As policymakers debate proposed changes to Portugal’s citizenship law, investor demand is still strong, rather than stepping back. At Get Golden Visa, we’ve seen an unexpected investor demand in inquiries for the Portugal Golden Visa, positioning this summer to be a strong season for the program, even in the face of potential citizenship law change
The recent webinar we hosted drew hundreds of international participants, in which the discussions centered around Europe’s top Golden Visa programs, including Portugal, Greece, and Italy. During the session, our Co-Founder Murat Coskun presented a comparative overview of the three programs, while our Partner and Portugal Office Director Werner Gruner delivered an in-depth analysis of the Portugal Golden Visa program and its investment structure. Portugal received the most attention, particularly around the proposed extension of the citizenship timeline from 5 to 10 years. Interestingly, the participants’ focus on the Portugal Golden Visa program and citizenship law also intersected with another key insight.
“Instead of stepping back, we’re seeing a good volume of serious inquiries, said Murat Coskun, managing partner of Get Golden Visa. “This is a clear sign that investor confidence in Portugal’s long term value stays strong.”
This suggests that investor confidence in the long-term value of the Portuguese program remains strong, even amid proposed legal changes. It also highlights that Portugal continues to offer unmatched flexibility compared to other programs in Europe.
What’s Changing in the Portugal Citizenship Law?
As of July 2025, the proposed changes to the Portugal citizenship law remain at the proposal stage. Nothing has been passed into law yet.
You can find the content and details of the proposed citizenship law in our article below.
Important Reminder: These are still proposals. No legislation has passed. The proposals must go through parliamentary debate, inter-party negotiations, possible amendments, and review by the Constitutional Court before becoming law.
Why Portugal Still Holds a Strategic Edge
Even if the most conservative version of the proposed changes becomes law, Portugal will still remain the only country in Europe that offers citizenship without full-time residency or mandatory donations, solely through real investment.
Here’s what Golden Visa holders can do even under a worst-case outcome:
- Maintain your Portugal Golden Visa and investment for 5 years
- Apply for permanent residency after year 5, with the option to exit the investment at that point
- You are no longer tied to a fund or business asset
- Continue holding your permanent residency without needing to live in Portugal full time
- Apply for citizenship in year 10
This strategy allows you to preserve flexibility while fulfilling future citizenship requirements, even under the proposed 10-year model.
Why Portugal Golden Visa Still Stands Out
Although Greece and Italy also offer residency-by-investment programs, neither offers a viable path to citizenship without full-time relocation:
Greece: Requires 7 years of continuous full-time residency
Italy: Requires 10 years of residence, with the final 5 years lived full time
Portugal: Even under the proposed law, requires just 7 days of presence per year
In other words, Portugal remains the most flexible and relocation-free route to EU citizenship
Golden Visa Program Comparison: Portugal vs. Greece vs. Italy
Broader Context: What’s Driving Demand
Despite legal uncertainty, the Portugal Golden Visa remains one of the most strategic and resilient pathways to access the European Union, maintain lifestyle flexibility, and plan long-term-all without relocating. Investor momentum may also be shaped by rising global instability. “Many of our clients are looking at Portugal as a long-term safety net, especially as political tensions are increasing in their home countries,” said Coskun.
While Portugal leads in investor interest, Greece and Italy continue to attract demand as well. They are offering compelling lifestyle options as an investor residency route, with Greece standing out for its real estate investment route that appeals to more traditional investors.
If you’re considering applying, now may be the ideal time to enter the program before any new laws come into effect.
At Get Golden Visa, we continue to monitor developments in the Portugal citizenship law and keep our clients informed every step of the way.
Ready to explore your options? Contact us to speak with a trusted advisor.
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