Portugal’s New Citizenship Proposal: What Golden Visa Holders Should Know

The Portuguese government has proposed amendments to the nationality law that could have a significant impact on foreign residents. The notice of a new nationality law was presented on June 23, 2025, with a requirement for stricter rules for naturalisation: firstly, the amendments wish to extend the minimum period of residency, and secondly, there are new eligibility criteria. The changes may affect Golden Visa (ARI) holders wishing to become citizens.

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Key Proposed Changes

Residency Requirement:

Citizenship applicants must now live in Portugal for 10 years (or 7 years for nationals coming from countries of the Community of Portuguese Language) starting from the date when the first issued residence card (not the date of application).

New Naturalisation Criteria:

Applicants must show that they:

Speak the Portuguese language at A2 level.

Understand Portuguese civics, rights and duties.

Have a clear criminal record.

Have “real ties” and integration into Portuguese society.

Sephardic Ancestry Pathway Removed:

The law further seeks to abolish the fast-track citizenship regime for those with Sephardic ancestry.

What This Means for Golden Visa Holders

Golden Visa holders are not going to face changes in their residency rights under this proposal. However, delayed access to citizenship is possible: 

Applications made before June 19, 2025 (with complete documentation) will be processed under the current 5-year rule.

New applications or incomplete applications will face the proposed 10-year application once the law is passed.

It is possible to apply for permanent residency after 5 years under the Golden Visa, but you still need to have A2 Portuguese language proficiency.

What to Expect Next

For now the proposal is not law. It must go through parliamentary debate and the ability to amend and only comes into effect after a formal enactment. There is debate amongst legal scholars stating that there is unconstitutional retroactivity; therefore, current applicants may still be protected.

In the meantime, applicants and investors should look at staying informed and obtaining legal advice to determine how these two changes will affect their plans.