20 Nov Transitus | Golden Visa Portugal: What changes with the recent legislative developments?

Recent legislative proposals and amendments to Portugal’s immigration framework have raised understandable questions among foreign investors at a time when the country is strengthening control mechanisms, reviewing procedures and implementing new digital tools. Despite the breadth of these discussions, it is important to note that the Golden Visa programme remains unchanged, preserving its structure, its requirements and its role as a pathway to permanent residence and, ultimately, Portuguese nationality.

Administratively, the end of automatic extensions of residence permits marks a return to the normal regime for managing and expiring residence titles, now supported by increased digitalisation. In certain cases, including Golden Visa holders, the renewal process may be submitted online through a dedicated electronic platform by a legal representative, allowing for greater efficiency and speed in the initial stages of the procedure.

In parallel, other changes in the immigration system — although unrelated to the Golden Visa — point towards a more selective framework: tighter control over entry and stay, more demanding criteria focused on qualification and talent, and stricter requirements for family reunification, housing and integration. Taken together, these measures reflect a more rigorous policy and a shift towards filtering applicants according to specific profiles.

The development drawing the most attention, however, relates to the proposed revision of the Nationality Law. Although separate from the Golden Visa programme, this debate is highly relevant given that the regime may lead to permanent residence and eventually citizenship. The approved text increases the minimum residence period required for naturalisation to 7 years for EU and CPLP citizens and 10 years for all other nationalities, replacing the current 5-year requirement. This period is counted from the issuance of the residence permit, rather than from the date the application is submitted. Furthermore, the proposal foresees immediate entry into force upon publication, without an extended transitional period.

The legislative process is currently on hold. The bill was sent to the President of the Republic, and a request for preventive review before the Constitutional Court has suspended any final decision. The President will await the Court’s ruling, while the possibility of transitional measures remains open. Although the final outcome is not yet known, completing investments and submitting applications over the coming weeks may increase the likelihood of benefiting from any transitional arrangements that could eventually be adopted.

In this evolving environment, the core message remains unchanged: Golden Visa Portugal itself is stable, operational and legally unaffected. What is under discussion is the broader nationality regime — not the residence-by-investment programme — making it essential for investors to follow the upcoming legislative steps closely.