Changes to Portugal Citizenship Requirements: 10-Year Residency
On October 28, 2025, the Portuguese parliament voted to extend the pathway to obtaining Portugal citizenship from five years to ten years.
One of the most attractive qualities of Portugal’s digital nomad visa was the considerably speedy path to obtaining Portugal citizenship. However, the now doubled residency requirement to be eligible for an EU passport can influence your decision of whether Portugal is the right place for you.
In this article, we’ll dive into what the requirement changes to Portugal citizenship mean for digital nomad visa holders and whether Portugal is still a good option.
What Changes About the Portugal Citizenship Requirements in 2025?
Portugal was always an advantageous country within the EU, offering one of the fastest pathways to citizenship. However, with the latest changes to the Portugal citizenship eligibility requirements, it may not be the top choice for many people.
What was once a five-year pathway to Portuguese citizenship has now increased to up to 10 years of residency.
However, there are two tiers of residency requirements:
- 7 Years for citizens of CPLP countries (Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil) and EU citizens (though they are not eligible for the digital nomad visa) living in Portugal
- 10 Years for citizens of any other country residing in Portugal
Along with the residency requirements, applicants must also pass the Portuguese language and civics exams.
There has been no change to the 5-year temporary residency requirement to apply for permanent residency in Portugal. It’s important to note that your time as a resident in Portugal begins when you receive your residence permit, not when you arrive in the country on a visa.
Are Digital Nomad Visa Holders Still Eligible for Portugal Citizenship?
Yes, digital nomad visa holders will still be eligible to obtain citizenship in Portugal. However, they must meet the updated residency requirement.
Even if you are living in Portugal with the digital nomad visa for four years and plan to apply for citizenship during the fifth year, you will now have to wait for the extended term. For residents who have already started the process to apply for Portugal citizenship, the old 5-year rule will apply.
The good news is that digital nomad visa holders are still eligible for permanent residency in Portugal after living in the country for five years, meeting the minimum stay requirements, and passing their Portuguese A2 language exam.
Is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Still a Good Option?
Portugal’s digital nomad visa was one of the most popular in Europe, only being surpassed by Spain’s digital nomad visa. However, with the new change to the Portugal citizenship requirements, we believe its popularity will decrease.
Over the past couple of years, it has been increasingly difficult to apply for Portugal’s digital nomad visa and associated residence permit. In certain countries, Portuguese consulates and VFS offices around the world are not releasing visa appointments. For those lucky enough to have their visa approved, they face an 8-month wait for an AIMA appointment to obtain the residence permit. This visa has proven to be one of the most difficult to obtain for digital nomads.
And now with the extended residency requirement to be eligible to apply for citizenship in Portugal, it makes the visa even less appealing.
Portugal is an amazing country with plenty of culture, great food, friendly people, and gorgeous views, but it takes a lot of time and effort to set up your life there. If you are set on relocating to Portugal, then the digital nomad visa is an excellent pathway for remote workers. While it isn’t the easiest digital nomad visa to apply for, it is possible.
See if You’re Eligible for Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa for Free
The first step to applying for a digital nomad visa? Verifying you’re eligibility!
With Nomads Embassy, you can see if you’re eligible to apply for Portugal’s digital nomad visa for free with our online assessment.
In just a matter of minutes, you can see if you meet the requirements to apply for this visa.
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