Portugal Nationality Law: Latest Rumours and Updates

Apologies for the low resolution. A few technical issues whilst recording, however the content remains applicable.

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Transcript:

If you’re wondering what on earth is going on with Portugal’s Nationality Law, then I’m going to break this down for you in today’s video.

You may already know that Parliament had approved a change in the Law, extending the timelines to naturalisation (i.e. citizenship) to 10 years instead of the current 5. However, the opposition Socialist Party invoked a preventive constitutional review of this proposed law, sending it to the constitutional courts for review. They actually bypassed the President when doing so, which was interesting to see.

At this stage, no further decisions have been formally published. However, several credible rumours are circulating within legal and political circles which may influence the final form of the legislation and the changes that subsequently occur.

While none of the following points are confirmed – yet – they represent the current expectations among legal practitioners, advisors, and legislators engaged in the process. But I want to be absolutely clear on this, these are rumours only. We will not know the final outcome for a little while yet. My intention with this video is simply to give you the latest information as I receive it.

1. Constitutional Review Decision Expected on 15th December

As I mentioned, the approved text has been referred to the Constitutional Court and is currently undergoing review. A decision is widely expected on or around 15 December (it is worth mentioning that I am recording this video on 12th December). This ruling will determine whether the proposed amendments can proceed as drafted, or whether changes will be required.

2. Rumours of Multiple Unconstitutionalities

There is increasing speculation that the Constitutional Court may identify several unconstitutional elements in the current draft, resulting in the bill being returned to Parliament for revision. This is very interesting, and opens up several possible consequences.

3. If Returned to Parliament, a Two-Thirds Majority Would Be Required

Should the Court send the bill back for amendment, the revised text would require a 66% parliamentary majority to pass. This means the governing coalition would need the support of the Socialist Party.

4. Socialist Party Likely to Continue Opposing the Changes

The Socialist Party has publicly signalled two positions relevant to Golden Visa and other non-EU applicants:
• They favour shorter timelines to citizenship than the proposed 10 years — likely advocating for 6 or 7 years instead.
• They support protecting the rights of existing Golden Visa applicants, including counting time from the date of application, not from the date the first residence permit was issued.
If these positions are maintained, the final law could be materially different from the originally approved version.

5. Alternative Scenario: The Bill Could Be Scrapped Entirely

Another outcome under discussion is that the existing bill could be withdrawn with a view to drafting a completely new one.
If this occurs, only a simple majority (50%) would be required to pass the new text, avoiding the need for Socialist Party support. The content of a fresh draft is, of course, unknown at this stage but this would theoretically allow the governing coalition to hammer through their agenda. That said, such a move would likely be seen as authoritarian and unpopular.

What This Means for Golden Visa Investors -

At present, nothing has changed in law. The Constitutional Court’s ruling — expected in the days ahead — will clarify the next steps. But even then, this situation risks rumbling on (which is why I am recording this video for you now, rather than waiting the extra few days).

Given the political dynamics and differing party positions, there remains genuine uncertainty as to the final shape of the amendments, and whether the more restrictive elements will survive in their current form.

I’ll continue to bring you updates as I am able, although my focus will turn more towards my existing clients and family matters as we move towards the Christmas holidays.