Portugal Citizenship Law 2025: What the New Rules Mean for Golden Visa Investors

Portugal Citizenship Law Faces Major Overhaul in 2025

The Portugal citizenship law is undergoing its most significant reform in years. A new draft bill introduced on June 23, 2025, proposes to double the residency requirement from five to ten years for most foreigners applying for Portuguese citizenship. In addition to extending the timeline, the draft law introduces mandatory Portuguese language proficiency at A2 level and a new cultural and civic knowledge exam. These reforms are aimed at tightening naturalization eligibility and promoting better integration, especially in light of rising migration numbers and political pressures.

The new measures are expected to have a wide-reaching impact, especially on non-EU investors, including those who have applied through Portugal’s Golden Visa program. While the law is not yet in effect, its implications for the future of investment migration in Portugal are already being hotly debated.

Key Changes Proposed in the 2025 Portugal Citizenship Law

The draft law outlines several fundamental changes to the naturalization process:

Residency Requirement Increased from Five to Ten Years

Currently, non-EU residents in Portugal can apply for citizenship after just five years of legal residence. Under the new proposal, that timeline will be extended to ten years. For nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP nations like Brazil, Angola, Mozambique), the minimum would be set at seven years.

This adjustment would align Portugal more closely with other EU nations that have longer citizenship timelines, but it also reduces one of the most attractive features of Portugal’s current system: its speed.

Mandatory Language and Civic Integration Tests

Applicants will be required to pass a Portuguese language exam at A2 level (basic understanding and communication), and complete a cultural knowledge test covering Portuguese history, laws, civic duties, and democratic values. These additions are designed to ensure that new citizens are not only physically present in the country but also socially and culturally integrated.

Currently, language proficiency is already a requirement, but the new civic test would be an added barrier, especially for investors who spend limited time in the country.

Tougher Conditions for Citizenship by Descent and Birth

Children born in Portugal to foreign parents will no longer automatically be granted citizenship. Instead, at least one parent must have legally resided in Portugal for three years and formally apply for the child’s citizenship. This represents a significant departure from the more inclusive policy that previously made Portugal one of Europe’s most generous countries for birthright citizenship.

How Will Golden Visa Investors Be Affected?

Golden Visa holders have historically enjoyed access to Portuguese citizenship after five years of residence, with minimal physical stay requirements (7 days per year). If the Portugal citizenship law is revised as proposed, the naturalization path for Golden Visa holders could become more difficult.

Extended Timeline for Citizenship

The most immediate impact would be the extended residency requirement. Golden Visa holders who were planning to apply for citizenship after five years may now have to wait ten years under the new rules—unless they apply before the law is enacted.

Language and Civic Integration Requirements

While many Golden Visa investors may meet the A2 Portuguese language level through preparation, the civic integration test will require additional effort. This could include studying Portuguese history, culture, and civil responsibilities—topics that may not be familiar to business-focused applicants.

Existing Applications May Be Protected

One key detail in the current proposal is that applications submitted before June 19, 2025 will continue to be processed under the existing five-year rule. This means investors who are already eligible or close to eligibility must act quickly to submit their citizenship applications before the law is passed.

Why Is Portugal Changing Its Citizenship Law?

The proposed overhaul comes amid mounting political pressure, particularly from the right-wing Chega party, which has been critical of the country’s liberal immigration policies. The government argues that stricter rules are needed to encourage genuine integration and prevent abuse of the system.

The surge in applications under Portugal’s Golden Visa and digital nomad schemes has raised concerns over “passport-for-cash” perceptions. By tightening the Portugal citizenship law, lawmakers aim to preserve the integrity of citizenship as a long-term commitment—not just a strategic acquisition.

Reactions from Experts and Industry Leaders

Yusuf Boz, a global migration consultant, noted:

“This is a pivotal moment. The proposed Portugal citizenship law changes will redefine the expectations for Golden Visa applicants. Those considering citizenship must now take action swiftly. After June 2025, the route will likely become slower, more demanding, and more localized in terms of integration.”

Others have pointed out that Portugal could lose its competitive edge as a destination for investment-based migration, especially compared to Malta or Italy, which maintain structured and relatively lenient citizenship pathways.

Transition Rules: Will the Law Be Retroactive?

One of the most important aspects of the current debate is whether the new law will apply retroactively. At this stage, there are strong indications that:

• Applications submitted before the law comes into effect will continue to be assessed under the existing framework (5-year residency).
• New applications filed after June 2025 will likely fall under the 10-year rule if the law is enacted.
• Existing Golden Visa holders who have not yet reached five years may see their citizenship timeline extended unless they act in time.

What Should Investors and Residents Do Now?

1. Check Your Eligibility Immediately

If you’re approaching or have already reached five years of legal residency in Portugal, submit your citizenship application as soon as possible. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to benefit from the current 5-year rule.

2. Begin Language and Integration Preparation

Whether or not the law is enacted, it’s wise to start preparing for the A2 Portuguese exam and begin reviewing Portuguese history and civic topics. These skills will not only support your application but help with life in Portugal.

3. Seek Legal and Migration Advice

Consult with an experienced immigration lawyer or Golden Visa advisor to understand how the new law may impact your situation and to ensure your application is correctly filed before any legal changes occur.

 A Shift Toward Deeper Integration

The Portugal citizenship law reform of 2025 marks a profound shift in the country’s approach to naturalization. While it may discourage some opportunistic applicants, it will also raise the standards for those who genuinely wish to become Portuguese citizens.

Golden Visa investors still have an opportunity—but the window is closing. Acting before the law takes effect could mean the difference between a five-year or ten-year citizenship journey. For those still considering Portugal as their European base, planning ahead and understanding the new landscape is more important than ever.