Portugal Proposes Stricter Citizenship Law: Residency Requirement to Increase from 5 to 10 Years
Portugal is preparing to introduce sweeping changes to its citizenship legislation, marking a turning point for foreign nationals and Golden Visa investors. Under the draft reform announced on June 23, 2025, the Portugal citizenship law will increase the required period of legal residency from five to ten years before foreign nationals can apply for citizenship. In addition to the extended timeline, applicants will face mandatory Portuguese language testing (A2 level) and a new cultural and civic integration exam.
The government claims the changes are designed to promote deeper integration, ensure applicants have a meaningful connection to Portuguese society, and bring the naturalization process in line with other EU countries. However, critics argue the reform risks deterring valuable foreign investment and undermines the country’s global competitiveness.
What the 2025 Portugal Citizenship Law Reform Includes
The most significant change in the proposed legislation is the extension of the minimum residency period required for naturalization. Foreign nationals would now need to reside legally in Portugal for ten years instead of five. For nationals from Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil and Angola, the proposed law reduces the requirement slightly to seven years.
In addition to the time requirement, the law would mandate that applicants pass a Portuguese language exam at the A2 level, demonstrating basic conversational ability. A separate civic and cultural exam would assess knowledge of Portuguese history, democratic values, and legal rights and responsibilities—criteria not previously required in such detail.
Children born in Portugal to foreign parents will no longer be automatically eligible for citizenship. Instead, parents must have resided legally in the country for at least three years and must actively apply on the child’s behalf.
How Golden Visa Investors Will Be Affected
Although the proposed changes to the Portugal citizenship law do not directly alter the Golden Visa residence permit itself, they have a major impact on the long-term pathway to citizenship for Golden Visa holders. Previously, Golden Visa investors could apply for citizenship after five years of holding residency, even with minimal physical presence in the country. If the new law passes, they will need to wait ten years and comply with the new testing requirements.
The language and civic integration requirements pose another challenge. While many investors may be able to achieve the A2 language level, the cultural exam adds a layer of complexity—especially for applicants who have spent little time in Portugal or are unfamiliar with its legal and civic systems.
Importantly, applicants who submit their citizenship requests before the new law is enacted are expected to be processed under the current five-year rule. This makes June 2025 a critical deadline for Golden Visa holders approaching eligibility.
Political Context Behind the Reform
The proposed reform to the Portugal citizenship law comes amid growing pressure from conservative parties, especially the right-wing Chega party, which has campaigned for stricter immigration controls. Supporters of the reform argue that Portugal has one of the shortest pathways to citizenship in the European Union and that longer timelines and stronger integration standards are necessary to protect national identity and prevent abuse of the system.
At the same time, Portugal has benefited significantly from immigration and Golden Visa investment, particularly in the real estate and startup sectors. Some experts warn that increasing the barriers to citizenship could hurt Portugal’s image as a welcoming, stable destination for global investors.
What Happens to Current and Future Applicants?
The draft bill does not apply retroactively. Citizenship applications submitted before the law is enacted are expected to follow the current rules, which require five years of legal residency. However, applications filed after the reform becomes law will be assessed under the new criteria, including the ten-year timeline and additional testing.
As such, Golden Visa holders who are nearing the five-year residency milestone are advised to submit their citizenship applications as soon as possible to ensure they benefit from the current law. Those who wait may face significantly longer wait times and more rigorous approval processes.
Industry Experts React
Legal and immigration professionals have voiced concern about the rapid and far-reaching nature of the proposed changes. Migration consultant Yusuf Boz noted:
“This law represents a fundamental shift in Portugal’s immigration philosophy. If passed, it will redefine the country’s reputation as one of the most accessible citizenship destinations in Europe. Investors need to act now—this window is closing.”
Others believe the new rules are part of a wider European trend toward stricter naturalization procedures, driven by concerns over social integration, national security, and political polarization.
Practical Steps for Golden Visa Residents
With the Portugal citizenship law likely to change in the near future, experts recommend several urgent steps:
First, applicants who have reached or are close to five years of residency should initiate their citizenship application immediately. Timing will determine which legal framework their application is processed under.
Second, even those with more time ahead should begin preparing for the A2 language exam and the proposed civic test. This preparation may include formal courses, private tutoring, or immersion experiences.
Finally, Golden Visa holders should seek professional legal guidance to ensure their documents, residency records, and eligibility criteria are fully in order.
A Critical Juncture for Portugal’s Citizenship Landscape
The 2025 Portugal citizenship law reform signals a new era in the country’s approach to immigration and integration. While Portugal remains committed to its Golden Visa program and to attracting global talent and capital, the pathway to full citizenship will likely become longer and more demanding.
For current residents and investors, the time to act is now. With a narrow window before the new law potentially comes into force, submitting a well-prepared citizenship application could preserve access to one of Europe’s most flexible and attractive naturalization systems. As political dynamics shift and legal thresholds rise, Portugal may no longer be the fast track it once was—but for those who move quickly, opportunity still exists.
