You may have heard about the recently proposed law regarding Portugal’s citizenship and immigration that could impact the Golden Visa program. This topic was discussed in the Portuguese Parliament on July 4, 2025, but no final decisions have been made. As a result, there is no need for alarm – current Visa investors and applicants are not affected by these discussions.
At Optylon Krea, we believe in keeping our clients and prospects informed with accurate, timely, and non-alarmist information. In this article, we outline what’s happening in Portugal’s legislative process, what changes might occur, and the potential impact for international investors.
| Issue | Current Rule | Draft Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum legal residence before applying for naturalization | 5 years for all foreign nationals | 7 years for CPLP citizens; 10 years for other foreigners; 4 years for stateless individuals |
| When the residence clock starts | On the date the residence application is filed | On the date the first residence permit is issued |
| Tests and integration | A2 Portuguese-language test only | Language plus mandatory exam on Portuguese culture, rights and duties, and a solemn pledge |
| Criminal record threshold | Barred only if sentenced to ≥3 years’ prison | Barred for any effective prison sentence; 10-year revocation window |
| Children born in Portugal | One parent resident ≥1 year; automatic if criteria met | One parent resident ≥3 years; parents must expressly request citizenship |
Renowned constitutional law professor Jorge Miranda has however branded several provisions (particularly the retroactive change to residence counting and the revocation clause) as “constitutionally inadmissible”, citing violations of legal certainty and equality.
A companion bill amending the 2007 Foreigners Law would:
Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, has confirmed that “there’s no plan to end” the Golden Visa and that the government aims to make it “more effective and economically efficient” during a separate discussion.
Key points for investors:
Passport applications should be safeguarded, as these individuals have already completed their applications under the current legal framework.
However, there are differing opinions regarding how the proposed changes might affect existing Golden Visa applicants, those who have already made their investment and submitted their applications, particularly considering that citizenship eligibility under this route typically occurs after five years. These issues are expected to be part of the ongoing constitutional debate.
It’s important to highlight that the proposed legislative change primarily targets immigrants who entered Portugal with a Schengen tourist visa, overstayed its validity, then began contributing to social security while working in the service sector, later applying for citizenship along with their families.
According to official data, this group exceeds 1 million people, a significant figure considering Portugal's population of just 10 million. In contrast, Golden Visa applicants represent a much smaller portion of the total. Therefore, it is anticipated that the government will take a differentiated approach for Golden Visa investors and work to safeguard their existing rights.
Given the political arithmetic and serious constitutional objections, substantial revisions (or even outright rejection) of the most restrictive clauses are seen as ‘probable’ by most political analysts.
Optylon Krea is committed to keeping you informed and supported at every step. We will continue to monitor developments closely and provide timely updates, ensuring you always have the most accurate and relevant information to guide your investment decisions.
If you are considering the Portuguese Golden Visa or have questions about your current status, our team is here to assist you with expert, up-to-date advice.