It’s a residency-by-investment program that offers foreign investors the opportunity to live and work in Portugal, with a pathway to citizenship
The most significant change affecting the Portugal Golden Visa program in 2025 is a proposed amendment to the country’s Nationality Law. While the Golden Visa itself remains an effective pathway to residency, a new draft law suggests extending the residency period required for naturalization (citizenship) from five to ten years for most applicants. However, there is some positive news as well. The time to citizenship is now calculated from the date of the online application submission and fee payment, not from the bio-metrics appointment or permit issuance. This can shorten the overall timeline by a year or more, depending on processing times.
The Portugal Golden Visa continues to be one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs globally due to several key advantages:
Visa-Free Travel: It grants visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area, which
includes 29 European countries. This is a major benefit for business and leisure travel.
Flexible Residency: The program has one of the lowest physical presence requirements in Europe. Applicants need to spend an average of only 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain their residency status.
Pathway to EU Citizenship: After just five years of holding the Golden Visa, investors and their families can apply for Portuguese permanent residency or citizenship, which grants a powerful EU passport and the right to live, work, or study anywhere within the EU.
Family Inclusion: The primary applicant can include their spouse or legal partner, dependent children, and financially dependent parents, providing a path to a better future for the whole family.
Quality of Life: Portugal offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living compared to other European countries, a safe environment, a mild climate, and a rich cultural heritage.
At Plejaren Investments, we are your trusted partner in navigating the process of obtaining a Golden Visa Portugal. With years of experience and clients from across the globe, our goal is to make your journey to citizenship by investment smooth, efficient, and aligned with your long-term personal and financial objectives.
Whether you’re seeking dual citizenship, a passport by investment, or simply the freedom to live and work in Europe, our expert team offers tailored solutions through qualifying investment visa options. From private equity funds to innovation-driven ventures, we help connect you with carefully selected opportunities that meet citizenship requirements while preserving your lifestyle and enhancing your global mobility
The Golden Visa Portugal has earned a reputation as one of the most attractive and flexible residency by investment programs in the world. Launched in 2012, it set the benchmark for other golden passport and investment visa programs globally. Portugal’s political stability, high quality of life, favorable tax conditions, and access to the EU Schengen zone have made it a top destination for discerning investors.
Over the years, this initiative has attracted thousands of international applicants seeking naturalization, dual nationality, and ultimately, a second passport that grants the right to live, work, and study throughout the European Union
Portugal’s Golden Visa program underwent significant changes in 2023, eliminating the popular real estate investment route. The focus has now shifted to investments that contribute more directly to the Portuguese economy and culture. The following are the current qualified investment options:
To qualify for the Golden Visa program, applicants must meet a series of key requirements:
Applicants for the Portugal Golden Visa must meet the following passport requirements and eligibility criteria:
The application also requires biometric data and an in-person appointment in Portugal, typically after the pre-application phase is reviewed and accepted by the immigration authorities.
One of the most compelling advantages of the Golden Visa Portugal is its route to citizenship by naturalization without requiring full-time residence. After holding your residency for five years—and maintaining all citizenship requirements—you may apply for Portuguese citizenship and a second passport.
Portugal recognizes dual nationality, allowing you to retain your original citizenship while enjoying the benefits of being a citizen of the EU.
The total cost of the Golden Visa includes the investment amount, government fees, and legal fees.
Since its inception in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa program has been a resounding success. As of early 2025, over 12,700 main applicants and more than 20,400 family members have been granted Golden Visas. The program has attracted a total investment of over €7 billion.
It’s a residency-by-investment program that offers foreign investors the opportunity to live and work in Portugal, with a pathway to citizenship
Yes, immediate family members including spouse and dependent children can be included in a single application.
To apply for citizenship by naturalization, you will need to demonstrate basic proficiency in Portuguese.
You only need to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal (14 days every two years) to maintain your residency status.
Yes, Portugal officially recognizes and allows dual citizenship. This means you do not have to renounce your original nationality to become a Portuguese citizen, which is a major benefit for many investors.
No, the Portugal Golden Visa program is not ending. However, in late 2023, the Portuguese government made a significant change by ending the popular real estate investment route. The program now focuses on new investment options like fund subscriptions, cultural donations, and job creation, which remain fully operational and active.
Once you have obtained permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, you are no longer required to maintain the Golden Visa investment. You can sell your investment (e.g., sell your fund shares) and retrieve your capital.
Yes, the Golden Visa is a direct path to Portuguese citizenship. After holding the Golden Visa for five years, you and your family can apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency. To qualify for citizenship, you must also demonstrate a basic A2-level proficiency in the Portuguese language.
No. The Portugal Golden Visa is unique for its minimal residency requirements. You only need to spend an average of 7 days per year in the country (or 14 days over the initial two-year period) to maintain your residency status. You are free to live in any other country.
Yes, Portugal is a very progressive and LGBT-friendly country. It was one of the first countries in Europe to legalize same-sex marriage, and its constitution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. Same-sex couples can apply for the Golden Visa on the same terms as heterosexual couples, and family members can be included in the application.
While not a strict legal requirement, it is strongly recommended to hire a Portuguese lawyer from the firm specializing in residency-by-investment. The application process is complex, involves multiple steps, and requires a deep understanding of Portuguese immigration law. A professional can ensure all documents are correct, help with due diligence, and navigate the application with the new AIMA authority.
Yes. The Portugal Golden Visa program is open to all non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. This includes citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and many other countries worldwide.
Yes, as of late 2024, there are now specialized investment funds that qualify for the Golden Visa program and have direct or indirect exposure to digital assets like Bitcoin. This is a new development that offers investors a way to use crypto assets to meet the investment requirement, but it's essential to work with a licensed professional to ensure the fund is government-approved.
Compared to many other Western European countries, the cost of living in Portugal is generally considered low to moderate. This applies to everything from housing and groceries to dining out and public transportation, making it an attractive destination for a higher quality of life at a lower cost.
A crucial distinction exists between holding a Golden Visa and becoming a tax resident. You are not required to become a tax resident in Portugal. Your tax obligations in Portugal will be limited to income generated within the country (e.g., from your investment). However, if you choose to spend more than 183 days a year in Portugal, you will become a tax resident and be taxed on your worldwide income, though double taxation agreements with your home country may apply.
No. The investment must be made with funds transferred from outside of Portugal and cannot be financed through a mortgage or a loan from a Portuguese bank. You must be able to prove that the capital for the investment is fully sourced from abroad. However, if the investment exceeds the required amount, the excess can technically be financed through a mortgage from a required Portuguese bank.
The processing time for the Portugal Golden Visa has historically varied, but with the new AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum) taking over, the government is working to digitize the process and reduce backlogs. As of 2025, the average wait time from submission to the biometrics appointment and final approval is between 12 to 24 months, though this can fluctuate.
The Portugal Golden Visa stands out for its low residency requirements and a relatively swift path to EU citizenship. While Greece offers a lower minimum investment for its Golden Visa (often through real estate), Portugal's program is considered more robust and reliable, especially for those seeking a clear and flexible pathway to a powerful EU passport. Italy's program, on the other hand, is a residency-by-investment scheme with different rules and a less streamlined path to citizenship.
In addition to the potential changes to the citizenship law, other minor adjustments may be on the horizon. The new immigration agency, AIMA, has stated a commitment to digitizing the application system to reduce existing backlogs and speed up the process. This is a promising development that could significantly reduce the current processing times for new and renewal applications, which have historically been a point of frustration for investors. While the core of the program remains stable, it’s crucial for prospective investors to stay informed on legislative changes.
Step 1 – Consultation
We begin by understanding your goals and confirming whether the Portugal Golden Visa aligns with your family, lifestyle, and global mobility plans. We’ll introduce you to trusted legal representatives and licensed fund managers for in-depth guidance on qualifying investment options.
Step 2 – Preparation
With our support and that of your legal advisor, you’ll open a local bank account, secure your Portuguese tax number (NIF), and complete the necessary documentation. Once you’re ready, we submit your pre-application for review.
Step 3 – Submission
Upon initial approval, you will travel to Portugal for a scheduled appointment to submit biometrics and finalize your application with the national immigration service.
Step 4 – Approval
Once your application is approved, your residency permit is issued, typically valid for two years. Renewal is straightforward, as long as you maintain your qualifying investment and meet minimum presence requirements.
Let Plejaren Investments help you turn your ambitions into reality. Whether you’re interested in citizenship by marriage, dual nationality, or expanding your options with a golden passport, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Unlock the benefits of Portugal’s Golden Visa and secure your future in the heart of Europe. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey