How Changes to Portugal’s Nationality Law Affect Golden Visa Applicants

Portugal has long been a top destination for international investors and affluent families, thanks in part to its attractive Golden Visa residency by investment programme and straightforward path to dual citizenship and an EU passport after five years of residency.

In 2025, the Portuguese government introduced significant changes to its nationality law—transforming the citizenship landscape and offering welcome news for current and prospective Golden Visa holders.

2025 Portugal Nationality Law Amendment: What's Changed?

The most impactful change centres on how the five-year residency period required for citizenship is calculated.

Previously, the clock started ticking only after an applicant's residency permit was fully approved and issued.

However, due to administrative backlogs, many Golden Visa applicants previously faced frustrating delays, sometimes waiting over a year for their permits to be processed—effectively extending the path to citizenship well beyond the promised five years.

The 2025 amendment addresses this issue directly.

Now, the five-year residency period begins from the date the Golden Visa application is submitted, not from when the permit is granted.

This change not only streamlines the process but also ensures that applicants are not penalised for bureaucratic delays outside their control.

Why This Matters for Golden Visa Applicants

For thousands of investors and their families, this update is a game-changer. It means that if you submitted your Golden Visa application in, for example, June 2025, you could be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship as early as June 2030—even if your permit was not issued until months later.

This adjustment aligns Portugal's practice with the spirit of its immigration policies, reinforcing the country's reputation as a fair and welcoming destination for international investors.

Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, notes:

“This change to the Portugal Golden Visa application process has been welcomed by our clients, for whom dual citizenship is a priority when seeking a Golden Visa.

“An EU passport is highly desirable, and this change to the law makes the Golden Visa even more attractive to affluent families.

“In the past, there had been concerns about delays with receiving the residency cards, but the Portuguese government changes now ensure that the clock starts ticking straight away towards your five-year residency, which allows you to apply for permanent citizenship at the end and secure a dual EU passport.

What Should Applicants Do Next?

If you're a current Golden Visa holder or in the process of applying, it's essential to review your application timeline and consult with one of Portugal Pathways’ expert immigration advisors.

You may be closer to citizenship eligibility than you previously thought. For those considering applying, this reform makes the Portuguese Golden Visa even more appealing, offering a clearer and more predictable path to European citizenship.

Exploring the Advantages of Portugal’s Golden Visa

By investing €500,000 in qualified Portuguese alternative investment funds, investors and their eligible family members can obtain a residence permit. This includes the main applicant, their spouse, dependent children or adult children still in education, and dependent parents over the age of 65.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency by investment programme, said:

“These changes have certainly been part of the reason why we have seen a huge uplift in Golden Visa investors in the last six months, along with Portugal’s growing reputation economically.

“There are a number of key sectors in Portugal’s economy, such as healthcare, media and international events, renewable energy, tourism and hospitality, and technology, that continue to offer investors a robust investment opportunity.

“Our Portugal Future Fund offers diversification of investment across many of these key sectors.”

Golden Visa holders gain the right to live in Portugal, along with visa-free access to all 29 Schengen Area countries.

Portugal’s Golden Visa programme only requires holders to spend seven days per year in the country, making it ideal for investors seeking flexibility.

For more information about Portugal’s Golden Visa residency by investment programme, contact Portugal Pathways today

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Portugal Pathways is hosting a webinar: 'Securing EU Residency Through Portugal's Golden Visa', in which we will explore the Golden Visa itself, its benefits, and the application process - register now!

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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 luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.

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.

About Portugal Investment Owners Club

The Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is a unique investor membership community designed for discerning individuals, families, and organisations committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal and enjoying money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive events.

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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.