Portugal’s Nationality Law 2025: Impact on the Golden Visa

A New Nationality Framework for Portugal

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On Tuesday night, October 28, the Portuguese Parliament approved the new nationality law with 157 votes in favor and 64 against (Público, 2025).

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The proposal, backed by PSD, Chega, and JPP, introduces longer timelines and stricter integration requirements while seeking greater transparency and legal certainty.

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The bill will now be sent to the President of the Republic for review. He may:

1. promulgate the law,
2. return it to Parliament for revision, or
3. refer it to the Constitutional Court for preventive assessment.

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Once promulgated and published in the Diário da República, the law will take effect immediately, followed by decrees defining language tests and procedural details.

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Key Changes Introduced by the Reform

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1. Longer residence requirement

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The new law extends the legal residency period required for citizenship from five to ten years.

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This does not change the minimum physical stay required of 14 days every two years for Golden Visa holders, but does increase the waiting time to citizenship.

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For EU citizens and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP), the required legal residence period is seven years.

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2. Clearer start date for residency counting

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Residency time will now start from the date the residence permit is issued, ending the previous rule that counted from the application stage, although the change may still be subject to review by the Constitutional Court.

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3. Integration and language requirements

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Applicants will be required to show basic knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture, through simple standardized assessments.

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These measures are designed to ensure genuine connection with Portugal’s community and everyday life.

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4. Children born in Portugal

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Children born in Portugal will automatically qualify for citizenship if one parent has held legal residence for at least five years before birth.

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This provides a stable rule for families already settled in the country.

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5. Fraud and revocation clauses

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The reform introduces a provision allowing citizenship to be revoked only in proven cases of fraud, such as the use of false documents or deliberate misrepresentation during the naturalisation process.

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This measure targets intentional misconduct, not legitimate Golden Visa applicants who follow all legal procedures.

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Once revoked on these grounds, citizenship cannot be requested again.

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Who Is Affected — and Who Is Not

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The reform will apply to new and current residency holders, including those under investment programs.

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However, the law does not clarify whether existing Golden Visa applicants will retain the previous five-year citizenship timeline, a point that may still be challenged before the Constitutional Court on constitutional grounds.

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New Golden Visa investors will follow the updated ten-year naturalisation period, while continuing to enjoy full residency rights, family inclusion, and access to permanent residency after five years. These core program benefits remain fully protected under current legislation.

The Golden Visa: Still Unchanged, Still Exceptional

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Even after the nationality reform, the Portugal Golden Visa remains the most efficient and flexible path to EU residency.

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It is the only active program in Europe that can ultimately lead to an EU passport without full-time relocation.

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What remains unchanged, and what requires an adjustment:

• Unchanged: Only 14 days of physical presence required every two years during 5 years.
  • At year five, Golden Visa holders can request a permanent residency card, valid for five years, renewable, and without any full-time residence requirement in Portugal.
• Unchanged: Full family inclusion, spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents and in-laws.
  • Children will need to remain unmarried and financially dependent on the main investor only for the first 5 years (till permanent residency is granted), and not for the 10 years to citizenship.
• Unchanged: No tax residency obligation, unless relocation to Portugal.
• Unchanged: Investment locked in for only five years (till permanent residency).
• Unchanged: Fund-based route fully regulated by the CMVM and compliant with EU standards.

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For comparison, Greece requires seven years of continuous physical residence, and Spain requires ten years before citizenship, both demanding full relocation and tax implications.

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Portugal’s program stands apart: minimal commitment and long-term access to EU mobility, all without changing where you live or pay taxes.

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That combination of security, flexibility, and regulatory integrity is why the Golden Visa remains Portugal’s strongest global advantage and the leading residency-by-investment program in Europe.

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Looking Ahead: Certainty for Golden Visa Investors

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Portugal’s new nationality law changes the path to citizenship, but the Golden Visa framework remains fully intact.

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In this new phase, VIDA offers clarity and stability, providing a regulated, fund-based route that continues to qualify for EU residency.

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By combining transparent management, sustainable hospitality investments, and legal precision, VIDA allows investors to pursue long-term European residency with confidence. Our structure is built for resilience — ensuring that capital is protected, compliant, and actively contributing to Portugal’s growth.

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At a time of legislative change, VIDA stands as a trusted partner for global investors, turning uncertainty into opportunity through secure, asset-backed investments that align purpose with performance.

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For tailored guidance, contact rita@vida-cap.com or schedule a call here.