According to legal immigration experts, the discussions around the draft proposal to extend the residency requirements for Portuguese citizenship from 5 to 10 years (7 years for CPLP nationals) will now be delayed until September, having originally been scheduled to be discussed by the Assembly of the Republic again on July 16.

Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, said:

"Following discussions today (July 9, 2025) with some of our legal and immigration experts, we now know that the government proposal for changes to Portugal's citizenship and residency laws is being pushed back to September.

“At that point, it will then have to go through a rigorous process of scrutiny, discussion, and debate in parliament before it can be put into law.

“This postponement provides a level of comfort for individuals and families already planning to obtain either a D-Visa or Golden Visa residency-by-investment in Portugal.

“It is also important to note that there have been no legal changes introduced, and Portugal has a long-standing tradition of not applying immigration law retroactively.

“So those who act now are best placed to benefit from the existing opportunity to apply for permanent citizenship after five years of the Golden Visa and show intent before any future changes may occur to extend that to 10 years.”

This delay to September offers a window for prospective applicants, particularly those considering the popular Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme, to complete their investment and application by being proactive.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client; Golden Visa holders gain the right to live in Portugal and visa-free access to all 29 EU Schengen Area countries.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, highlighted the importance of planning and acting early ahead of any potential changes.

"This is an opportunity for people who have shown intent to complete their Portugal Golden Visa application and investment in a sensible fashion. We have many investors who are already a long way down the line, in terms of their application and investment consideration, and should now be able to complete their application and investment in good time," Sheedy stated.

The Portugal Golden Visa programme, which grants residency and a pathway to citizenship for non-EU citizens in exchange for qualifying investments, has been a significant driver of foreign direct investment into Portugal.

Golden Visa holders gain the right to live in Portugal and visa-free access to all 29 EU Schengen Area countries.

Portugal’s Golden Visa programme only requires holders to spend seven days per year in the country, making it ideal for investors seeking flexibility.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client; Propsective applicants should act early ahead of any potential changes

This contrasts with the D-Visas, which require holders to be in Portugal for 183 consecutive days or 8 months in total over a 12-month period.

Additionally, spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents can be included on the Golden Visa application.

Portugal Pathways is hosting a webinar: Securing Portugal's Golden Visa in 2025 on July 22, 2025, to explore and give clarity on Portugal’s Golden Visa with expert insight from fund managers and legal immigration professionals.

Click here to register

About Portugal Pathways

Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.

About Portugal Investment Owners Club

The Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is a unique investor membership community designed for discerning individuals, families, and organisations committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal and enjoying money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive events.