly counting down to my own eligibility in early 2027… so I feel this one personally!)

Comment: This is one of the most debated changes. Many investors applied based on the 2- or 5-year eligibility rules. Active lobbying continues to moderate this before it’s finalized — we’ll see if that succeeds.

2. Added cultural and civic knowledge requirements

In addition to the A2 Portuguese language certificate, applicants must now also demonstrate:

• Knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, and national symbols

• Understanding of rights, duties, and the political system

• A commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law

• No listing under UN sanctions

Comment: Nothing too daunting here — quite standard compared to other citizenship frameworks globally.

3. Residency counted from the issue date of your first card

The clock for citizenship eligibility will now start ticking from the date your first residence card is issued, not from when you submitted your application.

Comment: This is a critical shift. It contradicts AIMA’s assurances made earlier this year. If enforced, it risks eroding investor trust in Portugal’s ability to uphold its commitments.

What happens next?

Although approved by Parliament, the law still faces the President’s review, who has 20 days to either:

• Promulgate (approve) it,

• Veto and return it to Parliament, or

• Refer it to the Constitutional Court.

  
  

Many legal experts believe parts of the law may be unconstitutional. The Portuguese legal community is lobbying hard to protect the legitimate expectations of those with ongoing residence applications.

How this affects you

A. If you’ve already invested and your file is submitted:

Stay calm and patient — the legislative process isn’t complete. Nothing changes until the law is officially published.

B. If you’re preparing to invest or apply:

Ask yourself:

• Are you comfortable if your citizenship path becomes 10 years instead of 5?

• If grandfathering is confirmed, you’ll remain on the 5-year track. If not, it will extend to 10.

The saving grace

Even with these changes, permanent residency after 5 years remains in place. Each family member can receive a 5-year PR card — with no obligation to maintain your investment or even reside in Portugal under Golden Visa rules.

A silver lining

There’s good news too: AIMA appointments are finally moving!

Many of my clients who’ve been waiting for months are now receiving their invitations. Progress — at last.

If you’re navigating this new landscape or simply want clarity on how it affects your personal timeline, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help make sense of the fine print.