Portugal Doubles Citizenship Timeline to 10 Years Amid AIMA Backlog Push

Portugal has officially increased its citizenship residency requirement from five to ten years, sparking legal challenges. Meanwhile, the government has set a strict 2026 deadline for AIMA to clear Golden Visa backlogs.

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Key takeaways

Portugal officially increased the residency requirement for citizenship from five to ten years.

Lawyers are challenging the new citizenship timeline in court over constitutional concerns.

The government mandated AIMA to clear all pending Golden Visa applications by 2026.

Mercan launched a new Hospitality Investment Fund II for prospective Golden Visa investors.

Malaysia introduced a new Golden Visa program, offering an Asian alternative to European routes.

Citizenship Residency Requirement Extended to 10 Years

Portugal has officially doubled the residency period required to apply for citizenship, increasing it from five to ten years. This significant policy shift means prospective applicants, including Golden Visa holders, must now plan for a decade-long commitment before becoming eligible for a Portuguese passport.

Due to this extended timeline, applicants are encouraged to recalculate their financial models and tax planning to account for a longer holding period.

Lawyers Challenge the New Citizenship Rules

The sudden change to the citizenship timeline has sparked constitutional debates across the country. Immigration lawyers are actively challenging the legality of the reform in court.

There is ongoing litigation aimed at preventing the retroactive application of the 10-year rule, which could potentially preserve the original five-year timeline for existing applicants. Individuals are advised to consult with their immigration attorneys to assess how these changes might impact their specific cases.

Government Sets 2026 Deadline to Clear AIMA Backlogs

In a positive development for delayed applicants, the Portuguese government has committed to eliminating the backlog of Golden Visa applications by 2026. The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has been given a strict deadline to process pending files.

This initiative offers hope to investors currently stuck in the system, signaling a potential reduction in waiting times for residence cards.

Tighter Immigration Policies and Global Alternatives

Beyond the Golden Visa, Portugal has tightened its general immigration rules, contrasting with the more lenient policies currently seen in some other European Union nations.

As European routes become more restrictive, alternative markets are emerging. Notably, Malaysia has recently opened its own Golden Visa program, providing a new option for investors looking toward Asia.

Mercan Launches Hospitality Investment Fund II

Despite the regulatory changes, the Portuguese investment market continues to evolve. Mercan has introduced the Hospitality Investment Fund II, creating a new qualifying investment vehicle for Golden Visa applicants.

This addition expands the choices available to prospective investors, allowing for greater portfolio diversification within the country's robust hotel and hospitality sector.