Portugal Sends Naturalization Reform Bill Back for Further Review

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In a positive development for those pursuing Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa or other residency routes, the Portuguese government has returned a proposed bill to amend the country’s naturalization laws for further review and clarification.

The draft legislation in question sought to revise Article 6 of Portugal’s Nationality Law, most notably by proposing to extend the timeline for citizenship and redefining the starting point of the five-year residency period required for naturalisation. The proposed changes also aimed to reinforce the need for stronger ties to Portugal, though the specifics remained vague.

These proposed changes raised considerable concern among legal experts, industry advisors, and government stakeholders, as they risked creating uncertainty for thousands of applicants already in process. Specifically, the retroactive nature was viewed as unconstitutional by many legal experts that could undermine legal certainty and disrupt tens of thousands of pending applications.Furthermore, the government’s previous statements about enhancing the Golden Visa program appeared at odds with proposals that would make the citizenship pathway less attractive.

In response to these concerns, the government has now returned the bill to the parliamentary commission for further revision. This move has been broadly welcomed by legal professionals and migration advisors, including our team at Latitude, as it signals a willingness to adopt a more measured and consultative approach. It reflects Portugal’s ongoing commitment to maintain its reputation as a reliable, investor-friendly jurisdiction.

What This Means for Applicants

For both existing and prospective applicants, the current five-year residency rule remains valid and in force. Those eligible are encouraged to proceed with their applications as planned.

Legal experts anticipate that the revised draft – when it re-emerges later this year – will provide further clarify and likely reaffirm the exiting interpretation: the five-year period counts from the date of application submission, consistent with current practice and case law.

Portugal remains one of the most accessible EU countries for long-term residency and citizenship, offering a clear pathway through its Golden Visa program and moderate integration requirements. Despite ongoing legislative discussions, the fundamentals of the program continue to attract strong global interest for those seeking long-term European access and a path to citizenship.

We will continue to monitor these developments closely and keep you informed of any material changes.