How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship in 2026?

The statutory requirement is five years of legal residence in Portugal, followed by a citizenship application that currently processes within 12 to 24 months. The full pathway from initial Golden Visa or D7 permit to citizenship certificate is typically six to seven years end to end.

Can I keep my existing citizenship if I become Portuguese?

Yes. Portugal accepts dual and multiple citizenship. Acquiring Portuguese nationality does not require you to renounce your existing citizenship, provided your home country also permits dual nationality.

Do I need to speak fluent Portuguese to qualify?

No. The language requirement is A2 CEFR level, which is basic conversational Portuguese rather than fluency. Most English speakers reach A2 with 150 to 200 hours of structured study. The language requirement is waived for applicants under 10 or over 60.

Does Golden Visa residence count towards citizenship?

Yes. Golden Visa is one of several residence permit types that count toward the five-year requirement for naturalisation. The minimum physical presence on Golden Visa is seven days in year one and fourteen days in each two-year renewal, which is substantially more flexible than residence-by-presence permits such as the D7.

Has Portugal removed the five-year citizenship pathway?

No, not as law. Proposals to extend the residence requirement to seven or ten years were discussed through 2024 and 2025 but did not pass in their original form. The five-year rule remains intact at the time of writing.

What happened to NHR and is there still a tax advantage for new residents?

The original Non-Habitual Resident regime closed to new applicants at the end of 2023. It has been replaced by IFICI (NHR 2.0), which is narrower in scope and focused on qualifying activities in research, higher education, and innovation. Tax planning for new Portuguese residents requires specialist advice rather than reliance on the old NHR framework.

Can my children apply for Portuguese citizenship with me?

Yes. Spouses and minor children included in family applications benefit from streamlined processing. Children under 10 are exempt from the language test. A child born in Portugal while at least one parent has been legally resident for over a year acquires Portuguese citizenship automatically by birth.

Private Adviser for Portugal Golden Visa Investors

Award-winning, Portugal-based Golden Visa specialist for high-net-worth individuals and families seeking EU residency through investment.

Jason Swan

My name is Jason Swan.

For over a decade, I’ve worked with high-net-worth individuals and families looking to secure residency in Europe through investment — with a particular focus on Portugal.

This isn’t a volume business, and it never has been.

I work closely with a select number of clients at any one time, guiding them through the entire process — from initial strategy, through investment selection, right the way through to residency approval and beyond. Every step is managed personally, on the ground, here in Portugal.

The reality is, the Golden Visa market is full of noise. Too many options. Too many opinions. Too much generic advice.

My role is to simplify that. I help you understand what actually works, what is compliant, what is suitable for your personal situation — and most importantly, how to move forward with clarity and confidence. No guesswork. No unnecessary complexity. Just clear, commercially sound advice based on real experience.

Recognition & Experience

Over the years, I’ve advised on more than 600 successful Golden Visa applications for investors across the UK, US, Middle East, and beyond.

I’ve been recognised as the No. 1 Adviser in Europe and Rest of the World at the International Investment Awards for four consecutive years — and rated 5 stars across 15+ countries.

But more importantly, the majority of my work today comes from referrals and long-term relationships. Because ultimately, results matter more than recognition.

Considering the Portugal Golden Visa?

The first step is simply to understand your options clearly. Book a private consultation or join the next live webinar to discuss your situation directly with Jason.

International Investment Awards

Jason Swan has been recognised as No. 1 Adviser in Europe & Rest of the World for four consecutive years at the International Investment Awards, the leading recognition body for independent financial advisers serving expatriate and cross-border clients worldwide.

Private Adviser for Portugal Golden Visa Investors

Jason Swan

Recognition & Experience

Considering the Portugal Golden Visa?

International Investment Awards

In the Media: Recognition and Insights

A Place in the Sun

Sur in English

Expats Portugal

Pure Portugal

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