Portugal has approved major revisions to its Nationality Law following a last-minute political deal, marking a significant shift in policy with no transitional protections for current applicants. The move reflects a more restrictive approach while leaving the final outcome dependent on presidential approval.
- Parliamentary Approval and Political Deal
The government has placed an immediate hold on applications from individuals holding three or more foreign nationalities, based on Nationality Law No. 07/2022. This restriction remains in force as Parliament has not yet finalized the expected amendment to relax the rule.
- Stricter Criminal Rules Introduced
The law reduces the criminal threshold for blocking citizenship from five years to three years and expands the list of offenses that can lead to loss of nationality. New offenses include leadership of criminal organizations, arms trafficking, and drug trafficking.
- Residency Rules Unchanged
Residency requirements remain unchanged at seven years for EU and CPLP nationals and ten years for all other applicants. Additionally, proposals to impose financial self-sufficiency requirements—such as excluding applicants receiving social benefits—were not included.
- No Transitional Protections
The remote system is designed to maintain strict identity verification standards while improving accessibility and reducing logistical barriers. Officials emphasized that compliance remains the priority, even as the process becomes more convenient.
- Political and Legal Debate
The reform sparked strong political division, with critics warning of constitutional risks and a break from Portugal’s tradition of openness. Opposition figures argued that the law ignores Constitutional Court concerns and undermines legal certainty.
- What Happens Next
The law is not yet final and now awaits President António José Seguro, who can approve, veto, or refer it to the Constitutional Court. A veto can be overridden by Parliament, while a court review would delay implementation.
- Impact on Golden Visa and Investors
Although the Golden Visa program itself was not directly changed, experts warn that the new legal environment is less favorable for investors and citizenship applicants. The absence of protections for existing applicants increases uncertainty and may affect those relying on residency-to-citizenship pathways.
- Potential Delays and Strategic Timing
The possibility of a presidential veto or Constitutional Court review could delay the law’s implementation, effectively giving more time to applicants nearing eligibility thresholds. This window may be critical for individuals close to completing the required residency period.
Summary
Portugal’s new nationality law introduces stricter rules without protecting existing applicants, signaling a tougher policy direction. While residency timelines remain unchanged, the absence of transitional measures and ongoing legal uncertainty create risks for applicants, especially those relying on investment-based pathways like the Golden Visa.
