Weekly update on June 22, 2026: New 10-Year Citizenship Law & AIMA Progress
PublishedBy Laura Ferreira · Editorial policy
Recent updates highlight the new 10-year residency requirement for Portuguese citizenship under Organic Law no. 1/2026. Meanwhile, AIMA tackles backlogs, and the government warns against misleading Golden Visa advice.
Key takeaways
- Organic Law no. 1/2026 establishes a 10-year legal residency period for many citizenship applicants.
- AIMA is actively working to address and clear the existing administrative residency application backlogs.
- The Portuguese government has issued warnings regarding lawyers and consultants misleading Golden Visa clients.
- Discussions continue among industry observers regarding the long-term future of the Golden Visa program.
Understanding the New 10-Year Citizenship Timeline
Following the enactment of Organic Law no. 1/2026 on May 3, 2026, the standard legal residency period required for many Portuguese citizenship applicants has officially increased to 10 years. This legislative amendment fundamentally alters the naturalisation timeline for prospective citizens, including Golden Visa investors, establishing a longer mandatory residency phase before citizenship eligibility is reached.
As applicants adjust their long-term plans to accommodate this extended legal requirement, preparing for the mandatory Portuguese language exam remains a crucial step. Utilizing resources like Prep2Go can help candidates steadily build their language proficiency over the residency period, ensuring they are fully prepared to meet the language criteria when they finally become eligible to apply.
AIMA Addresses Administrative Processing Delays
In a separate administrative development, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) is facing scrutiny over its ongoing residency application backlogs. Recent reports question whether the agency is finally getting on top of the accumulated files that have caused significant wait times for expats and investors seeking to secure or renew their residency status.
It is important to note that these processing delays are an administrative issue and are entirely distinct from the recent legislative changes to the citizenship timeline. While AIMA's backlogs add to the overall waiting experience for residency cards, the agency is reportedly taking steps to streamline operations and process pending permits.
Government Scrutiny on Golden Visa Consultants
The Portuguese government has recently accused certain lawyers and consultants of tricking Golden Visa clients. Officials have raised concerns that some professionals are providing misleading information to investors navigating the complex residency-by-investment landscape.
Applicants are urged to exercise caution and ensure they are receiving accurate, compliant guidance regarding their Golden Visa applications. Relying on verified information is essential to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure adherence to Portugal's evolving immigration regulations.
Debating the Future of the Golden Visa
Alongside regulatory warnings and timeline shifts, broader discussions are emerging about the long-term viability of the Golden Visa program itself. Industry observers and wealth management briefings are actively debating whether recent pressures and regulatory shifts signal the eventual end of the popular investment pathway.
While no immediate closure has been confirmed in these latest reports, the ongoing scrutiny highlights the importance of staying informed. Current and prospective investors should closely monitor official channels for any definitive policy shifts regarding the program's future.
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