Portugal Proposes Doubling Residency Requirement for Citizenship – From 5 to 10 Years

Portugal’s new center-right government has introduced a sweeping immigration reform proposal, with its most notable measure being a plan to extend the required legal residency period for citizenship from 5 years to 10 years for most foreigners.

Though not yet law, the proposal has stirred significant public debate, marking what would be the most restrictive change in decades. However, to be enacted, it must pass with a two-thirds majority in parliament – a high bar given Portugal’s politically fragmented landscape.

For citizens from Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, Angola, or Mozambique, the waiting period would be seven years. All other applicants would need ten years of legal residency before they can apply.

“Citizenship must reflect a true connection with the national community,” said Minister António Leitão Amaro.

In addition to proving Portuguese language proficiency, future applicants would need to pass a cultural knowledge test, declare their support for democratic values, and, notably, maintain a completely clean criminal record. This would replace the current rule allowing applicants with sentences under three years to still qualify.

Portugal’s foreign population has nearly tripled since 2019, reaching 1.6 million – approximately 15% of the total population. The largest group is Brazilian nationals, accounting for over 450,000 legal residents, according to the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA).

This rapid immigration growth has fueled support for the far-right Chega party, which has become the main opposition. Tighter naturalization laws were a central promise of their campaign, and they’ve declared their intent to support the proposed changes in parliament.

What About the Golden Visa?

The proposed changes have raised concerns among foreign investors – particularly those under Portugal’s Golden Visa program. In 2024 alone, Portugal granted a record 4,987 residence permits through investment – a 72% increase from 2023. Under current rules, Golden Visa holders can apply for citizenship after five years. If passed, the new law could double this timeline.

However, experts emphasize: nothing has changed yet for the Golden Visa program.

Pedro Oliveira, Managing Partner at Optimize Investment Partners, stated: “The government’s statement refers to general immigration policy – there is no mention of the Golden Visa. This program has a separate legal framework, independent of standard residency routes.”

He added that there have been no official discussions about changing key features of the program, such as physical presence requirements, family reunification, or the need to maintain investments. On the contrary, the government is reportedly exploring tax incentives to enhance the program’s appeal.

Sara Sousa Rebolo, a lawyer at Prime Legal, agreed: “There has been no official mention of the Golden Visa or highly skilled workers – so the likelihood of these categories retaining their own legal pathway remains high.”

She also cited Minister Amaro’s earlier remarks about plans to “upgrade the Golden Visa and make it more attractive and effective after the summer.”

Lawyer Vanessa Rodrigues Lima added that even if citizenship takes longer, the Golden Visa retains its appeal because it offers permanent residency after five years without requiring physical presence or ongoing investment. “Citizenship is a long-term goal, but flexibility in the legal residence framework is what truly attracts investors,” she said.

Other Restrictions Proposed

The proposal also includes stricter family reunification rules. Legal residents would need to wait at least two years before sponsoring family members, and only children under 18 would qualify.

Portugal is currently dealing with a backlog of over 400,000 pending citizenship applications. In 2023, the country naturalized 141,300 individuals – a 20% decrease from the previous year, despite rising application numbers.

The government also plans to end the Sephardic Jewish citizenship program, a controversial policy that has faced criticism. Additionally, they aim to create a dedicated border police force and revoke citizenship from naturalized individuals who commit serious crimes.

Still Just a Proposal – and Subject to Change

As of now, the bill has not yet been submitted to parliament. Once tabled, it must go through three rounds of readings and a parliamentary committee review. Because citizenship is a constitutional issue, the law needs a two-thirds majority to pass – a difficult feat amid political polarization.

Oliveira cautioned: “No draft has been released. What we have now are preliminary ideas – not binding legal text.”

Safak Nervo, COO of Optylon Krea, echoed that sentiment: “This is just a proposal. The legislative process is long and complicated. Historically, final laws often diverge significantly from initial statements.” She cited the 2023 Golden Visa reform as an example – originally feared to be canceled entirely, it ended with only limited changes to eligible investment categories.

Lawyer Madalena Monteiro (Liberty Legal) was even more direct: “People are reacting as if this is already law, but it’s far too early to conclude anything.”

Rebolo also pointed out that: “In 2023, it took seven months from the first public announcement to the final law. And the final version was drastically different.”

If approved, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa would have 20 days to sign, veto, or refer the bill to the Constitutional Court. However, Portuguese presidents rarely veto immigration-related laws unless they clearly violate the constitution.

The Bigger Picture: Portugal Tightens Citizenship – But Keeps Doors Open for Investors

This could become Portugal’s most aggressive citizenship reform in decades and aligns with a broader European trend toward tighter immigration control under pressure from populist parties.

Yet Portugal stands apart in preserving and upgrading its investor migration program – while neighboring Spain has just abolished its Golden Visa.

Nervo explained: “Golden Visa investors make up a very small share of Portugal’s total immigration. What the government is really targeting are individuals who enter on tourist visas, overstay illegally, make social security contributions for a few years, and then apply for citizenship – often with extended family included.”

Thus, experts believe that the government intends to protect legitimate investment migrants.

Rebolo remained optimistic: “The current government seems genuinely interested in making the system more effective. If done right, this could be an opportunity, not just a risk.”

Nervo agreed, adding that if the final law preserves a separate track for investors, including potential tax perks, investor sentiment will remain intact.

However, she also warned: “If there’s no distinct legal framework for investors, trust in the system could erode.”

Rodrigues Lima called for early engagement with the government, as in 2023. “We must demonstrate the real-world impact of foreign investment and the importance of honoring legal expectations already set.”

To conclude, Rebolo emphasized: “Immigration reform must be fair and stratified. Protecting national interests while maintaining investor appeal – that’s the sustainable path forward.”