Good afternoon from here in Portugal,
Considering the upcoming parliamentary vote regarding the changes to the Portuguese citizenship law, I’m writing to provide some clarity on the proposals, hopefully to allow a clear and comprehensive understanding on the matter.
This topic is coming up on almost all client meetings over recent weeks and a lot of information available within the public domain, is raising more questions than answers. Allow me to summarise the proposed changes, followed with who may/may not be affected.
Proposed changes to Citizenship Law
- To increase the timeline to apply for citizenship from 5 to 10 years
- For this this time to begin from issuance of the visa, not submission (Total of 11-12+ years)
- The addition of a cultural exam in addition to the A2 language exam
What is not changing
- The golden visa program or any other residency visa programs
- Timeline to permanent residency (5 years)
It is important to note, that these proposed changes only impact investors looking to move to other EU countries. For investors (of family thereof) looking to move to Portugal in the future, your timeline, costs and investment requirements will remain the same.
All inherited benefits of having residency in Portugal (Golden Visa or other) are not currently subject to change. It is strictly the timeline to citizenship under discussion (receipt of passport), which carries the added benefit of living in other EU countries.
For investors moving to Portugal
- The timeline to receive permanent residency to live, work or study in Portugal remains unchanged, after 5 years
- Access to healthcare, education and tax incentives in Portugal remain unchanged
- No visa renewals required post PR
- No minimum stay required after PR to proceed to citizenship
- No timeline extension to investment commitment (not required with PR)
- Access to travel freely within the EU for up to 6 months per year, remains unchanged
I will be hosting a live investor briefing, immediately following the parliamentary vote with Rui Passos from ERG Legal. Rui will be present in parliament on the day and between us, we shall explain how the conversation progresses. You can click below for more information on this and to request the complimentary zoom link – Portugal Citizenship Law Changes — Full Clarity, First Access following Parliamentary Vote
Monday 15th September – 5.00pm Lisbon / 12.00pm CET
My September update of Portugal’s Golden Visa “Everything you need to know” + Live Q&Ais scheduled shortly thereafter, covering the whole program in detail with a chance to ask any questions.
Wednesday 17th September – 5.00pm Lisbon / 12.00pm CET
Lastly, we will be hosting Financial Planning for US Expats living in or moving to the EU. Here you can learn how to remain compliant with both U.S. and EU tax regulations. Strategies for cross-border investing, retirement planning, avoiding PFICs, and coordinating assets across jurisdictions.
Tuesday 30th September 6.00pm Lisbon / 1.00pm CET
I hope this update is well received and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or to schedule a video call.
During personal discussions, we can review the investment fund directory for the Golden Visa, accessing all fund managers with qualifying funds to choose from. Furthermore, I can share on screen a personalised cost breakdown, including legal and government fees.
To request a call with me directly, you can use this link. I’ll continue to keep you up to date with relevant and informative updates for the Golden Visa program this year.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Best regards
