Investment Regulations

Portugal’s golden visa in 2025

Thinking of moving to Portugal and wondering how the golden visa works? This guide explains how you can gain residency—and eventually citizenship—through investment.

Launched in 2012, Portugal’s golden visa offers non-EU nationals a path to live, work and study in the country. With access to the Schengen Zone, favourable tax schemes, and one of Europe’s most relaxed residency requirements (just 7 days per year), it’s a popular choice for global investors.

Significant changes were introduced in 2023, shifting the focus away from real estate towards innovation, job creation and cultural investment. In this updated guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, investment options, legal requirements, and the latest rules for 2025.

 

1. What is Portugal’s golden visa and how does it work?

The Portugal golden visa is a residency-by-investment programme for non-EU citizens that allows them to live, work and study in Portugal and travel freely in the Schengen Area.

Applicants must maintain their investment and spend an average of just seven days per year in Portugal. After five years, they may apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

Since its inception in 2012, the programme has brought over €6 billion into the country. Portugal remains a popular choice due to its mild climate, beautiful coastline, affordable living, and strong legal protections for foreign investors.

 

2. How to get the Golden Visa in Portugal?

1. Choose your investment type

As of 2023, real estate is no longer eligible. Popular routes include funds, cultural contributions, and scientific research.

2. Collect required documentation

This includes your own documents and those of any dependents. These must be translated and legalised.

3. Get a Portuguese NIF and open a bank account

A lawyer can assist with both remotely.

4. Make the investment

Transfer the required funds or donation to the chosen route.

5. Submit the pre-application

File online with SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). Your lawyer should double-check all documents.

6. Attend your SEF appointment

After approval, you’ll attend a biometrics appointment in Portugal.

7. Receive your residence card

Cards are valid for two years and must be renewed. Processing time for renewals may take up to four months.

 

3. Does Golden Visa Portugal lead to Portuguese citizenship?

Yes, after five years of maintaining your investment, having a clean criminal record, and passing an A2 Portuguese language test, you may apply for citizenship.

You do not need to permanently reside in Portugal during those five years.

4. What are the benefits of the golden visa?

  • Low minimum investment from €250,000

  • Minimal physical presence required (7 days/year)

  • Access to the Schengen Area

  • Fast-track to EU citizenship in 5 years

  • Tax benefits under Portugal’s non-habitual resident regime

  • Ability to include family members

  • Full rights to live, study, and work in Portugal

5. What changed with Portugal’s golden visa in 2023?

The new Residence by Investment (ARI) program has the main objective of attracting population and new residents to the less populated areas of the country, which benefit from a 20% discount on the value of investments in low-density areas (500,000€ > 400,000€ / 350,000€ > 280,000€).

New Portugal 2022 Golden Visa Program

  • Minimum capital transfer to Portugal of €1,000,000.
    New GV 2022 program: Increase to €1,500,000.00.
  • Transfer of at least €350,000 to investment funds or equity funds.
    New GV 2022 program: Increase to € 500.000
  • Buying residential real estate with a minimum value of EUR 500.000.
    New GV 2022 program: The value remains unchanged, however, investments for permanent residence are no longer possible in coastal and high-density areas. Residential investment is now only possible in inland regions of the mainland and in the archipelagos of Madeira or the Azores in their entirety. Commercial and tourism investments have no restrictions as to location in the country.
  • Acquiring properties for rehabilitation, over 30 years old or located in urban rehabilitation areas with a minimum value of €350.000.
    New GV 2022 program: Value unchanged, however, as with the €500.000 investment, investments for refurbishment and residential purposes can only be made outside high-density areas.
  • Minimum investment of €350,000 in scientific research activities.
    New GV 2022 program: Increase the minimum amount to €500.000.
  • Minimum transfer of €350,000 for setting up a commercial company, or for investment in an existing company. Meaning, creating or maintaining at least 5 jobs in each case, for a minimum period of three years.
    New GV 2022 program: Increase the minimum amount to € 500.000.
  • The investments that did not change:
    Creation of 10 jobs – 8 in low-density areas;
    Minimum investment of €250,000 in artistic production, restoration or maintenance of cultural heritage.

6. Is Portugal’s golden visa still available?

Yes – Portugal’s golden visa programme remains open in 2025, but only through select investment types.

You can no longer apply through real estate or direct capital transfer. Instead, applicants can qualify by:

  • Investing €500,000 in Portuguese investment funds

  • Donating €250,000 to artistic or cultural projects

  • Contributing €500,000 to scientific research

  • Investing €500,000 in a Portuguese company, creating or maintaining five jobs

  • Creating 10 full-time jobs

These changes aim to shift investment towards innovation, sustainability, and national development.

7. Can I apply for a golden visa mortgage?

Yes – but only if the minimum investment amount is funded with equity. Any mortgage financing must be for amounts above the qualifying threshold.

8. Is Portuguese citizenship worth it?

Absolutely. Here’s why:

  • Live, work, and travel freely across the EU and Schengen Area

  • Transmit citizenship to future generations

  • Access to public healthcare and lower tuition fees

  • Portugal’s global passport ranks high for visa-free travel (over 180 countries)

  • Enjoy life in one of Europe’s most welcoming and affordable countries

9. Invest in Portugal with GuestReady

At GuestReady, we support investors in maximising their returns in Portugal’s thriving property market.

Our team has guided dozens of golden visa applicants in partnership with trusted legal and financial advisors. Whether you’re exploring fund options or relocation planning, we’re here to help.

Need help? Let us know.

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