Travel News | Published 31 October 2025
By Dealzflight Travel Desk | Source: Editorial Partner
Portugal has dramatically tightened its immigration and citizenship rules, effectively closing the fast track that once made the country a go-to gateway into Europe.
In October 2025, lawmakers approved measures that double the residency requirement for naturalisation from five to ten years, while earlier policy changes ended the practice of granting residence permits in exchange for property purchases. Together these moves mark a decisive end to the era of Golden Visas and are reshaping migration routes across the continent.
Portugal: The End of the “Golden Visa” Era
Just a few years ago, Portugal was seen as one of Europe’s most accessible destinations for investors and expatriates. Purchasing a seaside apartment or investing roughly €500,000 in a local fund could secure a residence permit — and after five years, a route to EU citizenship.
The Golden Visa programme became shorthand for Portugal’s pragmatic approach: capital in, residency out.
That model is now history. In 2025 the government closed all investment-based residency routes and parliament followed by extending the residency period required for citizenship from five years to ten. The reforms respond to an overheated housing market and pressure from EU authorities, which have for some time urged member states to curb “citizenship-by-investment” schemes.
What changed in practice:
- Property purchases no longer qualify for residence permits.
- The residency qualification period for citizenship was doubled — from 5 to 10 years.
- Income, genuine residence and proof-of-stay requirements have been tightened.
- Tax incentives for some foreign resident programmes are under review.
- Fast-track investor schemes have been discontinued.
By ending these pathways, Portugal has closed a well-worn route into Europe and prompted investors, entrepreneurs and would-be migrants to seek alternatives elsewhere — increasingly turning their attention to France.
France: The New Centre of Gravity
As Southern Europe tightens, France is positioning itself as a natural alternative not by competing on property deals, but by offering routes based on skills, business plans and innovation.
The French model centres on transparency and predictability. Citizenship in France still requires five years’ lawful residence — half the new Portuguese timescale and that residency can be acquired through work, business creation or startup visas.
France allows dual nationality and treats migration as an investment in the national economy rather than a mere transactional exchange.
One of the most sought-after routes is the French Tech Visa a streamlined residence permit for founders, employees of startups and investors who can demonstrate genuine contribution to the technology and innovation ecosystem.
The visa can be granted for up to four years and typically allows family reunification.
Key advantages that are drawing applicants:
- Citizenship after 5 years of residence (vs 10 in Portugal).
- French Tech Visa: a fast, predictable permit for start-ups, investors and key hires (up to 4 years).
- A deep innovation ecosystem and supportive networks (French Tech).
- Strong research infrastructure and clear regulatory procedures.
- A path that emphasises participation — paying taxes, creating jobs and integrating economically.
In France, residency is built around participation: the expectation is that migrants will work, launch projects and integrate not merely park capital. For many, that makes France a more sustainable and attractive option than the old Portuguese investor route.
How iWorld Lawyers Support Applicants
Legal firms such as iWorld are seeing a surge in interest for France’s talent-led routes. iWorld helps applicants navigate the entire process for the French Tech Visa and other business-related permits.
Practical services include:
- Choosing the correct visa track and application pathway.
- Preparing the supporting documentation package and business plan.
- Demonstrating the innovative nature of a venture and its links to the French tech ecosystem an important approval criterion.
- Planning for long-term residency, visa renewals and, if desired, eventual citizenship.
Alternative pathways iWorld often recommends:
- Applying first for a visitor visa — suitable for those who wish to relocate temporarily without an immediate work contract while they set up opportunities.
- Residence permits via company registration in France for entrepreneurs who plan to launch a new venture or to open a local branch within the EU. This is especially useful for founders and business owners seeking a durable legal foothold.
iWorld says it accompanies clients through every stage up to successful residency status and, where relevant, counsels on long-term strategies for visa renewal and naturalisation. The firm’s approach aims to make migration into France structured, predictable and aligned to business growth effectively using residency as a platform for international expansion.
The New Map of Europe
Portugal’s policy shift underlines a broader continental transition: the era of easy migration pathways in Europe is over. Countries are no longer competing to issue the most visas to the wealthiest buyers; instead they are selecting migrants who can make meaningful economic and social contributions.
Europe is moving from “citizenship by purchase” to “immigration through participation.” France exemplifies this new model the road to residency there runs through ideas, skills and entrepreneurial potential rather than real estate purchases or passive financial transfers.
For those who once viewed Portugal as the simplest route into Europe, France now appears a natural alternative offering clearer rules, faster processing for tech and talent visas, and genuine opportunities for integration. Success in this new ecological map of migration belongs to those who can adapt and participate not merely those who can file paperwork.
Portugal is closing its doors to investment; France is opening them to ideas.