by André Sarmento
Portugal is redefining the rules of the game for global talent and investors.
On October 17th 2025, the Partido Socialista (PS) proposed key amendments to the country’s nationality and immigration laws, responding to the recently approved government reform that had sparked intense debate across the country.
While Portugal remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for innovation, the pathways to residency and citizenship are changing, and founders and Golden Visa investors need to understand how this affects their relocation and long-term plans.
What’s Changing
The PS proposal aims to restore balance to the government’s original plan, softening certain restrictions while maintaining tighter controls overall:
– Naturalisation periods shortened:
- 5 years of legal residence for EU and CPLP nationals (instead of 7).
- 7 years for citizens of other countries (instead of 10).
– Children born in Portugal can obtain nationality if one parent has legal residence for at least one year.
– Current applicants protected: anyone starting their nationality process before 31 December 2026 will remain under the existing rules.
– New Immigration Law enacted: limits family reunification (in most cases requiring up to 2 years of residence before sponsoring dependents) and reserves work visas for “highly qualified professionals.”
In short: the door to Portugal remains open, but it now requires better planning, legal structuring, and early preparation.
What It Means for Golden Visa Investors
The Golden Visa route through venture capital funds remains fully active and compliant. However, the surrounding framework for residence and citizenship is shifting:
– The path to permanent residence and citizenship may take longer, especially for non-EU nationals.
– Family reunification will require earlier planning and documentation.
– Investors considering Portugal for mobility, lifestyle, or succession planning should act swiftly to secure residency under current rules.
– Portugal continues to stand out in Europe for offering investors a secure, EU-wide gateway, but timing and structure now matter more than ever.
What Founders Should Know
For founders planning to relocate their operations or R&D base to Portugal:
– The new “highly qualified professional” framework works in your favour. Tech founders, engineers, and innovation-driven entrepreneurs remain priority categories.
– The IFICI regime (NHR 2.0) still offers a 20% flat tax for eligible income and foreign income exemptions, supporting efficient relocation.
– However, if you plan to bring dependents or family members, the new reunification timelines could extend your setup process.
– Smart founders are already pairing Golden Visa investments with IFICI and SIFIDE tax incentives to secure both funding and residency advantages in one move.
The Bottom Line
Portugal is tightening immigration policy, not closing it. The PS’s amendments signal a desire for control and stability, while keeping the door open to qualified talent and responsible investors.
If you’re considering Portugal as your European base for innovation, lifestyle, or capital diversification, acting before these rules fully take effect will ensure access to the most favourable regime.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Ventures.eu, we guide founders and investors through the full process of building a future in Portugal, from Golden Visa fund participation to corporate setup, IFICI structuring, and residency applications.
Get in touch with our team today at Ventures.eu to explore your pathway to residency, investment, and innovation in Europe’s most founder-friendly destination.
