Many readers have probably heard about the new law in Portugal that could extend the citizenship path from 5 years to 10 for most of us. What you don't know is that those laws still need to be sent to the President for approval, so there’s a chance they won’tever actually become law. Last time the laws were sent in June, the President vetoed them calling them unconstitutional. We don't know for sure if that's going to be the case this time, but personally I think it’s likely, like 65% sure. What I think is the President will call any retroactive clauses unconstitutional again.  Not only would it put a HUGE black mark on Portugal as a place to invest, it would completely destroy anyone’s faith in moving to Portugal. If they can change your rights that easily, retroactively, who’s to say they wouldn’t do it again at a later time.  It would be too big of a risk for people to uproot their lives to come to a country that is this unstable, especially with kids like me. It would destroy Portugal’s reputation.  As such, I believe the law MAY get passed to change from 5 to 10 years to apply for citizenship but I don’t believe it will be retroactive if you’ve already started your journey to Portugal.  In previous law changes, for example, if you had already bought a house, put your kids in school, etc you could argue that you started the move before the law was fully implemented and thus the previous rules would apply.  As such I’ve been recommending to people that at the very least, if you’re serious about moving to Portugal, you should at least get your NIF number to show your Intent.  The NIF number is Portugal’s Tax ID and is a requirement for most Portuguese Visas.  If you’re confident you’re going to move here, why not get your NIF number now?  You’ll need it later on when you apply for your Visa anyways.  The way I see it, it won’t do you any  I can’t say that would work and just the same I can’t say it wouldn’t work, what I can say is if you’re going to get it anyways, there’s no harm to get it now as it might bring some benefit down the road as you’ll be able to show you started the process before the law was fully implemented. No guarantees, but if there is a chance, since you need to get a NIF anyways, why wouldn’t you get it now for the potential benefit?  

Get your NIF quickly, here.

TLDR Yes, the law may change from 5 to 10 years to obtain citizenship in Portugal, but there’s a chance if you have already started your journey to Portugal, or if you are a resident, it might not apply to you.  The President of Portugal still needs to ratify the law, he vetoed it last time, and there’s a chance he’ll do it again.