Portugal Might Extend the Citizenship Timeline for Golden Visa Applicants

A New Bill Could Change Portugal’s Citizenship Rules But It Hasn’t Passed Yet

Portugal currently offers one of the most accessible paths to EU citizenship: just five years of legal residency were required before you could begin your application. But a proposed change making its way through the Portuguese parliament could double that timeline to ten years.

For Americans applying through the Portugal Golden Visa, this proposal raises big questions. Is the five-year track still safe? Will the new rule apply to current applicants? And if you haven’t applied yet, should you act now?

Here’s what we know so far, and what it means for your citizenship planning in 2025.

The Current Rule: Citizenship After 5 Years of Residency

Under Portugal’s current nationality law, anyone who has held legal residency for five years may apply for Portuguese citizenship. That includes Golden Visa holders, who can maintain residency with an average of just seven days of physical presence per year.

This five-year rule has been a major reason why Portugal’s Golden Visa remains attractive to Americans. Unlike other EU countries that require up to 7–10 years of continuous physical stay, Portugal offers flexibility with the opportunity to apply citizenship and receive a second passport.

The Proposed Change: A 10-Year Requirement

In early 2025, a new draft bill was introduced in Portugal’s parliament to extend the residency requirement for naturalization from five years to ten.

While not yet passed into law, this proposal is being actively discussed by lawmakers. If approved, it would:

• Apply to most foreign residents—not just Golden Visa holders

• Delay the eligibility for Portuguese citizenship by five additional years

• Likely come into effect at a future date (not immediately upon passing)

At the time of writing, this is still a proposal, not an enacted law. But it has gained political attention and could move forward in the coming months.

What It Means for Golden Visa Applicants Right Now

For current and prospective Golden Visa applicants, timing matters.

• The current five-year rule is still in effect

  If you apply now and receive residency under current laws, your timeline to citizenship remains five years, unless legislation is changed and made retroactive (which is rare, but not impossible).

• It’s unclear if new rules will apply to existing residents

  In many past cases, Portugal has grandfathered in existing residents under the old rules. However, legal experts note that the final language of any law change will determine who is affected.

• Delaying your application could mean falling under the new rules

  If you wait until the law changes, or until the uncertainty is resolved, you risk missing out on the current five-year path. For high-intent applicants, this may be a window of opportunity.

  
  

Should You Wait for Clarity Or Act Now?

That’s the key question. And while we can’t predict how lawmakers will vote, here are a few factors to consider:

• The sooner your Golden Visa is issued, the more protected your timeline may be

• Even under a 10-year rule, Portugal remains one of the most flexible routes to EU residency

• Citizenship is just one benefit—many applicants value the freedom of EU residency even without immediate naturalization

  
  

In short: if citizenship within five years is your goal, applying sooner may help lock in that option while the path is still open.

Final Thoughts: Watch This Space But Don’t Wait Too Long

Portugal continues to offer a welcoming environment for foreign residents and investors. And while the proposed extension to the citizenship timeline may affect long-term planning, it has not yet changed the rules.

For Americans seeking a second residency, and potentially EU citizenship, 2025 may be a pivotal year to act.

Want to know how this proposed change could affect your plans? Our team can help you explore your eligibility and timeline under today’s rules.