Portugal Citizenship: Could It Change from 5 to 10 Years?

What’s Proposed, What’s Confirmed, and How Expats Can Plan Either Way

There’s been a lot of noise lately around Portuguese citizenship, and we’ve been getting many questions about a possible change from the current 5-year residency requirement to 10 years.

In this post, we want to clearly lay out:

• What’s being proposed

• What’s already confirmed

• What remains unknown

• And most importantly, how to plan calmly and intelligently either way

If you’re already living in Portugal — or planning a move — this conversation matters. But it doesn’t need to be stressful.

The Current Situation: What We Know So Far

Let’s start with the facts.

For many years, Portugal has offered one of the shortest paths to citizenship in Europe:
5 years of legal residency, after which you can apply for citizenship.

That 5-year rule is one of the reasons we chose Portugal and why many expats did the same.

What’s Being Proposed

The Portuguese government has proposed increasing that requirement from 5 years to 10 years for people without Portuguese ancestry — people like us who moved here later in life.

This proposal has:

• Been introduced

• Rejected by the Constitutional Court

• Sent back for revisions

As of now, nothing has officially changed.

However, we do believe this change will likely happen eventually. Portugal is one of the few countries still offering a 5-year path, and many countries require 7–10 years (if citizenship is offered at all).

The biggest unknown is timing:

• When would this change take effect?

• Would it affect people already living here?

• Would there be a transition or grace period?

Those questions remain unanswered.

A Key Detail Many Expats Miss (Good News)

There has been an important update that works in favor of expats.

Due to significant delays at AIMA (Portugal’s immigration authority), the government clarified that your citizenship clock can start from the date you applied for residency — not the date it was approved.

This matters because:

• Many people waited months (or longer) for permits

• That waiting time now counts toward citizenship

This change was introduced in 2024 and offers protection for applicants caught in bureaucratic delays.

Our Personal Situation

This summer marks five years since we moved to Portugal.

We love this country, the people, the culture, and the lifestyle. We’ve fully integrated:

• We meet residency requirements

• We completed our A2 Portuguese

• We’ve stayed compliant with time-in-country rules

We’re ready to apply for citizenship — if the rules stay as they are.

But if they change?
We pivot.

If You’re Already Living in Portugal

If you’re 3 or 4 years into residency, you’re in a waiting phase.

Right now:

• Nothing has officially changed

• Proposals are still under review

• No timelines are confirmed

The best approach is simple:

• Stay compliant

• Keep your documents organized

• Be ready if the 5-year rule still applies

Many people are here long-term regardless of citizenship, especially those who benefited from NHR or simply love life in Portugal.

If You’re Planning to Move to Portugal

If you’re planning a move now or in the near future, here’s our honest take:

We would still move.

Portugal remains:

• Affordable compared to many countries

• Safe and stable

• Welcoming

• A fantastic place to build a second half of life

Citizenship is great — but permanent residency is also very strong, and it’s what many retirees ultimately choose.

Policies change everywhere. Portugal is no different.

Citizenship vs. Permanent Residency

It’s important to remember:

• Many expats never plan to become citizens

• Permanent residency offers long-term stability

• EU long-term residency is another option worth exploring

Citizenship has become a bigger focus recently, but it doesn’t have to be the only goal.

The Bigger Lesson: Flexibility Is Everything

If there’s one constant in the second half of life, it’s change.

We’ve seen it already:

• NHR ended

• Immigration systems changed

• Policies evolved across Europe

The key is not panic — it’s adaptability.

What We’re Doing to Stay Ready (And You Can Too)

Here’s how we’re preparing — regardless of what happens:

• Tracking all residency and application dates

• Keeping paperwork organized and complete

• Staying compliant with time-in-country rules

• Maintaining Portuguese banking and financial records

• Completing language requirements (A2)

• Consulting professionals when needed

• Preparing to apply early if rules allow

And perhaps most importantly…

Don’t Panic

Facebook groups are full of speculation, rumors, and worst-case scenarios.

Portugal moves slowly.
Portuguese patience is real.

Most of this is out of our control — and that’s okay.

Life abroad, especially in retirement, is a journey. The second half of life requires flexibility, curiosity, and calm decision-making.

That’s what we focus on.

Our Final Thoughts

We’re hopeful.
We’re prepared.
And we’re flexible.

If citizenship happens — wonderful.
If not — permanent residency still supports the life we love.

We’d love to hear from you:

• Is citizenship your goal?

• Do you have a plan B?

• Are you already here, or still planning your move?

Leave a comment and let’s have a thoughtful discussion.

And as always, thank you for spending some of your time with us.

Check back in — and Track Us Down.