Portugal’s Golden Visa Citizenship Timeline Extended by 9 Key Changes
Golden Visa investors now face a doubled waiting period before they can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- Residency requirement increased from 5 to 10 years.
- Applicants submitted before May 19, 2026 may be grandfathered.
- The change puts Portugal’s program in sharper competition with Malta and Greece.
New Law and Core Changes
The nationality law amendment adopted on 19 May 2026 extends the required residence period for Golden Visa holders from five to ten years, effectively doubling the time investors must spend in Portugal before eligibility for citizenship.
Transition and Grandfathering Rules
Applicants who lodged their requests before the amendment may continue to benefit from the five‑year rule, provided they meet specific conditions related to their original citizenship and AIMA processing times.
- Applications submitted before 19 May 2026 retain the five‑year residency threshold.
- Applications after that date must satisfy a ten‑year residency period.
- Delays in AIMA’s processing can further extend the overall waiting time.
The revision aims to keep Portugal competitive against Malta and Greece, but it forces investors to reassess financial and timeline expectations.
Sources
9 Changes to Portugal's Golden Visa Citizenship Timeline Explained