This uncommon procedure instantly freezes the law – which had been approved by parliament on October 28 - in full.

It cannot be signed by the President, it cannot be published in the Diário da República, and it cannot come into force until the Constitutional Court finishes its assessment. For now, all proposed changes remain completely on hold.

Why this matters for international residents and investors

While the suspension is relevant across Portuguese society, it carries particular weight for the growing community of international residents, including those who have invested in the country through the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme - an initiative that has contributed significantly to economic activity in recent years.

Under the proposed framework, the minimum residence period for naturalisation would rise from five years to seven years for EU/CPLP nationals and ten years for most other applicants, and the clock would start only from the date the first residence permit is issued rather than from the application submission date, as it does under current law.

Crucially, it would extend the period for those whose applications have been held up due to lengthy delays in processing at Portugal’s AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).

With the law now suspended, this proposed change is likewise frozen. Existing rules remain fully in force, and the five-year residency requirement continues to apply without interruption.

For the thousands of individuals and families who have structured their lives around predictable residency and citizenship timelines, nothing changes for now.

A rare political intervention with broader implications

Preventive constitutional review is not often used in Portugal, making the PS request particularly notable and placing the issue squarely in the national spotlight.

The decision indicates that concerns around fairness, legal certainty, and the protection of those already navigating the residency system have resonated beyond party boundaries.

It also reflects broader political caution around moving forward with major reforms to nationality law without deeper scrutiny - especially changes that could significantly impact long-term residents, foreign investors, and the many international families who have chosen to base their lives and businesses in Portugal.

The pause also opens the door for broader public engagement. Legal experts, civil society organisations, immigration professionals, and affected residents now have a clear window to weigh in more visibly on the debate.

The Constitutional Court’s task will be to determine whether any parts of the legislation conflict with constitutional principles such as proportionality, equality, and the protection of legitimate expectations.

Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, welcomed the development. He said: “This is very positive, and an indication that pressure is going to continue to build on the government and the other parties to put forward a more sensible and fair nationality law.”

He also highlighted the wider economic relevance: “This follows a new report from the World Digital Foundation that indicated the €9 billion invested from Golden Visa applicants has created an additional 30,000 jobs and €54 billion in wider economic benefit to Portugal.”

What happens next?

The Constitutional Court will now analyse the legislation, a process that may take anywhere from several days to a few weeks.

During this period, every element of the law remains inactive. None of the proposed revisions can be implemented until the Court delivers its ruling.

Where things stand for now

Portugal’s nationality framework remains exactly as it was before the law was approved. The five-year pathway to citizenship remains the operative standard, and all proposed changes are fully suspended.

As the judicial review progresses, more clarity will emerge. Portugal Pathways will continue to monitor developments closely to ensure that international residents, investors, and all those currently in the process receive clear, accurate, and timely updates.