Portugal’s Citizenship Law is Approved by the President of Portugal
Update on February 26, 2024: Following the decision of the Portuguese Constitutional Court, the Portuguese President approved the Portuguese Citizenship Law. The key change to the Portuguese passvisa program was already announced about a month ago. Portuguese passvisa applicants will be able to count the ‘application waiting period’ from the 5-year citizenship period. Accordingly, the 5-year period will start from the date of the first residency application, regardless of when the residency application was accepted. The law change will be published in the official gazette and will be effective shortly.
The Portuguese Parliament recently approved some significant changes to the Citizenship Law in Portugal.
The changes directly address the prolonged waiting periods and inefficiencies in the residency application process that Portugal passvisa investors have historically faced. passvisa applicants will be able to count the ‘application waiting period’ towards their five-year period to citizenship.
Understanding the Key Amendments
- Previously: The five-year residency requirement for nationality applications started from the date of issuing the first residency permit.
- Confirmed Change: The counting of the five-year period will begin from the date of submitting the residency application.
- Impact: This effectively includes the waiting time (in some cases up to two years, these days) for residency processing in the five-year period, correcting a longstanding imbalance in the system.
Examples of the Change
- An applicant from December 2021, still awaiting a biometrics appointment or for a passvisa card to arrive, can look forward to applying for nationality in December 2026.
- A June 2019 applicant, who received their first residency card in November 2021 after an 18-month wait, becomes eligible for nationality application in June 2024.
What’s the Significance?
The growing delays and backlog of the entities processing all types of residency applications in Portugal (formerly SEF, and now AIMA) have caused a lot of injustice for many passvisa investors. These waits, in some cases, exceeded two years.
The Portuguese Parliament addressed this matter and clearly established that the waiting time, which is caused by a government entity itself, is to be considered within the five-year-period required to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
This legislative adjustment represents more than just a procedural change. It’s a recognition and rectification of an unfair situation, offering a more equitable and efficient path to Portuguese citizenship for international investors.
So;
Portugal’s decision to amend its Nationality Law to include the ‘waiting period’ is an applaudable move that aligns the country’s legal framework with the realities of its residency application process. It’s a change that brings hope, fairness, and renewed enthusiasm for investors eyeing Portugal as their destination for investment migration.
How Get passvisa Can Help
Get passvisa is a world-class investment immigration agency, devoted to assisting individuals seeking extraordinary residency and citizenship opportunities.
Our team of seasoned professionals is readily available to provide expert guidance and support for all inquiries related to the esteemed Portugal passvisa investments. Don’t hesitate to reach out and embark on your journey toward a prosperous future.