Portugal has long offered a five-year pathway to dual citizenship and an EU passport after obtaining a residency permit.

However, a proposed reform could extend this to 10 years for most foreign nationals.

While this has generated concern, it is important to distinguish between current law and potential future changes.


How do Portugal’s citizenship rules work today?

As of March 2026, the law remains unchanged. Under Portugal’s Nationality Law, foreign nationals may apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency.

In 2024, the process was simplified. The five-year countdown now begins from the date the residency application is submitted, rather than when the residency card is issued.

Previously, administrative delays could effectively extend the timeline by one or two years while applicants waited for approval.

For Golden Visa applicants, this reform was particularly significant. The five-year clock towards permanent dual citizenship now starts as soon as the Golden Visa application is filed, regardless of processing queues.

To qualify for citizenship, applicants must:

  • Demonstrate basic Portuguese language proficiency at A2 level, either by passing an exam or completing an approved course.
  • Maintain a clean criminal record.
  • Meet the minimum residency requirements for their visa. For Golden Visa holders, this is an average of seven days per year.


What changes have been proposed?

Towards the end of 2025, Portugal’s parliament approved a bill seeking to reform the Nationality Law. The proposal would increase the required residency period from five years to 10 years for most non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.

For citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, the timeline would increase to seven years. The proposal also suggested requiring applicants to demonstrate a basic understanding of Portuguese culture.

However, these changes have not come into force. After parliamentary approval, Portugal’s Constitutional Court ruled that several elements of the legislation were unconstitutional, citing concerns around retroactive and potentially discriminatory provisions.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Portugal Pathways; Portugal's Nationality Law has been pushed back by the Consitutional Court, pending further debate and amendments.

As of March 2026, no changes have been implemented. The five-year pathway to citizenship remains in place.

That said, the government has signalled its intention to revisit reform in order to align Portugal more closely with other European countries, where longer naturalisation periods are common. As a result, many investors are choosing to proceed now to secure eligibility under the existing framework.


Will permanent residency rules change?

Even if citizenship timelines are extended in the future, the right to apply for permanent residency after five years is expected to remain unchanged.

Permanent residency allows holders to live and work in Portugal without renewing temporary permits every two years. While it does not grant voting rights or an EU passport, it does provide visa-free travel within the 29-country Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

In the event of a 10-year citizenship pathway, investors could still obtain permanent residency after five years and wait an additional five years before applying for citizenship.

Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways, said: "Under current law, non-EU nationals can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence. Since the 2024 reform, the clock starts from the date you submit your residency application — not when the card is issued — provided it’s approved.‍

"Parliament did pass a proposal to extend this to ten years. However, the Constitutional Court found elements unconstitutional in January 2026. The law cannot proceed in its current form.‍

"In addition, no further debate will take place until the new President, Luís Montenegro of the Social Democratic Party, is formally in post — and three new Constitutional Court judges still need to be appointed.‍

"So we are currently in a legislative pause."

Update: The Nationality Law is on the parliamentary agenda to be reconsidered on April 1st

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Portugal Pathways; Portugal Golden Visa applicants, as of March 2026, can obtain permanent dual citizenship and an EU passport after five years of legal residency.

Impact on Portugal’s Golden Visa

Much of the debate has focused on the Golden Visa. It is important to note that the proposed reforms relate to citizenship timelines across all visa categories and would not alter the core benefits of the programme.

Key benefits of Portugal’s Golden Visa include:

  • Flexible residency requirements of just seven days per year.
  • The ability to include eligible family members under one investment.
  • Freedom of movement across the Schengen region.
  • A pathway to permanent residency and, under current law, citizenship after five years.

Since the removal of the real estate route in 2023, the programme has centred on alternative investment funds approved for the Portugal Golden Visa. Applicants must invest €500,000 in eligible funds.

Other routes include a €250,000 cultural donation or a €500,000 investment in scientific research. For non-tax residents, gains on qualifying fund investments may be exempt from Portuguese tax.

Portugal Pathways supports private international clients and their advisers throughout the Golden Visa journey, working with trusted legal, immigration and regulated financial partners.

Arranging a no-obligation discovery call with Portugal Pathways can provide clarity on eligibility, timelines and next steps within Portugal’s evolving citizenship framework.