Portugal Changed the Rules: The Uncertain Future of the Golden Visa And Citizenship

Explorer Investments
Wed, 04 Nov 2025 09:00:00 GMT
Portugal Citizenship Law, Portugal Golden Visa, Residency by Investment, EU Mobility, Investment Migration, HNWI Strategy & Succession

Portugal’s Parliament has approved major changes to citizenship eligibility — extending the residency requirement from 5 to 10 years for most foreign nationals. Discover what changed, who is affected, and why Portugal still offers strategic EU residency advantages for internationally mobile families.

Portugal has signalled a firm policy shift: longer integration timelines and fewer “phantom residencies.” Yet the Golden Visa remains — and for many families, the combination of low physical presence, CMVM-regulated investment funds and EU optionality still delivers a compelling Plan B.

Fast Facts

5 → 10 years: Citizenship timeline expansion in draft legislation.

Clock from residence card issuance: Not application date.

Effective path: ~12-15 years due to issuance delays.

All residents affected: No grandfathering in the current draft.

Why Portugal Still Works

Low average presence supports global careers and tax positioning.

Family coverage for spouse and dependents.

CMVM-regulated fund route keeps capital productive in the EU.

“If your goal is EU residency and optionality — not fast-track naturalization — Portugal continues to offer real value.” — Explorer Investments

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