Why Portugal Is Losing Its Appeal for American Immigrants: Understanding the 2024-2025 Legislative Shake-Up
Portugal: The European Dream is Fading for American Immigrants Portugal used to be the top choice for Americans seeking European residency, thanks to its affordable living, great weather, and easy immigration rules . However, major new laws passed in 2024 and 2025 have fundamentally changed the game. Portugal is now much less welcoming and more restrictive . Here is a breakdown of the key changes making Portugal a tougher destination for Americans: The Wait for Citizenship Has Doubled The most significant change affects long-term residents: Longer Wait: The required residency period for most foreigners to apply for citizenship has been extended from five years to ten years , starting in October 2025. This makes Portugal one of the longest paths to EU citizenship. A Slower Clock: The countdown to citizenship now starts when your residence permit is officially issued , not when you submit your application . Given long processing delays, this small change can add months or years to your...