Portugal Nationality Law April 2026: What Golden Visa Investors Need to Know
Last updated: April 3, 2026. This article covers the April 1, 2026 Parliamentary vote to extend Portugal's citizenship timeline. The legislation is currently with the President for review.
On April 1, 2026, Portugal's Parliament (Assembleia da Republica) voted decisively to approve sweeping changes to the country's Nationality Law. The vote passed with a two-thirds supermajority of 152 in favour to 64 against, extending the citizenship pathway from 5 years to 10 years for most foreign nationals. For investors in Portugal's Golden Visa program, this is a significant development that requires careful consideration, but not panic.
In this article, we break down exactly what happened, what has changed, what has stayed the same, and what Golden Visa investors should do next.
What Happened on April 1, 2026
Portugal's Parliament approved amendments to the country's Nationality Law (Lei da Nacionalidade) with a commanding two-thirds majority of 152 votes to 64. This supermajority is significant because it exceeds the threshold required for organic laws, making a presidential veto more difficult to sustain.
The legislation was driven by a broad political consensus that Portugal's citizenship pathway should be more selective and require a longer period of demonstrated connection to the country. The debate reflected ongoing European-wide discussions about the meaning and value of citizenship in an era of global mobility.
The vote was the culmination of months of parliamentary debate, committee hearings, and public discussion. While immigration policy has been politically contentious in Portugal, this particular measure attracted support from across the political spectrum.
Key Changes in the New Nationality Law
The approved legislation introduces several important changes that affect anyone on a path to Portuguese citizenship, including Golden Visa investors:
1. Citizenship Timeline Extended from 5 to 10 Years
The most impactful change is the extension of the residency requirement for citizenship eligibility. Previously, foreign nationals could apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of legal residency. Under the new law, this extends to 10 years for most applicants.
For nationals of EU member states and CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries, including Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and others), the timeline is 7 years rather than 10.
2. Residency Counting Starts from First Residence Card Issuance
Under the new law, the clock for residency counting begins from the date of first residence card issuance, not from the date of the initial application. This is an important distinction for Golden Visa applicants, given that processing times through AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum) can take 12-18 months or longer.
In practical terms, this means the actual time from starting the process to citizenship eligibility could be 11-12 years or more, once application processing time is factored in.
3. Criminal Conviction Threshold Blocks Eligibility
The new law introduces a firm rule that any criminal conviction resulting in a sentence of 3 or more years of imprisonment will block citizenship eligibility entirely. This applies regardless of how long the applicant has been resident in Portugal.
4. Loss of Nationality as Criminal Penalty
For naturalised citizens convicted of crimes carrying sentences of 5 or more years, loss of Portuguese nationality can now be imposed as an accessory criminal penalty. This provision applies only to naturalised citizens, not to those who are Portuguese by birth.
What Has NOT Changed
It is equally important to understand what remains unchanged. Several core elements of the Golden Visa program and the residency framework are unaffected by this legislation:
- The Golden Visa program itself is unchanged. Investment minimums, qualifying investment types, and application procedures remain exactly as they are.
- Permanent residency at 5 years is unchanged. Golden Visa holders can still apply for permanent residency after 5 years. This is a separate process from citizenship and is not affected by the new law.
- Investment minimums remain the same. The EUR 500,000 fund investment, EUR 250,000 cultural donation, and other qualifying routes are unaffected.
- Stay requirements are the same. The minimal physical presence requirement of 7 days in year one and 14 days per subsequent two-year period remains in place.
- Family inclusion rules are unchanged. Spouses, children, and dependent parents can still be included in Golden Visa applications.
Current Status: Presidential Review
As of April 3, 2026, the legislation has been sent to President Antonio Jose Seguro for review. Under the Portuguese Constitution, the President has a 20-day window in which to take one of three actions:
- Sign the legislation into law. Given the two-thirds majority, this is considered the most likely outcome. The law would then take effect after publication in the Diario da Republica, likely in May 2026.
- Veto the legislation. The President can send it back to Parliament with objections. However, Parliament can override a presidential veto with a simple majority, and given the two-thirds vote, an override would be virtually certain.
- Refer to the Constitutional Court. The President can request a constitutional review if there are concerns about the law's compatibility with fundamental rights. This would delay enactment but is considered unlikely for this legislation.
The most probable scenario is that the law will be signed and take effect in May 2026.
No Grandfathering Clause
One critical detail: the legislation as passed does not include a grandfathering clause. This means it will apply to everyone once enacted, including those who are already in the process of accumulating residency time. Investors who are currently at year 3 or 4 of their Golden Visa will not be exempt from the new 10-year timeline for citizenship.
This is arguably the most consequential aspect of the law for current Golden Visa holders who were planning on citizenship at the 5-year mark. However, as we explain below, the practical impact may be less dramatic than it first appears.
What This Means Practically: Permanent Residency Is the Key
Here is the crucial point that many commentators have overlooked: permanent residency at 5 years gives you almost identical practical rights to citizenship.
With Portuguese permanent residency, you can:
- Live and work anywhere in Portugal indefinitely
- Travel freely throughout the EU and Schengen Area
- Access Portuguese healthcare and education systems
- Study at European universities under EU resident conditions
- Reside in other EU countries for extended periods
The main differences between permanent residency and citizenship are:
- Voting rights: Only citizens can vote in national elections and referendums
- Portuguese passport: Only citizens hold a Portuguese passport (currently ranked among the world's most powerful)
- Diplomatic protection: Citizens receive consular assistance from Portuguese embassies worldwide
- Renewal requirements: Permanent residency cards must be renewed every 5 years (a formality), while citizenship is permanent
For most Golden Visa investors, permanent residency provides everything they are looking for: the right to live, work, and travel in Europe with minimal restrictions. Citizenship remains desirable, particularly for the passport, but the 5-year PR pathway ensures the core value proposition of the Golden Visa is intact. For a detailed comparison, read our guide on permanent residency vs citizenship in Portugal.
What Golden Visa Investors Should Do Now
If you are a current or prospective Golden Visa investor, here is our practical advice:
1. Do Not Panic
The Golden Visa program is not ending. Your investment and residency pathway remain secure. Permanent residency at 5 years continues to offer exceptional value, and citizenship, while now on a longer timeline, remains achievable.
2. Understand That PR at 5 Years Remains Excellent
Permanent residency gives you nearly all the practical benefits of citizenship. For most investors, this is what matters. You will have full rights to live, work, and travel in Europe.
3. Consider Starting Sooner Rather Than Later
If you have been considering a Golden Visa but have not yet started, this legislation underscores the importance of beginning the process promptly. The citizenship clock starts from residence card issuance, and processing times add additional months. Starting now means reaching both the PR and citizenship milestones as early as possible.
4. Work with Experienced Advisors
The interplay between investment structuring, residency timelines, tax planning, and now the new nationality law makes professional guidance more important than ever. Work with advisors who understand both the Golden Visa process and the broader regulatory landscape.
5. Review Your Long-Term Plans
Consider whether your goals are best served by permanent residency alone or whether citizenship is essential for your situation. This assessment may affect your timeline planning and commitment to Portuguese language study (A2 level Portuguese is required for citizenship).
Book a Consultation
The April 2026 Nationality Law changes are significant but manageable. The Golden Visa remains one of Europe's best residency-by-investment programs, and permanent residency at 5 years continues to deliver outstanding value.
If you would like to discuss how these changes affect your specific situation, or if you are considering starting a Golden Visa application, we invite you to book a free consultation with our team. We can help you navigate the current landscape and build a strategy that aligns with your goals.
Regulatory disclosure: Pela Terra funds are managed by STAG Management SCR SA, regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Authority (CMVM). Past performance does not guarantee future results. Capital at risk.
Last reviewed: April 2026
