What to Know About Portugal's Potential 2025 Residency and Citizenship Changes

Legal and investment experts are calling for calm and clarity amid a flurry of media reports about a potential draft discussion document, which could extend the timeline for acquiring permanent residency or citizenship in Portugal.

According to early media reports, the draft indicates that, in some circumstances, the minimum residency period required to apply for permanent dual EU citizenship may increase from five to ten years.

However, nothing has been put to the parliament or debated, and no law has been enacted.

The proposal remains subjective, and any changes would require approval—a process that is expected to take time and involve ministerial debate before it becomes a discussion in parliament. If it moves through parliament, it could then become law.

Portugal has historically taken a measured and pragmatic approach to immigration, particularly with regard to individuals who contribute to the country through its Golden Visa residency-by-investment opportunity, innovation, business, cultural integration, and long-term engagement.

Senior lawyers and financial professionals in Portugal are actively part of an ongoing government task force to ensure any potential future legislation remains fair, clear and practical.

Instead, the focus remains on protecting legitimate expectations and maintaining legal certainty — principles the Portuguese Constitution uphold.

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

“It is important not to speculate until things have gone through parliament. Our expert partners are already providing strategic guidance during this period of uncertainty.

“Acting early with foresight — and with the right partners — can help individuals navigate this moment with more confidence.

“Sources we work with in the government task force behind the draft have emphasised that any proposed changes should not retroactively impact those who have already begun, completed, or have already shown intent before anything becomes law.

“If people plan and act early, they will achieve the best outcome through our trusted expert partner network at Portugal Pathways.

“Despite geopolitical issues worldwide, Portugal continues to be stable, safe, tax-efficient, and economically resilient, as well as geographically perfectly situated based on what is happening right now in other parts of the world. These qualities remain key drivers for individuals and families pursuing a secure and vibrant future in the country.”

Legal experts in Portugal have echoed these sentiments, stressing that individuals who take early action — particularly under the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme — may benefit from greater protection under existing laws.

Henrique Peyssonneau Nunes, Immigration Partner at CMS Portugal, added:

“For now, it is just a law proposal to be discussed in the Parliament, and therefore about to receive the input of all the different parties. No one can predict the final outcome nor the transitory regimes to be foreseen, as there is a long law-making process before the law takes force.

“All the different players are disputing the proposed law and trying to ensure a grandfathering period for all the applicants who had ongoing files.

“And we strongly believe that the amendments cannot be backdated to the 19th June as the Portuguese constitution prohibits the retroactive application of new laws. Also, this was exactly what happened in the last legal amendment to the Golden Visa regime, which ended up being taken off the proposal before voting by the parliament.”

Amid potential uncertainty, experts continue to discourage overreaction to speculative commentary or unverified media reports. Instead, they recommend staying informed through credible legal and financial sources with direct knowledge of the process rather than speculative media assumptions.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund that is regulated by the CMVM for the purposes of Golden Visa residency-by-investment in Portugal, added:

“Since this media speculation in recent days, we have seen a number of investors decide to accelerate their application and investment process for the Golden Visa so that any potential changes have no impact on their residency and permanent citizenship in Portugal and the wider EU Schengen Region.”

Until formal guidance is issued, the prevailing advice remains the same: seek reliable counsel, plan early, and stay informed through qualified experts to ensure a secure path forward in Portugal.

Portugal Pathways hosted a webinar on this subject, featuring legal and professional partners currently involved in the task force, which is talking to and lobbying the Portuguese government.

You can watch back this session here, which offers an opportunity for individuals to gain some insight and clarity on what may lie ahead.

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Contact Portugal Pathways' expert team for support

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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 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.

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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.

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