Table of Contents
Portugal’s long-awaited nationality law reform has taken a major step forward. Lawmakers have approved a substitution text that would reset the citizenship timeline to 10 years for most foreign nationals, including citizens of the US, UK, and Canada — a change that would impact the vast majority of Portugalist readers.
The final vote is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and although nothing is guaranteed, the bill is widely expected to pass.
What the New Law Proposes
- 10 years: For most foreigners, including those from the US, UK, Canada, and other non-EU countries.
- 7 years: For citizens of EU Member States and Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).
This move would bring Portugal in line with Spain, which also requires 10 years of residence. However, Portugal would still have a competitive edge: Spain does not automatically recognize dual citizenship, while Portugal does — an important factor for many applicants.
For EU citizens, the change isn’t especially significant. Many already hold an EU passport, so Portuguese citizenship, while beneficial, is not something they’re waiting on with urgency.
For CPLP citizens, the reduction to seven years is likely to be welcomed.
Why 10 Years Still Matters
Although the 10-year timeline may sound long, it’s worth considering Portugal’s relatively attainable visas.
- The D7 Visa , with its €870 per month passive income requirement in 2025, is accessible for many retirees — especially UK citizens on state pensions or US citizens receiving Social Security. Even rental income from a property can be enough to qualify.
- The Digital Nomad Visa also allows remote workers and freelancers to move to Portugal. This is something many other EU countries don’t currently offer.
- While some countries like Spain and Malta have dropped their Golden Visa programs, Portugal’s Golden Visa remains in place, offering another route to residency.
Portugal’s citizenship timeline may be increasing, but the ease of entry compared to other EU countries still makes it an attractive option for many.
The Real Question: 10 Years or 15?
The most important unknown is whether “10 years” will actually mean 10 years.
Lawyer Madalena Monteiro, who attended the Assembly vote, notes that residence cards typically take two to three years to be issued, and the citizenship clock only starts when the card is granted.
In reality, that means many foreigners — especially those on visas like the D7 or Golden Visa — may be looking at 9–13 years before they can apply, and potentially longer if delays persist.
How the Transition Works
- Pending citizenship applications will be protected under the old rules.
- Current residence holders who haven’t applied yet will not be shielded, meaning they’ll likely fall under the new 10-year requirement.
- This has raised concerns among lawyers and campaigners, with Monteiro warning of a “high probability” of a Constitutional Court review of Article 5.
This article states that only applications submitted before the law comes into effect will be assessed under the current rules.
A Few Things Still Up in the Air
While the bill has passed an important stage, nothing is final until after Tuesday’s vote. The President could also send the bill to the Constitutional Court of Portugal for review before it’s signed into law.
If approved, it will be published in the official gazette (Diário da República), at which point it becomes legally binding.
Within 90 days, the government must also update the Nationality Regulation and define the new civics and state knowledge test required for applicants.
What This Means for You
- If you’re from a non-EU country, expect a 10-year wait for citizenship (likely longer with processing delays).
- If you’re from the EU or a CPLP country, the wait will be 7 years.
- If you’ve already submitted your citizenship application, you’re protected under the old law.
- If you’re close to being eligible but haven’t applied yet, you may lose that protection once the new law takes effect.
Although many had hoped for a shorter timeline, particularly after the Socialist Party proposed a more favorable bill earlier in the year, the 10-year timeline seems almost certain to pass.
Bottom Line
Portugal remains one of the most accessible countries in Europe to move to, thanks to its attainable visas and dual citizenship recognition. But if the law passes on Tuesday, obtaining citizenship will require more patience — especially for those just starting their residency journey.
