OpenTube

Portugal's Golden Visa || After the citizenship changes, is it still worth it?

Jonathan Ralph

3,274 views

Portugal has changed its nationality law.

For many investors, that raises an important question:

Is the Portugal Golden Visa still worth pursuing?

In this video, I explain exactly what has changed, who is affected, and why much of the online discussion has missed the bigger picture.

We cover:

✓ The new 10-year pathway to Portuguese citizenship

✓ Why existing Golden Visa investors are so frustrated

✓ The impact on applications submitted between 2022–2024

✓ Whether Portugal has damaged its reputation with international investors

✓ Why permanent residence may be more important than citizenship for many families

✓ Updated Golden Visa timelines in 2026

✓ The differences between temporary residence, permanent residence and citizenship

✓ Whether Portugal remains Europe's strongest "Plan B" residency strategy

✓ Who should still apply – and who should look elsewhere

While the citizenship pathway has become longer, Portugal remains the only major European residency-by-investment programme that allows investors to work towards EU citizenship without relocating to the country.

The key question is whether that unique advantage still outweighs the recent changes.

If you're considering a Portugal Golden Visa application and would like to discuss your own circumstances, you can book a free consultation using the link below.

📅 Book a consultation:
https://calendly.com/jonathanralph/go...

📖 Download my free Portugal Golden Visa Investment Guide:
https://holbornassets.com/your-guide-...

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Watch next:

Working with us:
Working With Us | What to Expect

Portugal Golden Visa investments:
How to Choose a Portugal Golden Visa Inves...

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Disclaimer

This video is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, investment or financial advice. Professional advice should always be obtained before taking any action.

17 Comments

@jonathanralphcitizenship Creator 4 months ago Pinned

Have the recent citizenship changes changed your view of Portugal?

I believe existing investors, especially those from 2022–2024, have every right to be upset. I hope that the class-action lawsuits against the Portuguese government deliver a fair and just outcome for those affected.

That said, for new applicants planning a long-term future connected to Portugal, I think the Golden Visa remains one of Europe's strongest residency programmes. Despite the increased timelines, no other investment route offers you a no-relocation pathway to a European passport.

Interested to hear your thoughts below.

@sarmalco1617 3 months ago

Changing from 5 to 10 years is a country's right BUT NOT GRANDFATHERING existing investors is NOT FAIR.

@sarmalco1617 3 months ago

My big expensive mistake. Rules changed after i invested. 4 years after still awaiting biometrics.

@richardmillewatch 4 months ago

great video!!

@davedarling2246 4 months ago

Regarding the Golden Visa timeline: I don't know if the following is typical, but notice of my Biometric Interview appointment came roughly NINE MONTHS before the interview (May '26 - Feb '27). Also, my wife has now been waiting OVER FOUR MONTHS since her Biometric Interview to receive her residency card (Feb - June '26).

@TheVietnam0725 4 months ago

No way I would trust the Portuguese government after this.

@dererdemkaya 4 months ago

How long does it take to get the PR card from application to it?

@jpytp5820 4 months ago

It's 10 years after your first residence card (up to 4 years wait), plus a couple of years after applying, so more like 15 years!

@colinmc2945 1 month ago

Jonathan I’m interested in a talk how do I find you?

@antoniojd 4 months ago (edited)

Sadly, I’m a member of that “21-24” crowd… I applied in 21 and I received my TR last year. So, 3 and half years stuck in that circus… 3 and half years I have to add to my wait time to apply to PR. I don’t mind Portugal extending the path to citizenship to 10y… not at all. But I do mind the way the Portuguese Gov’t incompetence is now costing me more time AND money. 3.5 years for a process that was supposed to take 60 working days, BY LAW. It’s absurd and unfair. I don’t know if this is a basis for litigation but I’m certainly exploring my options..

@JJ-qp6jw 1 month ago

I’m just curious if you’re only looking to retire there then does it matter if I get citizenship. Can I not just get PR and still live there on D7 visa indefinitely? Does that make sense?

@bingeciren 4 months ago

Simple answer: NO.

@lauras8674 4 months ago

Nope!! 👎

@AaronRogers-jm7xr 4 months ago

Tldr: the answer is NO

@MOMSPH 4 months ago

We are one of those stuck in Limbo. We invested, ready to leave our country behind for a better life of retirement and this happened. We Love PT and will always LOVE. Hope the Law will change for those who invested.

@CrownPrince741 4 months ago (edited)

The issue is trust if there is no grandfathering, If you say wait 10 year but what happens in year 9 and they double it again to 20years.. Also you keep.mentioning Remotely but what if they say it's no longerr 7 days in a year but you now have to live in the country full time.....The point is the Portuguese govt is not bothered moving the goal post in any direction as they wish.You can not plan like this

@dougrant007 4 months ago

For GV permanent residency, does the 5 year start from application time or receipt of biometric ID? Does the property/investment have to be held for 5 years from application time or receipt of biometric ID?