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Has Portugal Effectively Ended Its Golden Visa Program?

On October 28, 2025, Portugal’s Parliament dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the global investment migration community. In a single vote, they approved legislation that would double the residency requirement for citizenship from five to ten years—affecting not just Golden Visa holders, but every foreign resident hoping to become Portuguese. The change isn’t law yet. It still awaits the President’s signature, and there’s a real possibility it could be sent to the Constitutional Court for review. But the message …

On May 3, 2025, Portugal’s President signed the revised Nationality Law, doubling the residency requirement for most foreign nationals from five years to ten. The law passed parliament on April 1 with a 152-64 vote and now awaits formal publication in the Diário da República before taking effect. For anyone who moved to Portugal — or was planning to — with citizenship in mind, this is a significant change. How much it affects you depends largely on why you wanted …

Parliament was expected to vote this week on major changes to Portugal’s nationality law, including extending the required residency period for citizenship. But last-minute proposals from two parties — Partido Socialista (PS) and Chega — have postponed the vote. Adding to the uncertainty, the death of former Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemão has led to a two-day suspension of parliamentary activities, meaning the vote may be delayed further. Here’s what’s on the table — and what these changes could mean …

Family of four at the airport together, looking back at a camera.

If you’re a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen weighing up Spain versus Portugal for a family move, you’re not choosing between good and bad — you’re choosing between two of Europe’s most family-friendly countries. Both offer sunshine, coastal living, international schools, and a slower pace of life. Spanish is a global language; Portugal slightly less so, but it is known for its safety. But before you fall in love with a city, check whether your income type and level actually gets you in. …

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa signed the revised Foreigners Law into effect, after the legislation was approved by 70% of parliament. This new law represents one of the most significant overhauls of immigration rules in recent years. While some changes are technical, others will have a direct impact on people who are moving to Portugal, applying for residency, or bringing family members here. Below, we’ll break down the key changes — and what they might mean for you. 1. Family …

piggybank and calculator next to a notepad and keyboard

The short answer is yes—but it’s not quite as simple as showing the Portuguese government a bank statement and declaring you can support yourself. You’ll need to qualify for a specific visa or route to residency that accommodates your financial situation. Let’s explore the options available for moving to Portugal with savings. 1. The Golden Visa (For Those with €500k or More in Savings) The Golden Visa is specifically designed for individuals with substantial savings. The concept is straightforward: you …

someone writing pros and cons on a glass pane

Every visa has its pros and cons, and understanding them is crucial for making the right decision about your move to Portugal. While the D7 visa shares many benefits with other Portuguese residency options, it also has unique characteristics that set it apart. Let’s break down everything you need to know. What the D7 Visa Offers First, let’s establish what you get with a D7 visa, as many of these benefits apply to most Portuguese residency visas: Now, since many …

a middle aged man with a laptop, thinking

Here’s a question that keeps coming up: can you actually work once you’re in Portugal on a D7? Some officials say you can. Some say you can’t. Immigration lawyers give different answers. It’s one of the most confusing aspects of Portugal’s residency system. In this article, we’ll break down what the D7 visa actually is, whether you can work on it, what the risks and requirements are, and whether you might be better off with a different visa altogether The …

A Couple holding passports at an airport with boarding passes inside.

On 30 September 2025, Portugal’s Parliament approved a sweeping reform of the Foreigners Law. The new measures mark a major tightening of immigration rules, with decisive backing from the far-right Chega party and other right-wing factions. The law now awaits presidential sanction and publication in the Diário da República before it takes effect, but here’s what’s changing — and what it means for you. Important Pointers Before we continue, there are a few things to be aware of. Key Changes …

a box of medications with days of the week

Moving abroad is scary enough. But when you have pre-existing conditions? It gets properly terrifying. Right now, you’ve got a setup that works. Your doctor knows your history, your prescriptions are sorted, your medical records are more or less all in one place. Everything’s familiar, even if it’s not perfect. Then you start thinking about Portugal. What happens to your medications? Will insurance companies cover you? How long until you can access the public health system, and can you access …

Has Portugal Effectively Ended Its Golden Visa Program?

Is Portuguese Citizenship Worth 10 Years of Your Life?

Portugal Citizenship Vote Postponed: How These Last Minute Proposals Could Affect You

Spain vs Portugal: Which Country Has Easier Visas For Families?

Portugal’s New Foreigners Law: What It Means for You

Can You Move to Portugal on Savings Alone? Yes — With These Caveats

What Are the Pros & Cons Of Portugal’s D7 Visa?

Can You Work on Portugal’s D7 Visa?

Portugal Approves Stricter Immigration Law: What You Need to Know

Can You Move to Portugal With a Pre-Existing Health Condition?