Citizenship and Immigration Laws Set for Debate in Portugal’s Parliament

Portugal’s parliament is set to debate a series of proposed reforms to the country’s nationality and immigration laws this week — potential changes that could alter the route to citizenship for many foreign residents.

However, experts say the reforms are unlikely to diminish the appeal of Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment scheme. Instead, they view the move as an effort to align Portugal’s framework with those of other EU nations.

While a final vote has yet to take place, the proposals could extend the naturalisation timeline and strengthen integration standards, drawing close scrutiny from international investors.

Currently, foreign nationals are eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence. Under the draft proposals, this period would increase to ten years for most applicants, and seven for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries.

Legal analysts expect transitional provisions to protect existing residents and pending visa applicants, given the government’s ongoing assurances of stability for the Golden Visa programme.

Diogo Capela, partner at Portuguese immigration law firm Lamares, Capela & Associados, said:

“We are closely watching the parliamentary proposals, but our view is that the government is trying to protect Golden Visa investors from certain legislative restrictions, particularly with regard to family reunification, which will remain intact for them.

“As for the deadline for obtaining Portuguese nationality, it is still too early to say whether or not it will actually be changed, as this topic has not even been discussed in parliament yet.

“So far, only legislative changes to the Immigration Law have been debated. Changes to the Nationality Law will be debated in the future.”

Although any adjustment would affect the timeframe for Golden Visa holders seeking citizenship, the core residency-by-investment programme remains untouched.

The Golden Visa continues to perform strongly in 2025, having successfully transitioned since the real estate investment route was phased out in October 2023. Today, eligibility is achieved through investments in Portuguese alternative funds, job creation, or cultural and innovation projects that contribute to the nation’s development.

Steve Philp, Director at Portugal Pathways, which supports global investors and private wealth entering Portugal through the Golden Visa, said:

“We’re not seeing any slowdown in interest or motivation for Portugal’s Golden Visa. In reality, the full journey to a second passport and EU citizenship typically takes around seven years right now — five years under the Golden Visa and roughly another 18 months to process the citizenship application.

“If the timeline changes from five to 10 years, this will have little impact on investors and simply bring it more in line with other EU countries.

“Many of our clients, especially from the US, Turkey, Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong and the UK, view this as their ‘Plan B’ and are more than happy to maintain and renew their Golden Visa so they can freely travel across the 29 Schengen countries.

“If anything, we’re seeing more people accelerating their plans, not delaying them.”

Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of the Portugal Investment Owners Club, added:

“Dollar and euro-denominated private equity funds linked to Portugal’s Golden Visa have consistently outperformed both public and private market benchmarks this year — and there’s nothing in the current trajectory to suggest that will change.

“Investors continue to view Portugal as a stable and strategic pathway for diversification, long-term returns, and EU residency flexibility.”

Alongside citizenship reform, lawmakers are also considering revised integration measures, including more advanced Portuguese language and civic knowledge requirements.

A revised version of the broader immigration law — covering areas such as family reunification and work permits — passed through parliament on 30 September 2025, following a presidential veto and a Constitutional Court decision that struck down elements of an earlier draft.

For now, the message to investors remains one of continuity. Golden Visa residency rights, renewals, and pending applications are unaffected. Those who apply before any new rules are enacted are expected to benefit from “grandfathering” provisions, although the exact details of transitional clauses will be key.

The reform process is likely to extend into late 2025, as committees finalise the legislative text and further parliamentary debate takes place. Any final law may also face presidential or judicial review before implementation.

Given Portugal’s reliance on foreign investment and past judicial interventions, experts believe the final outcome will seek a careful balance between tighter regulation and investor confidence. In the meantime, advisers urge prospective applicants to act promptly and remain alert as parliamentary discussions progress.

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About Portugal Future Fund

The Portugal Future Fund strategically invests in key sectors, driving growth and innovation across Portugal. Approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment, it offers a unique opportunity for impactful and rewarding participation.

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