After months of intense speculation, changes to Portugal’s Nationality Law have been voted through by parliament.
There are still some hurdles ahead before the revised law comes into effect, but, as expected, it will see the Golden Visa pathway to potential citizenship extended.
It’s important to note that no other benefits of the Portugal’s Golden Visa programme are changed by the ruling, however, the current five-year pathway to citizenship will be extended to 10 years (seven years for CPLP - Community of Portuguese Language Countries - members), aligning it with other European countries.
In addition to this, it is understood that the minimum legal residency period will now be counted from the date the first residence card is issued, rather than the date the residence permit application is submitted.
There is a 20-day period which will see further review of the ruling via the office of the President which could see it sent to the Constitutional Court.
This would revoke the changes introduced on April 1, 2024, to mitigate against processing delays by Portugal’s immigration authorities.
There will also be no planned ‘grandfathering’ – which means no protections for those who have already begun their application. For now, there will be no phasing in of the changes.
While the possibility remains that the ruling could be referred to the Constitutional Court and be subject to legal challenges, the changes are expected to come into force, should they be unchallenged, in May 2026.
Those who have already submitted their citizenship application before the law comes into law will not be affected.
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.”
The Portuguese government debated the proposals on Wednesday, April 1.
An initial debate in October 2025 saw a vote taken which ushered in various alterations, including an extension of the Golden Visa pathway. This was then referred to Portugal’s Constitutional Court.
Certain elements of the broader Nationality Law were ruled unconstitutional and sent 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.
