Changes to Portugal’s Nationality Law (awaiting entry into force)

The Portuguese Parliament has adopted on the 28th of October 2025 significant amendments to the Nationality Law, which may materially affect the timeframe and conditions under which foreign citizens can become eligible for Portuguese citizenship. Although the text of the new law is not yet available, we summarize below the key points and impacts:

Key Changes

The following main amendments were approved:
1️⃣ Minimum residence period: 7 years of legal residence for nationals of EU Member States and Portuguese-speaking countries, and 10 years for nationals of other countries.
2️⃣ Language and culture test: In addition to the existing Portuguese language requirement, applicants would need to demonstrate “sufficient knowledge of Portuguese culture and history.”
3️⃣ Means of subsistence: Applicants must provide proof of adequate financial means to live in Portugal.
4️⃣ No transitional or grandfathering provisions: The proposal does not include transitional rules for Golden Visa applicants (only ongoing citizenship process).
5️⃣ Revised citizenship eligibility period: The eligibility period would begin from the issuance of the first residence card, rather than from the date of the Golden Visa application.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

The Law will follow the usual procedure, submission for ratification by the President, who may either sign it into law or refer it to the Constitutional Court for review. In Portugal, laws generally enter into force the day after publication, which typically occurs several weeks after presidential approval. Certain controversial aspects of this proposal may prompt constitutional review, potentially delaying enactment.

Impact on Golden Visa Holders and Other Residence Card Holders

The new rules will substantially lengthen the path to citizenship for Golden Visa investors that even applied before the new law was enacted and also affects other residency permit holders.

As an alternative, investors who have held a temporary residence permit under the Golden Visa program for five years remain eligible to apply for permanent residency card, which can serve as an interim status until the new citizenship timeframes are met.

Aside from the proposed lengthening of nationality path, it is important to emphasize that the Golden Visa program itself remains unchanged. The key aspects, including eligible investment types, minimum stay requirements, renewal procedures, and other program conditions are unaffected by these proposed amendments.

Given the potential implications, please reach out to your Kore Team to discuss how these changes may affect existing and future citizenship or residency strategies.

© Kore Partners, 2025

This briefing provides for general information and is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of the law. Although we have taken care to provide accurate information, this should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances. This briefing is intended for the use of clients and selected recipients. Queries or comments regarding this, including joining our mailing list, can be directed to kore@korepartners.com