A common question among Golden Visa investors is: “When does my five-year residency period begin for Portuguese nationality?”

The residency clock starts on the date your Golden Visa (GV) electronic application is considered submitted—meaning the application has been uploaded and the analysis fees have been paid—provided that the residency is ultimately approved.

Key Points to Keep in Mind:

  • You must hold valid legal residency both at the time of submitting your nationality application and at the time the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN) verifies your eligibility for nationality. This eligibility check typically happens before the final approval of the application.
  • The minimum stay requirement (7 days in the first year, 14 days in each subsequent two-year period) is counted from the issuance date of your residence card.
  • If your residence permit was automatically extended due to a COVID-related measure, it is considered valid for legal purposes.
  • After five years from the date your GV electronic application is submitted, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship without needing permanent residency—provided you meet other requirements, such as A2-level Portuguese proficiency and maintaining valid residency.

Understanding this timeline and its requirements allows investors to plan ahead, ensuring they meet all conditions for a smooth path to Portuguese nationality.