# Portugal Makes Citizenship Process More Difficult

EU passport now requires a longer process.

- **Source:** [Entrepreneur – Latest](https://brifing.si/source/1bee40f8-abda-4cd6-b055-05148ce79f53)
- **Published:** 2026-07-10
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/portugal-just-made-european-citizenship-much-harder-to-get/504680>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1a670c44-f73e-49f7-b6ac-3d81d86665c3

## Portugal Changes Citizenship Policy

Portugal has increased the residency requirement for citizenship applications from five to ten years. For citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries, the requirement is set at seven years. The new regulation also tightens integration requirements.

## An Economic Decision

This change is not just about immigration but also an economic strategy. Portugal is increasing the cost of accessing a valuable asset like an EU passport through time. Time can be more valuable than money, especially for entrepreneurs and investors.

## Portugal's Appeal

Portugal has long been an attractive destination for entrepreneurs, investors, and digital nomads. Its Golden Visa program attracted billions of euros in foreign investment. However, this success also brought challenges like housing affordability and integration.

## Population and Citizenship Growth

Portugal's foreign population has surpassed 1.5 million, and in 2023 alone, over 140,000 people acquired Portuguese citizenship. However, the accumulation of applications and increasing demand led the government to take this step.

## Citizenship as a Strategic Resource

For entrepreneurs, citizenship has become a strategic resource. Holding citizenship in multiple countries provides flexibility during political uncertainties and facilitates business expansion. Portugal's five-year process was an attractive option in this regard.

## Future Implications

Portugal's decision will have significant implications for future applicants. The difference between five and ten years is not just an administrative detail but can also impact investment decisions, business plans, and families' long-term strategies.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/portugal-just-made-european-citizenship-much-harder-to-get/504680 — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._