Portugal Set to Remove Backlog by 2026 and Introduce New 10-Year Citizenship Rule

When it comes to global mobility and long-term residence planning, Portugal has always stood out as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations. Whether through the Golden Visa, D7, D2, or standard EU residency channels, the country has consistently drawn investors, retirees, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs seeking a clear pathway to permanent residence and eventual citizenship.

However, recent years have seen unprecedented delays in Portugal’s immigration processes. Thousands of applicants have been impacted by slow approvals, missed appointments, and extended waiting times for both residence renewals and citizenship processing.

Now, Portugal is taking major steps to fix the issue. The government has announced two significant developments:

1. A full plan to clear all immigration and citizenship backlogs by 2026, with new digital systems and increased staffing.
2. A proposed extension of the citizenship eligibility timeline from 5 years to 10 years, which—if passed—would dramatically change the naturalization landscape.

These changes mark some of the most substantial updates to the Portuguese immigration framework in the last decade.

What We Know About Portugal’s Backlog Removal Plan

Portugal’s immigration and citizenship systems have experienced overwhelming pressure, especially after the surge of residency applications from 2020–2023. The government has now committed to fully clearing the backlog by 2026, with several structural actions.

Key updates:

• Full digital transformation of application systems to replace outdated manual workflows.
• Reduced dependence on in-person appointments, shifting many steps to online platforms.
• Hiring of hundreds of new case officers for AIMA (the new immigration agency that replaced SEF).
• Implementation of automated processing tools to accelerate low-risk applications.
• Prioritization of long-pending cases, some of which have been stalled for 2–4 years.
• Legal deadlines for processing, aimed at cutting bureaucracy and increasing accountability.

The goal is to build a modernized, EU-aligned immigration system capable of processing large volumes efficiently by the end of 2026.

Portugal Residency & Citizenship – Cost Structure

Portugal’s immigration and citizenship pathways have undergone significant updates, and while the country does notoperate a traditional “citizenship-by-investment program,” the financial requirements for residency routes which ultimately lead to citizenship remain central to long-term planning. With the backlog expected to be cleared by 2026 and a potential extension of the citizenship eligibility timeline from 5 to 10 years, understanding the cost structure is essential for prospective applicants.

Key cost components across Portugal’s residency pathways:

·         Residency application fees (AIMA): typically €108–€180 per applicant, depending on the type of application.

·         Residence permit issuance fees: approximately €150–€220 per permit.

·         Biometrics & processing fees: €85–€120 per applicant.

·         Legal representation fees: vary widely, generally between €2,000–€5,000 for standard applications.

·         Document legalization & translation: depends on country of origin, generally €200–€600 per family.

·         Annual tax representative or NIF-holder costs: €100–€300 per year (recommended for non-EU applicants).

Investment route-specific requirements (if applicable):

·         D7 Passive Income Visa: proof of stable income, typically €820+ monthly for the main applicant, plus 50–100% for dependents.

·         D2 Entrepreneur Visa: business setup costs vary based on structure (typically €3,000–€10,000).

·         Golden Visa (post-2023 investment rules):

o    €500,000+ into investment funds, or

o    €500,000+ into research or cultural projects.

o    Government application fees remain among the highest in the EU: €5,325 per person for initial approval.

Additional fees expected during citizenship application:

·         Citizenship application fee: €250 per applicant.

·         Document translation, apostilles, and criminal background checks: €200–€400 per person.

·         Optional legal support for naturalization: typically €1,000–€3,000 depending on case complexity.

Important notes under the new rules:

·         Costs do not change under the proposed 10-year citizenship timeline, but total long-term residency expenses may increase due to more renewals.

·         Applicants should expect updates to processing fees as AIMA digitizes its systems and clears the backlog through 2026.

·         While Portugal is not a direct CBI program, total residency-to-citizenship costs can vary significantly based on the chosen route, investment structure, and family size.

Portugal’s New 10-Year Citizenship Eligibility Proposal

Portugal currently offers one of Europe’s most accessible naturalization pathways: only 5 years of legal residency are required before applying for citizenship. This rule has made Portugal a top choice for investors and expatriates.

However, the government is now discussing a potential extension from 5 years to 10 years for certain citizenship applicants.

Key points under discussion:

• Citizenship eligibility may shift from 5 years → 10 years of legal residency.
• The change would primarily affect new applicants, not existing residents.
• The update is intended to align Portugal with other EU countries that require longer integration periods.
• It may include exceptions for verified Portuguese-speaking applicants, children, and individuals with strong community ties.

If approved, this will be one of Portugal’s most consequential policy shifts in recent history.

Why These Changes Matter for Residence and Citizenship Planning

1. Backlog removal restores confidence in Portugal’s immigration system

Investors, expats, and families have faced long delays in cards, renewals, and citizenship approvals. A clear 2026 deadline signals:

• improved efficiency,
• predictable timelines, and
• greater reliability for long-term plans.

2. A longer citizenship timeline affects strategic planning

Portugal’s 5-year rule has made it competitive with countries like Spain (10 years), Italy (10 years), and Greece (7 years). Moving to 10 years may reshape how investors choose EU residency routes.

A 10-year requirement may mean:

• longer naturalization planning,
• higher residency-maintenance obligations, and
• fewer “fast-track” EU citizenship pathways.

3. More robust digital processes benefit new and existing residents

Residents can expect:

• faster renewals,
• more predictable appointment systems,
• improved online submissions, and
• fewer visits to AIMA offices.

This modernization is essential for meeting the 2026 backlog-clearance target.

4. The changes may increase interest in alternative EU citizenship strategies

If Portugal extends the timeline to 10 years, many investors may compare it against other European programs, such as:

• Malta’s citizenship by exceptional services,
• Greece’s residency-by-investment with 7-year citizenship,
• Spain’s 10-year naturalization but with strong infrastructure,
• Ireland’s residency routes with strong mobility benefits.

Portugal will remain attractive, but its position in the European citizenship hierarchy may shift.

What Applicants Should Watch Out For

• Timing of law changes: The citizenship timeline may not change immediately—it depends on parliamentary approval.
• Transition rules: Applicants already in Portugal may be exempt from the 10-year rule.
• Golden Visa updates: While the program continues without real estate, citizenship rules may indirectly impact investor interest.
• Processing speeds: Improvements will be gradual as AIMA scales up hiring and digital transformation.
• New procedures: Applicants must stay updated on document submission changes, appointment portals, and system upgrades.

How This Fits Into a Strategic EU Citizenship Plan

For anyone planning European citizenship, Portugal still offers strong value:

• A stable and safe country
• High quality of life
• Strong passport and EU mobility
• Multiple residency routes (D7, D2, Golden Visa, Tech Visa)
• Pathway to long-term residence and citizenship

However, with potential 10-year eligibility rules, applicants may need to:

• apply sooner to benefit from current laws,
• explore alternative EU routes, or
• plan long-term residency strategies more carefully.

Summary

Portugal is entering a new phase of immigration reform. The government’s commitment to clearing the backlog by 2026 is a positive step toward restoring efficiency and trust. At the same time, the proposed increase in citizenship eligibility from 5 to 10 years represents a major shift that will significantly impact long-term planning for residents and investors.

As always, timing, documentation, and strategic planning are essential. Applicants should monitor developments closely and consider how these updates influence their long-term residence or citizenship goals.

If you’re exploring EU residency or citizenship options and want a comparison tailored to your goals, feel free to reach out we can help you evaluate Portugal alongside other leading European programs.