Reviewed by Jane Katkova, Founder & Licensed CICC ConsultantKey points
- Citizenship requires ten years of legal residence, counted from the first residence card.
- EU and CPLP nationals qualify after seven years of legal residence.
- Applicants need A2 Portuguese and a clean criminal record.
- Applications lodged before 19 May 2026 keep the old five-year rule.
The ten-year rule under the 2026 Nationality Law
Portugal's Nationality Law amendment has been in force since 19 May 2026. Naturalisation now requires ten years of legal residence, counted from the first residence card, in place of the previous five. EU and CPLP nationals qualify after seven years. Applications lodged before 19 May 2026 follow the old five-year rule.
Which residence permits count
All three permits our clients use lead to citizenship on the same ten-year timeline:
- Golden visa: from €500,000 in a CMVM-registered fund, with seven days a year in Portugal. Time at seven days a year counts as legal residence.
- D7 passive-income visa: from €920 a month; you must live in Portugal.
- D8 digital nomad visa: from €3,680 a month; you must live in Portugal.
Because the count starts at the first card, AIMA processing matters: golden visa decisions have been taking 18–24 months. The stages are set out in our Portugal citizenship timeline guide.
Language, record and tax conditions
You need A2 Portuguese and a clean record at the point of application. Holding a permit does not by itself make you a Portuguese tax resident; spending 183 days or more in Portugal in a year, or making it your centre of vital interests, does. US citizens keep filing US returns either way.
The three permits are compared on our Portugal residence page. To work out which permit starts your ten years soonest, book a consultation with our team.
People also ask
Can you still get a Portugal golden visa by buying property?
No. Real estate and real-estate funds were removed from the Portugal golden visa on 7 October 2023. The routes in 2026 are a €500,000 CMVM-registered fund, €500,000 in research, a €250,000 cultural donation (€200,000 in low-density areas) and company or job-creation routes. You may buy a home, but it will not count.
How much does the Greece golden visa cost in 2026?
From €250,000 for an approved commercial-to-residential conversion or listed-building restoration, €400,000 for a standard home in most of Greece, and €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents. Add about 3.09% transfer tax, 3–4% notary and legal fees, and about €2,000 state fee per adult.
Can you rent out a Greece golden visa property on Airbnb?
No. Long-term lets are allowed, but short-term rental on Airbnb-style platforms is banned for Greece golden visa property. The fine is €50,000 and the residence permit can be revoked. Plan your yield on annual tenancies, not tourist lets, and expect a Greek property tax bill (ENFIA) plus tax on any Greek rental income.
Does the Malta Permanent Residence Programme lead to citizenship?
No. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is permanent residence only. Malta's investor citizenship scheme was annulled by the Court of Justice of the European Union on 29 April 2025 and replaced by a discretionary merit-based route that is not for sale. Ordinary naturalisation needs years of residence and ministerial approval.
How much does Malta permanent residence cost for a family of four?
A couple with two minor children pays €101,000 in government fees under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme: a €60,000 administrative fee, €37,000 contribution, €2,000 NGO donation and four €500 residence cards. On top, you rent a property for at least €14,000 a year or buy for at least €375,000, held five years.