Key Takeaways
• Portugal requires 10 years residency for citizenship, 7 for CPLP nationals, effective June 19, 2025.
• Golden Visa holders face longer wait, new A2 language and civic tests, and stricter background checks.
• New National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) enforces tighter immigration and family reunification rules.
Portugal 🇵🇹 has taken a major step in reshaping its approach to citizenship, with new rules that will have a strong impact on Golden Visa holders and other foreign residents. On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government approved sweeping changes to the Portuguese Citizenship Law, also known as the Nationality Law. These changes are already in effect for all citizenship applications submitted after June 19, 2025. The new law introduces longer residency requirements, stricter integration tests, and tighter controls on who can become a Portuguese citizen.
This reform is part of a broader government effort to ensure that those who receive Portuguese citizenship have a real connection to the country. It also aims to balance the need for foreign investment with concerns about social unity and national security. Here’s what you need to know about the new rules, how they affect Golden Visa holders, and what steps you should take if you’re considering Portuguese citizenship.
What Has Changed in the Portuguese Citizenship Law?
The most important changes to the Portuguese Citizenship Law affect how long you must live in Portugal 🇵🇹 before you can apply for citizenship, what tests you must pass, and how the government checks your background. Here are the key points:
- Longer Residency Requirement: Most applicants must now live in Portugal 🇵🇹 for at least 10 years before applying for citizenship. If you are from a Portuguese-speaking country (CPLP), such as Brazil or Angola, the wait is 7 years.
- Residency Clock Starts at First Permit: The time you need to live in Portugal 🇵🇹 starts from the date your first residence permit is issued—not from when you apply for citizenship.
- Language and Civic Tests: You must pass an A2-level Portuguese language test (basic user) and a civic knowledge test about Portuguese culture, rights, and duties.
- Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must not have a criminal record for crimes that could lead to prison, and must not have served any prison sentence.
- End of Sephardic Jewish Ancestry Route: The special path to citizenship for people with Sephardic Jewish ancestry has been closed.
- New Immigration Control Unit: The government has created the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) within the Public Security Police to oversee immigration.
- Stricter Family Reunification: Immigrants must now be legal residents for at least two years before they can bring minor relatives to Portugal 🇵🇹.
- Citizenship Revocation: The government can now take away citizenship from naturalized citizens who commit serious crimes.
These changes are designed to make sure that new citizens are truly part of Portuguese society, and not just passing through for investment or other reasons.
Why Did Portugal 🇵🇹 Change Its Nationality Law?
For many years, Portugal 🇵🇹 was known for its open approach to citizenship. The Golden Visa program, in particular, allowed investors to get residence permits with relatively little time spent in the country. After five years, many could apply for citizenship, often without strong ties to Portugal 🇵🇹.
However, the government has shifted its focus. Cabinet Minister António Leitão Amaro said the new rules are meant to ensure an “effective connection” and a sense of “belonging to the national community.” The government wants to attract global talent and investment, but also wants to make sure that new citizens are well integrated and committed to Portugal 🇵🇹.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect a wider trend in Europe, where countries are tightening citizenship rules to address concerns about security, social unity, and the real integration of immigrants.
How Do the New Rules Affect Golden Visa Holders?
Golden Visa holders are among the most affected by the new Portuguese Citizenship Law. Here’s how the changes impact them:
- Longer Wait for Citizenship: Golden Visa holders must now wait 10 years before applying for citizenship, instead of the previous 5 years. If you are from a CPLP country, the wait is 7 years.
- Residency Period Calculation: The 10-year period starts from the date your first residence permit is issued. Time spent in Portugal 🇵🇹 before getting the permit does not count.
- New Integration Tests: Golden Visa holders must pass both the A2-level language test and the civic knowledge test.
- Physical Presence: The government may now require more physical presence in Portugal 🇵🇹. Any time spent in the country illegally will not count towards the residency requirement.
- Permanent Residency Still Possible: You can still apply for permanent residency after 5 years, but you must wait longer for citizenship.
- Old Applications Not Affected: If you applied for citizenship before June 19, 2025, your application will be processed under the old rules.
These changes mean that Golden Visa holders must plan for a much longer path to citizenship and be ready to show a real connection to Portugal 🇵🇹.
Step-by-Step: Applying for Citizenship Under the New Law
If you are planning to apply for Portuguese citizenship under the new rules, here’s what you need to do:
- Get a Residence Permit: This could be through the Golden Visa or another legal route.
- Live in Portugal 🇵🇹 Legally: Accumulate 10 years of legal residency (or 7 years if you are from a CPLP country), starting from the date your first residence permit is issued.
- Keep a Clean Record: Make sure you have no criminal convictions that could lead to prison, and that you have not served any prison sentence.
- Prepare for the Language Test: Study for and pass the A2-level Portuguese language test. This is a basic test of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding Portuguese.
- Prepare for the Civic Knowledge Test: Learn about Portuguese culture, history, rights, and duties. You will need to pass a test on these topics.
- Submit Your Application: Once you meet all the requirements, submit your citizenship application. You can find the official application form and instructions on the Portuguese Government’s official portal.
- Wait for Review: The government will review your application and may ask for more documents or information.
- Be Aware of Revocation Rules: If you commit a serious crime after becoming a citizen, your citizenship can be taken away.
Background: How Did the Old System Work?
Before these changes, Portugal 🇵🇹 had one of the most attractive citizenship paths in Europe. The minimum residency period was 5 years for most foreigners, and the requirements for language and cultural knowledge were less strict. The Golden Visa program allowed investors to get residence permits with minimal physical presence, and many used this to apply for citizenship after five years.
The old system was popular with investors and people seeking a European Union passport. However, critics said it did not do enough to make sure that new citizens were truly part of Portuguese society.
Why Is the Golden Visa Program Important?
The Golden Visa program has brought billions of euros in investment to Portugal 🇵🇹. It allows people from outside the European Union to get a residence permit by investing in real estate, creating jobs, or supporting cultural projects. After five years, Golden Visa holders could apply for citizenship, making Portugal 🇵🇹 a top choice for global investors.
With the new Nationality Law, the government is trying to keep the benefits of the Golden Visa program while making sure that citizenship is only given to those who are truly committed to Portugal 🇵🇹. There is talk of offering new tax incentives to keep the program attractive, even with the longer wait for citizenship.
What About Family Reunification and Other Changes?
The new law also makes it harder for immigrants to bring family members to Portugal 🇵🇹. Now, you must be a legal resident for at least two years before you can bring minor relatives. This is meant to make sure that people are settled and integrated before bringing family members.
The government has also created a new public security unit, the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF), to oversee immigration and border control. This is part of a wider effort to tighten immigration controls and improve national security.
What Are the Main Concerns and Criticisms?
Some experts and business leaders worry that the new rules will make Portugal 🇵🇹 less attractive to foreign investors. The longer wait for citizenship and the stricter tests may discourage people from choosing Portugal 🇵🇹 over other countries.
Others argue that the changes are needed to make sure that citizenship is not just a reward for investment, but a sign of real integration and commitment. The government says the new rules will help build a stronger, more united society.
What Happens Next?
The new rules are already in effect for all citizenship applications submitted after June 19, 2025. However, the government is still debating other changes to immigration and residence permit rules. These include possible changes to family reunification and how residence permits are renewed.
The government may also introduce new tax incentives to keep the Golden Visa program attractive, even with the stricter citizenship rules. Officials will be watching closely to see how these changes affect foreign investment and immigration patterns.
What Should Golden Visa Holders and Other Foreign Residents Do Now?
If you are a Golden Visa holder or planning to apply for Portuguese citizenship, here are some practical steps:
- Check Your Application Date: If you applied before June 19, 2025, your application will be processed under the old rules.
- Plan for a Longer Wait: Be ready for a 10-year residency period (or 7 years if you are from a CPLP country) before you can apply for citizenship.
- Start Preparing for Tests: Begin studying for the A2-level language test and the civic knowledge test as early as possible.
- Keep Records: Make sure you keep all documents showing your legal residency and clean criminal record.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from official sources, such as the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), for the latest information on immigration and citizenship rules.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most up-to-date and reliable information on Portuguese citizenship and immigration, visit the Portuguese Government’s official citizenship portal. This site provides details on eligibility, required documents, and the application process.
You can also contact the Ministry of Internal Administration or the Public Security Police (PSP) for more guidance. The new National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) will be responsible for many aspects of immigration control.
Final Thoughts
The changes to the Portuguese Citizenship Law mark a big shift in how Portugal 🇵🇹 handles citizenship and immigration. Golden Visa holders and other foreign residents now face a longer and more demanding path to citizenship, with new tests and stricter controls. These changes are meant to make sure that new citizens are truly part of Portuguese society, while still keeping Portugal 🇵🇹 open to global talent and investment.
If you are affected by these changes, it’s important to stay informed, plan ahead, and prepare for the new requirements. By understanding the new rules and taking the right steps, you can still achieve your goal of becoming a Portuguese citizen.
For more detailed analysis and ongoing updates, VisaVerge.com reports that monitoring the impact of these changes will be key, as the government may adjust policies in response to investment trends and public feedback. Stay connected to official sources and trusted immigration experts to make the best decisions for your future in Portugal 🇵🇹.
Learn Today
Golden Visa → Residency permit granted to investors in Portugal with conditions to apply for citizenship.
Residency Requirement → Minimum years a person must live legally in Portugal before citizenship application.
A2-level Portuguese Test → Basic language proficiency exam required to demonstrate Portuguese language skills for citizenship.
National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) → New police unit overseeing immigration control and border security in Portugal.
CPLP → Community of Portuguese Language Countries, including Brazil and Angola, with special citizenship rules.
This Article in a Nutshell
Portugal’s 2025 citizenship reforms extend residency to 10 years and add strict language, civic tests for Golden Visa holders, ensuring real ties before naturalization. Family reunification is restricted, while UNEF monitors immigration. These changes aim to balance foreign investment with social unity and national security.
— By VisaVerge.com
