Portugal Citizenship Law Reform 2025: How It Could Affect Golden Visa and Residency Holders

What Are the Main Changes in the New Law?

The new citizenship law raises the residence requirement for naturalisation applicants:

• 7 years for EU and Portuguese-speaking nationals
• 10 years for citizens of other countries

Previously, the qualifying period began on the date of application. Under the new law, it starts from the date of the first residence card issuance — potentially delaying eligibility for thousands of applicants awaiting AIMA processing.

Why Is the Citizenship Reform Controversial?

Legal experts and national institutions, including the Portuguese Bar Association, have expressed concern that the amendments could breach the principle of equality. Two applicants who filed on the same day could face different timelines depending on AIMA’s backlog.

“The amendments may violate legitimate expectations,” noted one compliance advisor. “Applicants under the current system could effectively see their citizenship eligibility doubled.”

What Should Golden Visa Holders Do Now?

• No immediate action is required until the president decides to promulgate, veto, or send the law for constitutional review.
• Investors awaiting biometrics or residence cards should finalize documentation quickly while the current rules apply.
• Once biometrics are completed, residence cards are usually issued within 2-4 weeks.
• Applicants near the 5-year mark should start Portuguese A2 language preparation and secure long-term proof of address in Portugal.

Does the New Law Affect Permanent Residency?

Golden Visa holders may still apply for permanent residency after 5 years, regardless of the citizenship timeline. Permanent residency offers almost all the same rights — residence, study, and work — except voting and holding a passport.

For comparison, see our guide Portugal Golden Visa Fund Route (2025).