Portugal’s decision to double the wait time for citizenship to 10 years has derailed the EU passport plans of wealthy Indian investors and signaled a broader European crackdown on investment-based migration.

What was once a fast-track route to European citizenship has become a cautionary tale for Indian high-net-worth individuals. Portugal’s golden visa, formerly a favorite for its light residency demands and real estate-linked investment, now requires a decade-long wait for naturalisation—twice the previous timeline. Advertisement

Industry experts say the rule change affects hundreds of Indian families who had built long-term plans around Portugal’s five-year pathway. The estimated capital at stake could exceed €250 million.

The shift comes amid growing backlash across Europe against

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