Portugal citizenship timelines: latest rules and proposals explained

For individuals exploring Portugal’s visa routes, from the well-known Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme to more traditional D-visas, questions about citizenship timelines have become a key topic of discussion in recent months.

Portugal has historically offered a five-year route to dual citizenship and an EU passport once residency has been obtained.

However, a proposed reform could extend the required period to 10 years for most foreign nationals.

While this possibility has prompted uncertainty among prospective applicants, it is important to understand the distinction between the law currently in force and reforms that have only been proposed.

How Portugal’s citizenship rules currently work

As of March 2026, no changes have been implemented. Under Portugal’s Nationality Law, foreign nationals can apply for Portuguese citizenship after completing five years of legal residency.

A reform introduced in 2024 made the process more straightforward. The five-year period now begins from the date a residency application is submitted rather than from the date the residency card is issued.

Previously, administrative delays could add one or even two years to the process while applicants waited for their residency permits to be approved.

For Golden Visa applicants in particular, this adjustment was significant. The five-year pathway towards permanent dual citizenship now starts once the Golden Visa application has been submitted, regardless of how long the processing stage may take.

Applicants must still meet several eligibility criteria before they can apply for citizenship. These include demonstrating Portuguese language ability at A2 level, either through a recognised exam or an approved course, maintaining a clean criminal record and meeting the residency requirements associated with their visa category.

For Golden Visa holders, this requirement averages just seven days in Portugal each year.

Proposed changes to the Nationality Law

At the end of 2025, Portugal’s parliament approved legislation that aimed to reform the Nationality Law. The proposal would increase the minimum residency period required for citizenship from five years to 10 years for most non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals.

For citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), the proposed timeframe would rise to seven years. The draft legislation also included a provision requiring applicants to demonstrate a basic understanding of Portuguese culture.

However, the reform has not taken effect. After reviewing the legislation, Portugal’s Constitutional Court ruled that several provisions were unconstitutional, raising concerns about retroactive measures and potential discrimination.

As of March 2026, the five-year pathway to citizenship remains unchanged.

Nevertheless, the government has indicated that it intends to revisit the issue. The aim is to bring Portugal’s naturalisation framework more closely in line with other European countries, where longer residency requirements are common. Because of this possibility, some investors are choosing to move forward with applications now while the current rules still apply.

Permanent residency remains unchanged

Even if the citizenship timeline is eventually extended, the ability to obtain permanent residency after five years is widely expected to remain the same.

Permanent residency allows individuals to live and work in Portugal without the need to renew temporary residency permits every two years. Although it does not grant the right to vote or provide an EU passport, it does allow visa-free travel across the 29-country Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

If a future reform introduced a 10-year citizenship requirement, investors would still be able to apply for permanent residency after five years and then wait the additional period before applying for naturalisation.

Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways, said: "Under current law, non-EU nationals can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence. Since the 2024 reform, the clock starts from the date you submit your residency application — not when the card is issued — provided it’s approved.

"Parliament did pass a proposal to extend this to ten years. However, the Constitutional Court found elements unconstitutional in January 2026. The law cannot proceed in its current form.

"In addition, no further debate will take place until the new President, Luís Montenegro of the Social Democratic Party, is formally in post — and three new Constitutional Court judges still need to be appointed.

"So we are currently in a legislative pause."

Update: The Nationality Law is expected to return to the parliamentary agenda for reconsideration in April 2026.

What this means for the Golden Visa

Much of the recent discussion around citizenship timelines has focused on Portugal’s Golden Visa programme. However, the proposed changes would apply to citizenship eligibility across all visa types and would not affect the programme’s core structure.

Key advantages of the Golden Visa include flexible residency requirements of only seven days per year, the ability to include eligible family members within one investment and freedom of movement throughout the Schengen area. It also offers a pathway to permanent residency and, under the current legal framework, citizenship after five years.

Since the removal of the real estate investment option in 2023, the programme has shifted towards alternative investment funds approved for the Portugal Golden Visa. Applicants must invest €500,000 in eligible funds.

Other qualifying options include a €250,000 cultural donation or a €500,000 investment into scientific research. For individuals who are not tax residents in Portugal, gains from qualifying fund investments may be exempt from Portuguese tax.

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Contact Portugal Future Fund to invest in Portugal's Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme

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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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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Future Fund website and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Portugal Future Fund operates under CMVM regulations but is not directly endorsed by the CMVM or any governmental entity.

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