Portugal Golden Visa: Citizenship Timeline Extends to 10 Years

(Portugal) Portugal has approved a major change to its nationality rules that will reshape the path from the Portugal Golden Visa to a passport. Lawmakers backed a measure extending the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 years to 10 years for most applicants, with a reduced 7-year track for CPLP and EU nationals. The government has set a final vote for October 28, 2025, after which the measure is expected to be finalized. The law states that the citizenship timeline now begins on the date the first residence permit is issued—not when you apply—an adjustment that could add years for people stuck in processing backlogs.

Under the new framework, most third-country nationals, including citizens of the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦, will need 10 years of legal residence before applying for Portuguese citizenship. Nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries in the CPLP and citizens of EU member states will need 7 years.

Because the clock starts when the residence permit is granted, not filed, many Golden Visa holders—along with those on work, study, or family permits—could see the practical wait stretch to 9–13 years, given typical 2–3 year permit issuance delays. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this shift puts Portugal closer to Spain’s longer track while maintaining Portugal’s draw of allowing dual citizenship.

Policy changes and what stays the same

Officials confirm the change does not shut down the Portugal Golden Visa program. The residency rights associated with the Golden Visa remain in place, and the investment-based route still offers family reunification and the ability to live, work, and study in Portugal.

Some investment categories—especially certain real estate and commercial options—have been removed or restructured in earlier reforms, but the Golden Visa pathway itself continues. What has changed is the length of residence required before a citizenship bid, a key factor for investors who chose Portugal for its former 5-year standard.

New naturalization requirements for adult applicants

The law introduces new requirements for adults seeking naturalization:

• A2 Portuguese language proficiency (basic user level), usually proven through a state-recognized exam or certified coursework.
• A civic knowledge test covering culture, history, institutions, and rights.
• No criminal record for crimes punishable by imprisonment under Portuguese law.

Government sources say these measures are intended to support integration while keeping the process clear and predictable. The A2 language benchmark is modest—reflecting basic everyday communication—but will still require planning for applicants who have not studied Portuguese.

Transition rules and important dates

The headline shift raises urgent timing questions. The law includes several transition rules designed to protect people already in the pipeline:

• Complete citizenship filings before June 19, 2025: Eligible under the old 5-year rule.
• Residents who obtain or already hold residency by June 30, 2026, and apply for citizenship by that date: May use the 5-year standard.
• Residency obtained or applied for after December 31, 2027: Falls under the new 10-year (or 7-year) timelines.

These dates matter immensely for families deciding whether to bring forward a filing or wait. A single missing document can derail the “complete application” requirement, so applicants should:

• Check files carefully.
• Confirm apostilles.
• Ensure translations meet Portuguese standards.

Because the clock starts at permit issuance, applicants facing long waits for their first card may need to budget extra time before reaching the threshold.

Important: The final parliamentary vote is scheduled for October 28, 2025. Until that vote, applicants have a narrow window to act if they wish to rely on the previous 5-year standard under the transition rules.

Practical impact and likely scenarios

While the change covers most residency types, the political debate has focused on the Golden Visa, which has attracted thousands of investors since 2012. Lawmakers argue that a longer residency requirement aligns with broader European norms and addresses fairness across visa categories.

Critics, including some legal scholars, question whether stretching the timeline for people who began their stay under the former rule is fair—especially where delays were caused by the state. Attorneys have flagged possible constitutional challenges, particularly around retroactivity for residents who entered under the 5-year expectation but have not yet become eligible to apply. These disputes may move through the courts for months after the law takes effect.

For many families, the practical issue is the start date. Under current practice, the first residence permit can arrive 2–3 years after the initial submission, especially in high-demand regions. Because the new law anchors the count to the permit grant date (not the application date), backlog conditions could decide whether a family waits nine years or closer to thirteen.

Employers and universities will also feel the shift, since staff and students often plan around the earlier 5-year mark.

Planning, requirements and recommended actions

The requirements to show A2 Portuguese and pass a civic test may change how people plan their early years in Portugal. Golden Visa holders—who often spend limited time in-country—will likely increase language study to ensure they can meet A2 by year seven or ten. Work permit holders already immersed in daily life may find the language bar easier, but every applicant should keep records of study and exam results to avoid delays at filing.

Government agencies will need to manage the transition cleanly. Applicants rushing to file before June 19, 2025 must assemble fully documented files with:

• Proof of residence continuity.
• Language certificates.
• Criminal record clearances from countries of nationality and residence.
• Evidence of ties where requested (employment, family, education).

Applicants aiming for the June 30, 2026 residency-and-file window should also schedule language exams well in advance, as testing slots can fill quickly.

The Ministry of Justice maintains official guidance on nationality procedures, including who qualifies, accepted documents, and language exam recognition. Readers can review current rules on the Portuguese Ministry of Justice nationality guidance. While agencies may update pages after the parliamentary vote, this remains the central government source for eligibility and process details.

Quick checklist for current and prospective applicants

1. If you can meet the June 19, 2025 filing window, audit your file now and confirm it is complete.
2. If you hold or expect residency by June 30, 2026, consider filing by that date to keep the 5-year track.
3. Plan for language study early to meet A2, and book exams ahead of deadlines.
4. Keep consistent records of residence, entries, and exits—continuous legal stay will be reviewed.
5. Discuss the impact of the permit issuance date with your lawyer, especially if you filed long ago and still await your first card.

Final thoughts

Investors deciding whether to pursue the Portugal Golden Visa must weigh flexibility against a longer citizenship timeline. Portugal still allows part-time residence for Golden Visa renewal, offers access to the Schengen Area, permits family inclusion, and supports dual nationality—features that remain compelling even if obtaining a passport takes longer.

Portugal’s move mirrors a broader European trend toward longer residence before nationality, while reinforcing integration through language and civic standards. Families, students, workers, and investors will need to plan with more lead time, yet Portugal remains an attractive, rules-based route to settlement and, eventually, a passport.