Portuguese Citizenship Law Changes on the Way in 2024

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Friday, January 5, 2024 saw the Portuguese Parliament approve draft bills that will affect how long you have to wait to qualify for Portuguese nationality. They are now before the President for his review and should he approve them, they’ll amend the Portuguese Citizenship Law. This will positively impact Portuguese Golden Visa applications.

Defining Five Years Time

The existing path to Portuguese citizenship for Golden Visa holders is five years of residence after visa approval. However, with the processing delays, this could mean seven to eight years for citizenship which has caused some investors to look at alternatives. 

Should the President sign off on the new laws, Golden Visa applicants would begin counting the five-year qualifying residence period for citizenship much earlier. The start date switches from the day you receive approval to the day you apply. This is in response to the frustrations many applicants have with the application processing delays. 

The draft law applies to future and present golden visa holders. Although “the day you apply” is open to interpretation and is yet to be clarified.

Could it refer to the online submission date? Or the date of payment? Another possibility is the day of your biometrics appointment. 

Regardless, this is a very welcome move by the Portuguese Government which will ensure their Golden Visa programme remains a popular option for those seeking EU residence and eventual citizenship.

A Green Take on Portuguese Citizenship Law Developments

Jon Green is one of our Portuguese Residency by Investment experts who has been involved with the Golden Visa since its inception. So, we asked him for his thoughts about the recent Portuguese Parliament proceedings.

“The main factor behind these legal amendments relates to red tape. Portugal recognizes that processing hasn’t been running as planned. So, they want to accelerate applications in response to previous strike action and a surge in demand.”

“2023 was quite the tumultuous year for the Portuguese Golden Visa,” continues Green. “This follows the removal of the real estate option which was linked to a rise in property values that priced locals out of the market.” 

“The Portuguese Government is constantly adapting the programme to ensure that it’s competitive but also doesn’t alienate native voters.”

How to Get Portuguese Citizenship

You can become a naturalized Portuguese citizen from the starting point of a Portuguese Golden Visa. This is a Residency by Investment that leads to a second passport. So, don’t delay and contact RIF Trust today.