Portugal has tightened its citizenship rules. The wait stretches, the clock starts later, and children born in Portugal gain a clearer path.
Why it matters: If your strategy relied on a 5-year passport, you need a new plan. Below is the investor view and what to do next.
How long will you wait now?
You’ll need 10 years of residence before you can apply for citizenship—double the previous 5.
If you’re from a Portuguese-speaking country, it’s 7 years.
You’ll also need to show knowledge of Portuguese language, culture, history, state symbols, citizens’ rights and duties, and the political system.
So what? Portugal shifts from a fast route to a slow one. If you planned on a passport in 5 years, that option may be gone.
When does your “residence clock” start?
Only time after your residence card is issued counts toward eligibility.
Previously, the waiting period for the card counted. It no longer does.
There’s no grandfathering. Even if you’ve lived in Portugal for 5 years, you must now wait another 5.
So what? Expect timelines to stretch by 12–18 months for in-process applicants. Plan for longer holding periods and later exits tied to citizenship.
What about children born in Portugal?
Children gain Portuguese citizenship if one parent has lived in Portugal for 5 years (up from 1 year).
So what? Families benefit. Your children can become citizens faster than you.
What happens next?
The law still needs the President’s signature. Once published in the official gazette, it takes effect the next day.
The President could veto or refer it to the Constitutional Court, but that’s considered unlikely. A decision is due by 17 November.
What you should actually do
- If you’re mid-residency: Assume your path now takes up to 10 years. Re-test if that fits your portfolio horizon.
- If you wanted fast EU mobility: Optimise for residency rights rather than citizenship. Your day-to-day EU access can remain strong via residency.
- If you have a family: Children benefit most under the new rules. Staying the course may still make sense.
The bottom line
Portugal still works for lifestyle, residency, and tax structuring. It no longer works for a quick EU passport.
If quality of life and residency are the goal, the strategy still holds.
Technical appendix
- Eligibility period: Now 10 years for most; 7 for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries.
- Counting rule: Time starts when the residence card is issued; pre-issue waiting time no longer counts.
- No grandfathering: Prior 5-year residents must wait an additional 5 years.
- Children born in Portugal: Citizenship if a parent has 5 years’ residence.
- Status: Awaiting Presidential signature; effective the day after publication; decision deadline 17 November.
