Portugal has long been known for its friendly immigration policies and relatively short pathway to citizenship. But that could soon change.

Later this year, the Portuguese Parliament is set to vote on a proposed amendment to the Nationality Law that would extend the required period of legal residency before a foreign national can apply for citizenship.

🇵🇹 What’s the Current Rule?

As of now, all foreign nationals can apply for Portuguese citizenship after just 5 years of legal residence. This has made Portugal one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for those seeking a second passport through residency or investment.

Importantly, this 5-year rule remains in effect until any changes are officially passed and implemented. So if you’re already residing in Portugal—or planning to apply—this is a key moment to pay attention.

🗳️ What’s Being Proposed?

A draft bill is scheduled for debate in Parliament this September 2025. If approved, the new law would significantly increase the minimum legal residence requirement for citizenship eligibility:

• Citizens of CPLP countries (Community of Portuguese Language Countries): 7 years

• All other nationalities: 10 years

That’s a major jump from the current 5-year rule and could impact thousands of potential applicants.

⚖️ Will It Affect You?

Here’s the good news: Laws like this are rarely applied retroactively.

We’ve seen this before—when Portugal removed real estate investments from its Golden Visa program in 2023, individuals who had already qualified through property purchases were not disqualified. The same logic is expected to apply here.

If you apply before the new law is passed, you are likely to be grandfathered into the existing 5-year rule. But once the new law is enacted, all new applicants will have to meet the extended residency requirement.

⏳ Why This Matters Now

Citizenship and residency-by-investment programs are constantly evolving. Countries adapt their policies to reflect economic, political, and social priorities—and Portugal is no exception.

If you’ve been considering a move to Portugal, or are already living there but haven’t begun the citizenship process, this may be your last chance to qualify under the 5-year rule.

For a comprehensive guide on obtaining citizenship through investment in Antigua, check out our article on

Antigua Citizenship by Investment: Your Path to Dual Citizenship Through Strategic Investment
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✅ What Should You Do Next?

Whether you’re:

• Already residing in Portugal,

• Exploring residency or investment options, or

• Just starting to consider citizenship…

Now is the time to act.

Our expert advisors are here to help you:

• Understand your eligibility,

• Navigate the application process, and

• Secure your place under the current legal framework before changes come into effect.

Get in touch today to protect your opportunity and ensure you’re on the path to Portuguese citizenship—before the door to the 5-year rule begins to close.