Portugal is reviewing its citizenship rules in 2026. Find out what changes have already been agreed, what has not yet come into force and how this will affect investors and golden visa holders

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Portugal is once again reviewing the rules for acquiring citizenship - and these changes could significantly affect both future migrants and those already in the country. After lengthy political discussions and the intervention of the Constitutional Court, the legislative process is not yet complete, but the main contours of the reform are already clear.

Moving to another country is always more than just paperwork. It is a complex process in which every detail is important: from choosing the type of visa to correctly filling out applications. This is where the help of a migration lawyer can be key.

A specialist will help you avoid mistakes, reduce the risk of refusal and choose the best path to legalization in a new country.

Contact a migration lawyer today to make your move as safe and predictable as possible!

Changes to the Citizenship Law in Portugal for April 2026

Back in the fall of 2025, the Portuguese Parliament adopted a new version of the Citizenship Law. However, the document did not immediately enter into force - it was sent for review to the Constitutional Court.

After the court's comments, the law was revised, and on April 1, 2026, it was re-approved by a two-thirds majority. Now the final word is with the country's president: he can sign the law, veto it or refer it back to constitutional control.

Until then, the previous rules remain in force.

Main changes in the procedure for obtaining Portuguese citizenship

The key innovation is an increase in the period of residence required for naturalization:

- 10 years for most foreigners;

- 7 years for citizens of the EU and countries of the Commonwealth of Portuguese-Speaking States (CPLP).

It is important that the countdown of this period is planned to begin not from the moment of submitting documents, but from the date of receiving the first residence card. This means an actual extension of the path to a passport for thousands of applicants.

What else will change in the procedure for obtaining Portuguese citizenship?

In addition to the terms, the law also provides for additional criteria:

- Confirmation of language proficiency at level A2.

- Passing a test on history, culture and rights.

- Declaration of adherence to democratic values.

- Confirmation of financial capacity.

- Absence of serious criminal convictions

- Absence of sanctions from the EU or the UN.

The possibility of obtaining citizenship by descent from Sephardic Jews, a previously popular path among investors, was also removed from the law.

The role of the Constitutional Court in the procedure for obtaining citizenship

The court has already intervened in the process and declared some provisions unconstitutional, in particular:

- Automatic bans due to criminal convictions.

- Vague wording such as “fraud” or “rejection of society”

- The idea of ​​deprivation of citizenship as a criminal punishment.

It was after this that the law was finalized.

Have Portuguese legislation on citizenship changed?

No. Despite the second vote in parliament, the law is not yet in force.

Until the president signs the document (or a new stage of verification is completed), the old rules apply - in particular, the possibility of obtaining citizenship after 5 years of residence.

What do the changes to the Portuguese citizenship law mean for holders of the “golden visa”?

The “golden visa” program (ARI) remains unchanged - it, as before, grants the right to reside, and not automatically to citizenship.

However, if the law is adopted: the path to a passport will become longer, the new requirements will apply to future applications, the date of receipt of the first certificate will become critical for calculating the terms. At the same time, the rights to residence, extension of permits and family reunification will not change.

The current conditions of the Portuguese golden visa in 2026 and its strategic advantages are in this article.

What will happen to applications already submitted?

It is expected that applications submitted before the new law comes into force will be considered under the old rules – i.e. under the five-year period, while new applications submitted after the possible adoption of the reform will be subject to the new requirements.

It is the lack of clear transitional provisions that is currently causing the most debate.

Permanent residence as an alternative

Even if citizenship is postponed, investors can obtain a permanent residence permit after 5 years, which gives a stable status in the country, the possibility of not residing permanently in Portugal, and the right to keep or even withdraw investments. In fact, for many this becomes an interim but very practical strategy.

An important point for families

For families with children, the issue of status becomes particularly sensitive. If the children are approaching the age limits of the program, it is worth considering obtaining a separate permanent residence for each family member. This avoids losing status and gives more freedom in education and work.

What to expect next for expats in Portugal?

Political decisions lie ahead: the president's signature or veto, a possible second review by the Constitutional Court, and the final formation of the text of the law. For now, the system is operating according to the old rules, but it is clear that changes are coming.

In light of changes to Portuguese legislation, it is especially important to act proactively. The new rules, the lack of clear transitional provisions, and possible additional requirements create a situation where independent submission of documents can become risky.

A migration lawyer will not only explain the current rules, but also help build a long-term strategy: when is it better to submit documents, what status to choose, how to protect the interests of the entire family. This is especially important for investors and "golden visa" holders, where each decision affects years to come.

Qualified support is not an expense, but an investment in a secure future abroad. Get a consultation now so as not to miss out on opportunities that are still open.

Let us remind you! Portugal is changing the rules for highly skilled professionals. We’ve already covered the country’s latest immigration reforms in 2026, including restrictions on family reunification and the abolition of legalization due to expressed interest.

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