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While the revised law will still be subject to hurdles before coming into force, it will, as has been anticipated, see the Golden Visa pathway to potential citizenship extended.
This ruling does not change any other benefits of the Golden Visa programme, however the current five-year pathway to citizenship will be extended to 10 years, aligning it with other European countries.
For those within the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries, the pathway will be extended to seven years.
Additionally, it is believed the minimum legal residency period will now be counted from the date of the issuing of the first residence card, rather than the date of submission of the residence permit application.
There is a 20-day period where this will go for further review via the office of the President and could potentially be sent to the Constitutional Court.
This rolls back changes introduced on April 1, 2024, to mitigate against any processing delays by the Portuguese immigration authorities.
Additionally, there will be no planned ‘grandfathering’ – which means no protection for those who have already started their application. There will also be no phasing in of the changes – at least for now.
While it remains possible it could be referred to the Constitutional Court and subject to legal challenges, the changes are forecast to come into force, if unchallenged, in May 2026.
Pending citizenship applications, those submitted before the new law comes into effect, will not be impacted.
João Pinto Gonçalves, a partner at SBPS Legal, explained: “There are several scenarios which are now possible.
“The first is that the President promulgates the bill as it stands, and the law becomes effective. However, he could also issue a political veto which would return the bill to Parliament for reconsideration.
“Another option is that the President or the Socialist Party request a constitutional review. This may result in the bill being returned to Parliament to remove unconstitutional provisions; alternatively, if it is ruled constitutional, the President may then either promulgate the bill or issue a political veto.
“And finally, if applicants are unable to submit their applications before the amendment comes into force, litigation may be considered to protect their rights and legitimate expectations.”
Adds Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways: “We had hoped this vote would, finally, end the uncertainty.
“Now we are waiting on the subtext of the final law changes and legal interpretations before it’s sent to the president for review. It could still be challenged so we need to see what legal and political steps are now taken.
“Existing Golden Visa investors, prior to 2024, have just wanted certainty as to when the clock towards citizenship started ticking.
“What we do know, however, is that the Golden Visa’s many benefits remain intact.
“These include gaining visa-free access to the 29 European nations within the Schengen area and the need to spend just seven days a year in Portugal to qualify during the process.
“Other visas require a more traditional 183 days a year which makes applicants tax residents.
“The Golden Visa pathway in Portugal continues to allow applicants to choose their tax jurisdiction.
“In addition, the other option for permanent residency, under the Golden Visa programme, remains open after five years which is an alternative to citizenship. It gives you the same rights and privileges.
“Portugal Pathways’ legal and immigration experts will be closely monitoring the outcome and we will update you regularly as this becomes clearer in the coming weeks.
“We would advise a ‘wait and see’ approach to any legal action as things could still change.”
Portugal’s government debated these proposed changes on Wednesday, April 1.
An initial parliamentary debate saw a vote taken in October 2025, ushering in a host of alterations, including an extension of the Golden Visa pathway.
That was then referred to Portugal’s Constitutional Court.
Various elements of the broader Nationality Law were ruled unconstitutional and referred back to parliament in December 2025.
Available to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, the Golden Visa can be obtained through a €500,000 investment into one or more alternative investment funds eligible under the programme.
Portugal’s Golden Visa has been crucial in powering Portugal’s economic Growth thanks to its appeal among high-net-worth investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals.
There will also be a second session for this webinar on April 10, 2026. Click here to register.
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on estate planning, wealth management, Golden Visa and tax optimisation, including post-NHR / IFICI tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation and luxury real estate solutions to enhance life and investment in Portugal
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites 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. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.
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