Portugal is closing the “fast track” to a European passport. In October 2025, the country’s parliament approved an increase in the residency requirement for citizenship from five to ten years — meaning applicants will now have to live twice as long before becoming citizens. Earlier, the government had already ended the practice of granting residence permits in exchange for property purchases, effectively drawing a line under the era of Golden Visas. These steps are significant not only for Portugal itself but for Europe as a whole: the continent is shifting from a model where capital opened borders to one where competence does. And while some countries tighten their filters, others — like France — are betting on talent and innovation.
Portugal: The End of the “Golden Visa” Era
Just a few years ago, Portugal was considered one of Europe’s most open destinations for investors and expats. Buying a seaside apartment or investing €500,000 in a local fund automatically opened the door to a residence permit — and, after five years, to EU citizenship. The Golden Visa program became a symbol of Portugal’s pragmatic immigration policy: the country gained investment, while foreigners gained European rights.
That model is now history. In 2025, the government officially shut down all investment-based residency routes, and parliament followed by doubling the residency requirement for citizenship — from five to ten years. The changes are attributed to an overheated real estate market and pressure from the European Commission, which has long urged EU states to curb “citizenship-by-investment” practices.
What exactly has changed:
- Residence permits can no longer be obtained through property purchases;
- The residency period for citizenship has increased from 5 to 10 years;
- Income and proof-of-residence requirements have become stricter;
- Tax incentives for foreign residents are under review;
- Fast-track investor programs have been discontinued.
By doing so, Portugal has effectively closed the “easy entry” door and returned to a more traditional European model of naturalization. The decision has already begun to reshape migration routes: many investors and entrepreneurs are looking for alternatives — and increasingly, their attention is turning to France, a country offering not capital, but talent, a faster path into Europe.
France: The New Center of Gravity
As Southern Europe tightens its immigration policies, France is emerging as one of the main beneficiaries of this shift. Paris is betting not on investment, but on competence — offering programs that allow skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups to establish themselves legally in the country while avoiding the traditional bureaucratic maze.
The key strength of the French model lies in its transparency and predictability. To obtain the nationality of France, one needs to reside in the country for just five years — a period that can be fulfilled on a legal basis through a work, business, or startup visa. France does not require applicants to renounce their previous citizenship and views migration not as a social burden, but as an investment in its own economy.
One of the most attractive routes is the French Tech Visa — a streamlined residence permit designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and employees of innovative companies. It is issued for up to four years and allows applicants to bring their families. The program targets individuals capable of contributing new technologies, ideas, and international connections to the French economy.
Key advantages of the French approach:
- Citizenship after 5 years of residence instead of 10, as in Portugal;
- French Tech Visa — a fast-track residence permit of up to 4 years for startups and investors;
- A strong national innovation and IT ecosystem supported by the French Tech network;
- Advanced infrastructure for business, research, and development;
- Clear legal procedures with no “grey zones.”
Unlike in many countries where residency is a mere formality, in France it is a tool of integration. Here, the goal is not simply to reside, but to participate — to build projects, pay taxes, and create jobs. This philosophy makes the French model one of the most stable and attractive in post-Portugal Europe.
How iWorld Lawyers Support the Process
In recent months, France’s French Tech Visa (FTV) has become one of the most sought-after immigration routes among iWorld’s clients. The program offers a residence permit valid for up to four years and is designed for startup founders, IT professionals, and investors whose projects contribute to innovation and technological development.
The iWorld legal team assists applicants through every stage of preparing for the FTV process — from choosing the right application track to assembling the documentation package, developing a business plan, and substantiating the project’s eligibility. Particular focus is placed on demonstrating the innovative nature of the venture and its connection to the French tech ecosystem — both crucial factors for approval.
Alternative options for clients include:
- applying for a visitor visa, ideal for those who wish to reside in France temporarily without a work contract;
- obtaining a residence permit through company registration in France — a solution for entrepreneurs planning to launch a new venture or open a branch within the EU.
iWorld lawyers accompany clients through the entire process up to obtaining residency status, helping them plan long-term strategies for visa renewals and, if desired, eventual citizenship. This approach makes the migration journey structured and predictable — turning France not just into a destination, but into a platform for sustainable growth and international business expansion.
The New Map of Europe
Portugal’s policy shift has made one thing clear: the era of easy migration pathways in Europe is over. Countries are no longer competing to issue the most visas — they are now selecting those who can make a meaningful contribution to the economy and society. The continent is steadily moving from a model of citizenship by purchase to one of immigration through participation.
France has become one of the leading examples of this new approach. Here, the road to residency doesn’t run through real estate or investment funds, but through ideas, skills, and entrepreneurial potential. The French Tech Visa program embodies this transformation — it values people over capital.
For those who once saw Portugal as the easiest entry point into Europe, France is emerging as a natural alternative: clear rules, a fast and transparent process, and genuine opportunities for integration. In this new reality, success belongs to those who can adapt — not merely to those who can file paperwork.
Portugal is closing its doors to investment; France is opening them to ideas.
