Portugal’s New 10-Year Residency Requirement for Citizenship

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Portugal, long celebrated as one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations for expats and investors, has introduced significant changes to its immigration and naturalization policies in June 2025. The most notable reform is the extension of the legal residency requirement for citizenship from 5 years to 10 years for most foreigners, with a 7-year period for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Angola. This shift, driven by political pressures and a desire to strengthen ties to the national community, has sparked widespread discussion among expats, investors, and those eyeing Portugal’s Golden Visa program. Below, we dive into the details of this new policy, its implications, and what it means for those planning to relocate or invest in Portugal.

Portugal’s immigration landscape has evolved rapidly in recent years. With over 1.5 million legal foreign residents in a population of 10.5 million, the country has seen a surge in immigration, particularly from Brazil, the UK, and the US. The Golden Visa program, launched in 2012 to attract foreign investment, has been a major draw, contributing over €7.5 billion to the economy. However, the program’s lenient requirements—such as spending just 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain residency—have raised concerns about integration and the so-called “call effect” of lenient immigration policies.

The center-right Democratic Alliance (AD) government, led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, faced mounting pressure from the far-right Chega party, which became the main opposition in the May 2025 election. Chega’s campaign emphasized stricter immigration controls, and the proposed 10-year residency requirement aligns with their push for tougher naturalization rules. According to Cabinet Minister António Leitão Amaro, the reform aims to ensure an “effective connection” and “belonging to the national community” for those seeking citizenship.

Key Details of the New 10-Year Residency Policy

On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese government approved a bill to overhaul citizenship requirements. Here are the core components of the policy:

Extended Residency Period for Citizenship:

Most Foreigners: The residency requirement for naturalization has doubled from 5 years to 10 years of legal residence.

Portuguese-Speaking Countries: Citizens from countries like Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique will face a 7-year residency requirement.
This applies to all pathways to citizenship, including those via the Golden Visa, D7 Visa (Passive Income), and other residency permits.

Residency Clock Reset:
Unlike the 2024 amendment to the Portuguese Nationality Law, which allowed the 5-year residency period to start from the date of application for a residence permit, the new policy specifies that the residency period begins only when the residence permit is granted. This change could add significant delays, as processing times with the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) often take 10–14 months.

Stricter Integration Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate “sufficient knowledge” of the Portuguese language, typically through a CIPLE A2-level test (though exemptions apply for children under 10 or those with disabilities).

A proposed “National Integration and Citizenship Test” will assess knowledge of Portuguese history, culture, and democratic values.

Applicants must show an “effective link to the national community,” which may include financial self-sufficiency and familiarity with Portuguese rights and duties.
A clean criminal record is mandatory, with no convictions carrying sentences longer than 3 years, and applicants must not pose a threat to national security.

Citizenship Revocation Clause:

The bill introduces a provision allowing the revocation of citizenship for naturalized citizens who commit serious crimes, a controversial measure aimed at reinforcing accountability.

Impact on Children of Immigrants:

Under current law, children born in Portugal to foreign parents can claim citizenship after 1–2 years of parental legal residence. The new proposal raises this to 6 years for parents from Portuguese-speaking countries and 10 years for others, effectively eliminating the automatic “jus soli” (right of soil) path for many.

Family Reunification Rules Tightened:

Immigrants must now be legally resident for 2 years before applying to bring family members, and only minors qualify for reunification.

How Does This Affect the Golden Visa Program?

The Portugal Golden Visa, a residency-by-investment program, remains one of the most popular routes for non-EU nationals to gain residency and eventual citizenship. Despite speculation about its termination in 2024, the program continues in 2025 with updated investment options (real estate investments were phased out by October 2023). However, the new 10-year residency requirement significantly alters its appeal. Here’s what you need to know:

Residency Requirements Unchanged: Golden Visa holders must still spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal (14 days every 2 years) to maintain their residence permit.

Path to Citizenship Extended: Previously, investors could apply for citizenship after 5 years of legal residency, counted from the application date. Now, the 10-year (or 7-year) clock starts only when the permit is issued, potentially delaying citizenship by an additional 1–2 years due to AIMA processing times.

Investment Options in 2025:

€500,000 in qualifying investment funds (non-real estate).
€500,000 in an existing business, creating 5 full-time jobs for 3 years.
€500,000 in research and development activities.
€250,000 in cultural heritage preservation or artistic production.
Creating 10 full-time jobs (or 8 in low-density areas) through a Portuguese business.

Streamlined Process: AIMA has digitized the application process via the ARI Portal, with automatic biometric appointment scheduling starting January 2025. Processing fees are €6,045.20 for certified documents and €8,060.20 for uncertified submissions.

While the Golden Visa remains a viable path to residency, the extended citizenship timeline may deter investors seeking a quicker route to an EU passport. Comparatively, Spain’s Golden Visa requires 10 years for citizenship, but its higher investment threshold (€500,000 minimum) and stricter residency obligations make Portugal’s program still competitive.

Other Residency Pathways Impacted

The 10-year residency requirement applies across all residency programs, including:

D7 Visa (Passive Income/Retirement Visa):

Ideal for retirees or those with passive income (minimum €8,460/year for a single applicant).
Requires 7 days per year in Portugal for residency, but citizenship now takes 10 years.

D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa):

For those starting a business in Portugal, with a recommended minimum investment of €5,000 and €10,440 in savings.
Citizenship timeline extended to 10 years.

D3 Visa (Highly Qualified Specialists):

For professionals like engineers or doctors with a job contract offering 1.5 times the national average salary. Same 10-year citizenship requirement.

D6 Visa (Family Reunification):

Allows family members to join legal residents, but the 2-year residency requirement for sponsors and the 10-year citizenship wait apply.

Study Visas (D4/D5):

Students can obtain residency for the duration of their studies, but switching to permanent residency or citizenship requires 10 years of legal residence post-study.

Implications for Expats and Investors

The new policy has sparked mixed reactions, as seen in posts on X and web reports. Here’s a breakdown of the implications:

For Current Residents:

If you’re already a legal resident under the 5-year rule, apply for citizenship as soon as possible to avoid the new requirements. The bill is likely to pass, given Chega’s parliamentary influence.
Delays in AIMA processing (up to 14 months) mean the residency clock starts later, potentially extending the timeline further.

For Golden Visa Investors:

The program remains attractive for residency, offering visa-free Schengen travel and the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. However, the 10-year citizenship wait reduces its appeal for those prioritizing an EU passport.
Investors should weigh alternatives like Malta or Greece, though these programs often have higher investment thresholds or stricter residency requirements.

For Expats from Portuguese-Speaking Countries:

The 7-year requirement is less stringent, but still a significant increase from 5 years. Brazilians, the largest immigrant group (over 450,000 residents), may face challenges integrating under the new integration tests.

For Families:

The tightened family reunification rules and loss of automatic citizenship for children born in Portugal could discourage families from relocating.

Economic and Social Impact:

Critics argue the policy may deter foreign investment and slow capital inflows, particularly via the Golden Visa. Others believe it will foster deeper integration, ensuring citizens have stronger cultural and economic ties to Portugal.

What Should You Do Now?

If you’re considering relocating to Portugal or applying for residency, here are actionable steps:

Apply Early:

If eligible under the current 5-year rule, submit your residency or citizenship application before the bill is finalized to lock in the shorter timeline.
For Golden Visa applicants, start the process now to account for AIMA’s 10–14-month processing times.

Consult Immigration Experts:

Work with reputable firms like Get Golden Visa or Global Citizen Solutions to navigate the updated requirements and ensure compliance.
Legal assistance is crucial for preparing documents, especially for the new integration and language tests.

Learn Portuguese:

Start studying for the CIPLE A2 language test, as it’s mandatory for citizenship (except for exempt groups). Familiarity with Portuguese culture and history will also prepare you for the proposed citizenship test.

Plan Your Stay:

Budget for at least 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain residency status. Strategic planning can help meet the “effective link” requirement over the 10-year period.

Explore Alternatives:

If the 10-year wait is a dealbreaker, consider other EU countries with shorter citizenship timelines (e.g., Ireland or Belgium, though visa options vary). However, Portugal’s quality of life, safety, and affordability remain strong draws.

Portugal’s new 10-year residency requirement for citizenship marks a significant shift in its immigration policy, reflecting a broader European trend toward stricter naturalization rules. While the Golden Visa and other residency programs remain viable pathways to live and work in Portugal, the extended citizenship timeline may prompt investors and expats to reassess their plans. For those committed to Portugal’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and EU benefits, the policy underscores the importance of early planning, language learning, and deeper integration.

Stay informed as the bill progresses through parliament, and consult with immigration professionals to secure your path to residency or citizenship. Have questions about the new policy or your relocation plans? Drop them in the comments below, and let’s navigate this change together!