Published 16 September 2026 · Updated 4 November 2026 · 7 minute read
For years, Portugal's pitch was simple: invest, spend a few weeks a year there, and get an EU passport in five years. In 2026 that last part changed. Here is what you need to know.
What changed
Portugal's new nationality law came into force on 19 May 2026. Two changes matter most:
- Longer wait. Naturalisation now needs 10 years of legal residence for most nationalities, up from five. EU, EEA and Portuguese-speaking (CPLP) nationals need seven.
- Later start. The clock now starts on the date your first residence card is issued, not the date you applied. With processing backlogs of one to three years in recent years, that can add a lot of time.
The law also adds an A2 Portuguese language requirement and a civic knowledge test, though the detailed rules for these had not been published at the time of writing.
What did not change
The Golden Visa itself is governed by immigration law, which was not touched. Still the same:
- Investment amounts and qualifying routes
- Minimal stay: around 5 weeks over 5 years
- Family inclusion: spouse, children and dependent parents
- Renewal rules
- Permanent residency after 5 years
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Who is protected
Nationality applications filed on or before 18 May 2026 go ahead under the old rules. Everyone else falls under the new law, including Golden Visa holders who were close to year five but had not yet applied for citizenship.
Whether residence time built up before May 2026 counts towards the new 10 years is still unclear. Law firms have filed complaints on behalf of more than 1,000 investors, and the question has gone to Portugal's Constitutional Court.
How much the Golden Visa costs in 2026
Residential property no longer qualifies. The main routes are:
| Route | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Portuguese investment or venture capital funds | €500,000 |
| Scientific research | €500,000 |
| New company creating 5 jobs | €500,000 |
| Cultural heritage or arts | €250,000 |
Government fees, legal fees and fund fees come on top.
Does Portugal still make sense?
Yes, if you want a European base. You get EU residency with almost no stay requirement, family included, and permanent residency in five years. That has not changed.
Probably not, if you mainly want an EU passport soon. Ten years with real naturalisation tests is a long road. Cyprus, for example, offers a path after five years of living there, and a Caribbean passport gives visa-free Schengen travel within months.
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Frequently asked questions
Did the Portugal Golden Visa change in 2026?
No. The 2026 reform changed nationality law, not the Golden Visa. Investment amounts, stay requirements, family rules, renewals and permanent residency at year 5 are all unchanged.
How long does Portuguese citizenship take now?
Ten years of legal residence for most nationalities, and seven years for EU, EEA and Portuguese-speaking (CPLP) nationals. The clock now starts when your first residence card is issued.
Am I protected if I already applied?
Nationality applications filed on or before 18 May 2026 continue under the old five-year rules. People still at the residency stage are not protected, and this is being challenged in the courts.
How much is the Portugal Golden Visa?
Most routes need €500,000, usually in Portuguese investment or venture capital funds. Residential property no longer qualifies.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Programme rules change often, so confirm the current position before you act.