Proposed changes to Portugal's citizenship and residency legislation, which have been closely followed by international families and Golden Visa investors seeking a pathway to Portuguese residency and eventual EU citizenship, are now expected to be delayed further.
Legal and immigration professionals indicate that parliamentary discussions on the draft proposal – which aims to increase the residency requirement for citizenship from five to ten years (or seven years for CPLP nationals) – have been put off until September.
These discussions were originally set to recommence in the Assembly of the Republic on 16th July.
Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, confirmed the update:
"Following discussions today (July 9, 2025) with some of our legal and immigration experts, we now know that the government proposal for changes to Portugal's citizenship and residency laws is being pushed back to September.
“At that point, it will then have to go through a rigorous process of scrutiny, discussion, and debate in parliament before it can be put into law.
“This postponement provides a level of comfort for individuals and families already planning to obtain either a D-Visa or Golden Visa residency-by-investment in Portugal.
“It is also important to note that there have been no legal changes introduced, and Portugal has a long-standing tradition of not applying immigration law retroactively.
“So those who act now are best placed to benefit from the existing opportunity to apply for permanent citizenship after five years of the Golden Visa and show intent before any future changes may occur to extend that to 10 years.”
This additional time before September offers a valuable opportunity for those considering Portugal’s Golden Visa route to act decisively and finalise their investment and residency applications.
Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund – an approved alternative investment fund under the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme– emphasised the importance of prompt action:
"This is an opportunity for people who have shown intent to complete their Portugal Golden Visa application and investment in a sensible fashion. We have many investors who are already a long way down the line, in terms of their application and investment consideration, and should now be able to complete their application and investment in good time," Sheedy stated.
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The Portugal Golden Visa programme continues to be a significant channel for foreign direct investment, granting non-EU citizens residency rights and a path to citizenship through qualifying investments. Visa holders benefit from the right to live in Portugal and visa-free travel across all 29 Schengen Area countries.
A key appeal of the Golden Visa is its flexibility, requiring just seven days of physical presence in Portugal per year, in contrast to the D-Visa, which mandates a stay of at least 183 consecutive days or eight months in total over a 12-month period.
Additionally, Golden Visa applicants can include spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents on their applications.
Portugal Pathways will be hosting a webinar titled Securing Portugal’s Golden Visa in 2025 on 22nd July 2025. The session will provide in-depth guidance and expert perspectives from fund managers and immigration legal professionals.
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 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.
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.
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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