Lots of people are understandably upset with the rug pulling, regarding the citizenship eligibility criteria, and thinking of leaving Portugal... but before you do so and put your right to citizenship at risk, make sure you understand your options.

After 5y living in Portugal, you can apply ONLINE (no need to email or call AIMA for an appointment) for the Estatuto de Residente de Longa Duracao (European Long Term Resident Status), directly from the AIMA website.

https://preview.redd.it/6g5k8ziyn22h1.png?width=1490&format=png&auto=webp&s=e7d988451a601409908351cb30b3aa680330f1be

By law, AIMA must process your request within a max period of 6 months, and in complex cases, up to 9 months. After 9 months, regardless what AIMA does or does not, if they have not processed your request the status is granted automatically.

The benefits? The status gives you the freedom to live, work and study in any member state of the EU, and has minimum requirements of physical presence : you cannot be absent from the EU for more than 12 consecutive months.

With that, you get to obtain a legal status valid for at least 5y, can continue to live in Portugal OR travel within the EU and spend as much time outside Portugal as you wish (as long as you do not exceed the 12 consecutive months limit) and down the road you can apply for your citizenship.

In a nutshell : instead of giving up your right (which was taken away from you now) to citizenship, you do not have to be locked in Portugal.

Edit to add : Long-term residents - Migration and Home Affairs - European Commission

Rights of long-term residents and equal treatment

The proposal also aims to strengthen the rights of long-term residents and their family members. This includes the right to move and work in other Member States, which should be as similar as possible to the right that EU citizens enjoy. Allowing nationals of non-EU countries who are already EU long-term residents in one Member State to change jobs and move to another Member State for work can help improve labour market effectiveness across the EU, addressing skills shortages and offsetting regional imbalances. It can also improve the EU’s overall attractiveness to foreign talent.

The proposal additionally puts in place a mechanism to ensure a level playing field between the EU long-term residence permit and national permanent residence permits in terms of procedures, equal treatment rights, and access to information, so that nationals from non-EU countries have a real choice between the two permits. It also facilitates circular migration by making it easier for long-term residents to return to their country of origin without losing their rights, benefiting both the countries of origin and the countries of residence.

Looking at Portugal Golden Visa using a CMVM‑regulated hospitality fund instead of property. I’ve been comparing Mercan, some funds I found via GetGoldenVisa and Nomad Gate and the explanations on Portugal-golden-visa-net, that last one feels more investment memo than sales pitch but it’s still hospitality heavy so I’m cautious. If you already invested 500k in a fund for residency, how did you handle,, sector risk hotels, long lockup and whether to rely on the platform’s immigration lawyers vs hiring your own?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some honest and realistic advice from people already living in Portugal, especially in the Algarve region.

My family and I are considering relocating to Portugal around 2027. I’m originally from South Africa and have spent the last 4 years working in East Africa in the mining/construction industry as a workshop/maintenance manager. I’m also a trade-qualified auto electrician with over 10 years of experience in automotive electrical and heavy equipment maintenance and repairs.

My father is Portuguese, and I submitted my late birth registration around 18 months ago, so once finalized I should obtain Portuguese citizenship. I’ve also heard there are certain incentives/programs available for returning Portuguese citizens, which is something I’m currently researching as part of the move.

At the moment, I’m further preparing myself by completing IMI EV/HEV qualifications (Level 2–4) to specialize in electric and hybrid vehicle systems before relocating.

The main reasons we are considering Portugal are:

-Safety

-Better quality of life

-Being able to live with my family full time again

-Long-term stability for our children

Our current plan is to settle somewhere in the Algarve, possibly around Portimão or nearby industrial areas, and eventually open an automotive business focused on:

-Auto electrical

-Diagnostics

-EV/Hybrid systems

-Accessories/installations

-Possibly later solar/camper/boat electrical work

However, I want to approach this realistically and not emotionally. I know moving countries and starting a business is a massive risk, especially when using most of your savings to start over.

So I’d really appreciate honest input from people already there:

-What is the reality of life in Portugal right now?

-Is the Algarve still a good place for small business opportunities?

-How difficult is it to start and sustain a workshop/business there?

-Is there demand for skilled automotive electrical/EV work?

-What are the biggest things expats underestimate before moving?

-How bad is the bureaucracy/tax system in practice?

-Is it realistically possible to build a stable middle class life there today?

I’m not expecting Portugal to be perfect, and I understand salaries and the economy are challenging compared to some other European countries. I’m mainly trying to understand whether the trade-off for safety and lifestyle is worth it long-term for a family.

I’d appreciate honest opinions, both positive and negative. Thanks 🙏