Here’s what you must know about the new Nationality Law in Portugal

The Portuguese Government has approved a proposal to amend the Nationality Law, extending the minimum legal residence period required for naturalisation. Once the new rule comes into force, citizens from Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) will need to reside seven years in Portugal, instead of the current five. For other foreign nationals, the period will increase to ten years.

Under the new framework, the residence period will now be counted from the date the first residence permit is issued or from the first valid residence right obtained, rather than from the date the application is submitted, as was previously the case.

Impact on the Golden Visa

Investors who hold residence through the Golden Visa programme should check whether their citizenship applications will be assessed under the previous rules (5 years) or the new ones (7 or 10 years), depending on their nationality and the date of submission.

Those who submitted their applications before the new amendments take effect may still benefit from the previous regime, depending on cut-off dates and transitional provisions yet to be defined.

Despite the legislative changes, experts stress that the path to citizenship through the Golden Visa remains viable.
Heed Capital emphasises that it will continue to offer eligible investment solutions to help investors maintain their residence and citizenship plans in Portugal on track.

More info: New rules for Portuguese nationality - The Portugal News (https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-06-24/new-rules-for-portuguese-nationality/98816?)