Portugal Elections in May likely have minimal impact in the Portuguese GV program. The program will be running normally without any disruptions.
A snap legislative election is scheduled in Portugal for 18 May 2025. This election marks the third in less than four years. Current polls show a tight race, with the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) coalition, led by Montenegro, slightly ahead at around 33%, while the Socialist Party (PS) holds about 27-28%, and the far-right Chega party remains significant with around 17-18%. The election outcome is expected to be similar to the March 2024 results, with no clear majority likely, and voter turnout may decline due to political fatigue from repeated elections.
Spain’s closing of Golden visa program along with CJEU Malta judgment will have an impact on Portugal GV putting additional pressure, calling for reforms.
Portugal’s ruling AD coalition has proposed tightening citizenship requirements if it wins a snap election on May 18, wants to
- Extend naturalization time for citizenship from 5 to to 10 years and
- Increase physical presence time to 6 months (from current 2 weeks per 2 years) by strengthening ties to the country, in order to qualify for citizenship .
The immigration and nationality act has to be amended, sent to assembly for approval and then signed by president can anywhere take 12 to 20 months, from the time a new government assumes office .
