29 Oct Portugal’s Nationality Law Update

Portugal’s Parliament has approved a new Nationality Law that extends the legal residency requirement for citizenship to 10 years for most applicants and 7 years for EU/Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) nationals. Time now counts from the moment the first residency card is issued, and all legal residence periods within a ten‑year window are combined. In practice, given the wait time to obtain a residence card, naturalization may take approximately 9–13 years. Pending applications are protected from retroactive changes, which provides welcome certainty.

Despite the longer residency period for the nationality, the Golden Visa programme remains exceptionally attractive and continues to offer residence rights for the whole family and visa‑free access to the Schengen Area. The minimum stay requirement is still just 7 days per year (or 14 days every two years). This low physical presence is unmatched by most other European programmes and allows investors to manage their lives and businesses abroad while keeping their pathway to Portugal.

While future regulations may introduce civic or cultural knowledge tests, this legislation offers much‑needed stability. Investors can move forward confidently, knowing that Portugal remains open to investment, with a high quality of life, a resilient economy, and a clear path to eventual EU citizenship.

Key Points

• Residency for citizenship: 10 years for most nationals, 7 years for EU/CPLP.
• Counting starts: when the first residence card is issued.
• New counting rule: all legal residence periods within a 10‑year window count.
• Golden Visa: stays substantially unchanged, with minimal stay – 7 days per year.
• Pending applications protected.

If you need help with your visa process, click here to book a meeting with us — completely free and at your convenience.