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Nationality Law: More Than 1,200 Foreign Investors Submit Complaint to Portugal's Ombudsman
2026-06-26 11:00
Nationality Law: More Than 1,200 Foreign Investors Submit Complaint to Portugal’s Ombudsman
According to Portuguese newspaper Expresso, a group of 1,260 foreign nationals has formally submitted a complaint to the Portuguese Ombudsman (Provedoria de Justiça), arguing that the government’s proposed amendments to the Nationality Law could undermine the legitimate rights and expectations of certain applicants.
The complainants are understood to be primarily holders of Portugal’s Residence Permit for Investment (ARI), commonly known as the Golden Visa, and are represented by a team of ten lawyers. The initiative began in May with several hundred investors and has since grown to 1,260 signatories.
Madalena Monteiro, founding partner of Liberty Legal, who represents the group, stated that the current submission is only the first round of complaints. She added that the legal team is already preparing a second round and continues to receive enquiries from investors of various nationalities seeking legal assistance.
Focus on a Transitional Regime
In addition to asking the Ombudsman to review the proposed legislation, the complainants are calling on the government to introduce an appropriate transitional regime (Regime Transitório) for the revised Nationality Law.
They argue that extending the residency period required to apply for Portuguese citizenship could adversely affect the legitimate expectations and acquired rights of thousands of individuals who planned their residency and nationality applications under the previous legal framework. They therefore believe that individuals who have already established legal residence in Portugal should benefit from transitional provisions to ensure legal certainty and fairness.
Ombudsman May Recommend Constitutional Review
Under Portuguese law, once a complaint is received, the Ombudsman may assess whether the legislation complies with the Portuguese Constitution. If constitutional concerns are identified, the Ombudsman may request an abstract constitutional review by the Constitutional Court or recommend that the legislature amend the law.
It is important to note, however, that submitting a complaint does not automatically lead to changes in the law, nor does it suspend the implementation of the relevant provisions. Any further developments will depend on the Ombudsman’s assessment, as well as any subsequent decisions taken by the government and Parliament.
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