Portugal has officially approved sweeping amendments to its Nationality Law. For investors and foreign residents, the updated legislation may seem daunting at first glance, but in reality, it signals a strategic recalibration rather than a reversal of policy.
In essence, the reforms fine-tune Portugal’s nationality process without altering the country’s welcoming stance toward global investors and residents. The path may be longer, but its direction remains the same.
This article outlines the key updates and what they mean for you:
On October 28, 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved one of the most significant updates to the Nationality Law in recent years. The government aims to balance continued openness to global investors with stronger cultural and civic integration.
Crucially, the reforms do not close the path to citizenship. Instead, they clarify eligibility and extend certain timelines to ensure applicants demonstrate genuine ties to Portugal.
Although the law has passed Parliament, it is not yet in force. It now awaits review by the President of the Republic, who may either ratify it, return it for revision, or refer it to the Constitutional Court. Given the debate around specific provisions, several legal analysts expect a brief period of review before final enactment.
While much of the focus has been on Golden Visa holders, the 2025 nationality law changes introduce broader updates that apply to all foreign residents in Portugal. These adjustments aim to reinforce long-term integration by aligning legal eligibility with deeper social and cultural ties.
Previously, children born in Portugal to foreign parents could acquire citizenship by origin, regardless of how long their parents had lived in the country legally. Under the new law, at least one parent must have held legal residency for a minimum of five years before the child’s birth.
This change redefines jus soli (citizenship by birth), linking it more closely to proven residency and integration over time.
Citizenship by descent remains possible for grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, but now comes with two added conditions:
Applicants pursuing nationality through marriage or long-term partnership will continue to have that path available. However, they must now meet two new eligibility conditions:
All applicants for Portuguese nationality must now provide evidence of financial self-sufficiency. This reinforces Portugal’s emphasis on stable, independent integration without reliance on public assistance.
The law also formally ends the Sephardic Jewish naturalization program, a symbolic and historical route that had already been tightened in recent years. Once the final law is published, this pathway will no longer be available for new applicants.
For investors navigating Portugal’s Golden Visa program, the 2025 reforms bring procedural adjustments and extended timelines. These do not restrict eligibility, they simply reshape the pathway.
The minimum legal residence requirement before applying for Portuguese citizenship has changed:
This change affects when investors can apply, not whether they can. Golden Visa holders remain eligible for citizenship once the new period is met, provided all other criteria are satisfied.
In addition to the existing A2-level Portuguese language requirement, applicants must now also demonstrate:
Previously, the residence period was calculated from the date of application for a residence permit. It will now begin from the issuance date of the first residence card.
This is particularly relevant for Golden Visa holders, as initial card issuance can take several months, effectively delaying the start of the qualifying period for citizenship.
Although the Nationality Law reform was approved by Parliament on October 28, 2025, it has not yet come into force. The next phase in Portugal’s legislative process is a constitutional safeguard: the law must be reviewed by the President of the Republic before it can be officially enacted.
The President has three constitutional options:
For now, all current applications continue to be processed under the existing five-year rule until the final version is published.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the nationality law reform, one element of Portugal’s immigration framework remains unchanged, and continues to offer a stable, long-term solution for investors: Permanent Residency (PR).
Regardless of the extended timeline for citizenship, Golden Visa holders can still apply for permanent residency five years after the issuance of their first residence card. This the pathway remains fully protected under existing legislation, offering a secure long-term residence without needing to apply for citizenship.
Once granted, PR status comes with nearly all the same rights as citizenship, including the ability to:
The primary distinction is that permanent residents cannot vote in national elections, but for many investors, this is a minor limitation compared to the benefits.
Golden Visa PR holders continue to benefit from Portugal’s unique low-stay requirement.
Unlike other residents, they are not required to maintain physical presence in Portugal beyond the standard 7 days per year.
For investors, this exemption provides them with long-term European residency rights without the obligation to relocate or establish tax residency, a major advantage for globally mobile families.
Portugal’s 2025 Nationality Law reform introduces several important updates, but not a fundamental shift in direction. In short, the path to citizenship in Portugal is now longer, but still clear, structured, and fully open to those who plan ahead.
Portugal continues to offer one of Europe’s most secure and structured residency frameworks, and with the right strategy, your long-term goals remain within reach.
HighNetWorth Immigration is here to help you move forward with confidence. Contact us today to explore your options and secure your future in Portugal.
Yes, citizenship is still available to eligible investors. However, the new law increases the required residence period from 5 to 10 years for most non-EU applicants, including Golden Visa holders. It also introduces new requirements around language, cultural knowledge, and civic understanding. While the path may take longer, it remains fully open to those who meet the criteria.
Yes, permanent residency (PR) remains unchanged and is still available after five years of holding a valid residence permit. For Golden Visa holders, this offers a stable and flexible long-term solution, including the right to live, work, and travel within the Schengen Area, without the additional requirements tied to citizenship. PR is especially appealing for investors who want a European base without full relocation.
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