Understanding the Latest Portuguese Nationality Reform

I. Key Amendments Affecting All Foreign Residents

1. Children Born in Portugal

Automatic nationality will now apply only if at least one parent has legally resided in Portugal for five years before the child’s birth, aligning citizenship by birth with proven residence and integration.

2. Grandchildren of Portuguese Citizens

Applicants must now demonstrate proficiency in the Portuguese language and understanding of the country’s culture and traditions, reinforcing the genuine connection between ancestry and identity.

3. Citizenship by Marriage or Partnership

The route remains open, but applicants must:

• Have no criminal record, and
• Not pose a threat to national security or public order.

4. Financial Self-Sufficiency Requirement

Applicants must prove stable and independent financial means.

5. Closure of the Sephardic Jewish Naturalisation Route

The symbolic Sephardic Jewish citizenship program will officially close upon publication of the new law.

II. Amendments Relevant to Investors and Golden Visa Holders

6. Extended Residence Requirements

• 7 years for EU and CPLP nationals
• 10 years for all other foreign nationalsThis change adjusts the timeline but not the eligibility of Golden Visa Portugal residents seeking citizenship.

7. New Cultural and Civic Criteria

Applicants must show knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, and democratic values, in addition to the A2 language level.

8. Stricter Criminal Record Provisions

Convictions with penalties of two years or more or inclusion on UN sanctions lists will disqualify applicants.

9. New Rule for Counting Residence Periods

Residence will now be calculated from the date of issuance of the first residence card, not from the initial application — a detail particularly relevant to Golden Visa investors.

10. Entry into Force and Transition

Once published, the law takes immediate effect. Pending applications will remain under the previous five-year rule.

III. Parliamentary Debate and Constitutional Outlook

The reform has generated significant political and constitutional discussion. Several deputies have raised concerns over possible retroactive implications and the proportionality of extended residence periods.

Given this debate, the President of the Republic may either:

• Return the bill to Parliament for revision, or
• Refer it to the Constitutional Court for review.

Lincoln Global Partners anticipates a careful presidential approach aimed at ensuring proportionality, transparency, and legal continuity.

IV. Permanent Residency: Stability Amid Change

While the nationality rules evolve, Portugal’s Permanent Residency (PR) framework remains unchanged — and continues to be one of the most advantageous in Europe.

After five years from issuance of the first residence card, Golden Visa holders may apply for permanent residence. Once PR is granted, they may divest their qualifying investment without affecting their legal status.

Golden Visa residents must spend only seven days per year in Portugal to maintain their residency, combining flexibility, mobility, and legal security.

Strategic Planning Your Global Residency

In an era of shifting immigration policies, strategic global residency planning is key. By combining citizenship by investment (CBI) with residency by investment (RBI), investors can build a truly diversified portfolio — one that ensures mobility, security, and freedom of movement across multiple jurisdictions.

This dual approach allows investors to:

• Access fast citizenship routes while maintaining long-term residency in Europe;
• Diversify their legal and tax exposure;

• Secure family futures through multiple legal bases for residence and travel.

Lincoln Global Partners specializes in creating multi-jurisdiction strategies, combining Caribbean CBI programs with European residencies such as Portugal or Greece, optimizing for both flexibility and long-term security.

São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program – A New CPLP Advantage

Launched in 2025, the São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program introduces one of the most affordable and efficient citizenship routes in the world.

This donation-based program grants full citizenship in as little as 6–8 weeks, through a contribution to the country’s National Transformation Fund, supporting sustainable projects in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Key Highlights:

• From US$90,000 (single applicant) — the world’s most affordable CBI program •Fast approval – citizenship granted within 6–8 weeks
• No residency or interviews required
• Family inclusion – spouse and children under 30, parents over 55

•Visa-free access to 61–63 destinations
•CPLP Membership – offering potential fast-track naturalisation in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Portugal and Brazil.

CPLP Synergy: A Strategic Dual-Investment Route

Because São Tomé & Príncipe is a member of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), its citizens benefit from preferential treatment in Portugal, where the new Portuguese Nationality Reform sets the naturalisation period at 7 years (rather than 10).

This makes São Tomé’s program an ideal complementary strategy for investors pursuing a two-step residency-to-citizenship plan:

1. Acquire São Tomé citizenship quickly and affordably.
2. Leverage CPLP membership to establish residency in Portugal under favourable conditions
3. Apply for Portuguese citizenship after 7 years — significantly shorter than the standard 10-year path for non-CPLP nationals.

This unique combination offers investors an efficient and globally diversified route to both Caribbean-style fast citizenship and European Union access through Portugal — all within a cohesive Lusophone legal framework.

Conclusion

The Portugal Citizenship Law 2025 represents an evolution toward structure and accountability, not restriction.

While the Golden Visa Portugal changes may extend timelines, they reaffirm Portugal’s commitment to maintaining one of Europe’s most reputable and stable immigration pathways.

For investors seeking global mobility, combining São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship with Portuguese residency offers a forward-thinking strategy — uniting speed, affordability, and long-term European opportunity.

Lincoln Global Partners and our legal stakeholders remain dedicated to guiding investors through these transitions with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

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This guide is provided for informational purposes only and will be updated as additional Legal details become available. Lincoln Global Partners maintains no affiliation with Portugal’s government. All information is based on publicly available official sources and our legal advisors.