Updated: December 10, 2025

Portugal's Golden Visa is no longer open for property purchase. The Portugal Golden Visa properties options were cancelled in October 2023.

The Portugal Golden Visa program has become one of the most popular investment schemes of its kind since its inception in 2012. For more than ten years, investors from the world over have had their sights set on Portugal, investing in the country in exchange for residency. To qualify, investors must be non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizens and make a minimum investment into the country.

Note that the real estate option for the Golden Visa is no longer available. 

You can find out more on the topic in our article: Portugal is Ending Its Golden Visa Program. 

Portugal Golden Visa: In Brief

There are countless reasons why investors seek residency in Portugal, whether it’s the sublime climate, high quality of life, attractive tax advantages through the Non-Habitual Residence program, or the affordable cost of living. 

There are many investment pathways for investors to choose from, including investment funds, job creation, investment in artistic production, national heritage, or scientific research. The number of investment options is one of the key advantages of the program. 

With Portuguese residency, provided you meet the stay requirements, you will be able to apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after five years. You will need to ensure you meet the requirements, such as passing an A2 Portuguese language test (Portugal Golden Visa language test) and having a clean criminal record. With an EU passport, you will be able to live, study, and work across the EU and enjoy visa-free access to 174 countries worldwide.

Portugal’s Golden Visa requirements: 

  • You must be a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizen.
  • A minimum investment amount of €250,000 is required, and there are various investment options available to choose from. 
  • You should have a clean criminal record. 
  • During the initial year, you must spend at least seven days in Portugal, and for every subsequent two-year period, you must spend no less than 14 days. This requirement is known as the stay requirement.

You can find out more about the Portugal Golden Visa in our Portugal Golden Visa: Your Ultimate Guide. You can also see how the Portugal Golden Visa compares with the Greek Golden Visa in our handy comparative guide: Greece vs Portugal Golden Visa.

Spain used to have its very own Golden Visa program (you can see our article comparing the Golden Visa Spain vs Portugal). However, the Spanish Golden Visa ended in April 2025.

Benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa

We’ve briefly mentioned some of the benefits of the Golden Visa program. Here are a few more advantages of applying to the program. 

  • Indirect route to citizenship after maintaining your investment and legally residing in the country for five years
  • Live, work, and study in Portugal
  • Advantageous tax benefits
  • Short stay requirement: During the initial year, you must spend at least seven days in Portugal, and for every subsequent two-year period, you must spend no less than 14 days. This requirement is known as the stay requirement.
  • Live in an affordable, safe EU country with a high quality of life
  • Excellent healthcare and education opportunities
  • Family members are eligible

⚠️ Portuguese Nationality Law Update: October 2025

On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments to the Portuguese Nationality Law. This includes increasing the residency requirements for citizenship from five to ten years - and to seven years for EU citizens and CPLP nationals. This is a significant change that impacts how visa holders and residents can acquire citizenship. 

These changes are not yet law as they need to undergo Presidential review. The President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text can still be amended to reflect any transitional provisions or potential grandfathering rules. Changes are not yet in effect, as the law will only become official once it is promulgated.

Read the latest updates on the Portugeuse Nationality Law.

Current Investment Options for the Portugal Golden Visa

Note that, as of 7 October 2023, it is no longer possible to invest in real estate and qualify for the Golden Visa program. 

The Golden Visa investment options are as follows: 

  • Fund subscription: Make a contribution to a qualified investment fund worth at least €500,000
  • Artistic production or reconstruction of national heritage: Make an investment of at least €250,000
  • Scientific research activities: Science or Technology research contribution of at least €500,000
  • Creation of jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period
  • Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a company or reinforcement of a company’s share capital, in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (five of them permanent)

The real estate investment pathway (including the Portugal 280k investment option) and the capital transfer route were discontinued in October 2023.

In their absence, the investment funds pathway in particular has proved to be very popular, particularly amongst Americans. You can find out more about his pathway: Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund Option: The Complete Guide.

There are also other routes to secure Portuguese residency, such as through the D7 Visa for passive income holders and the Digital Nomad (D8) Visa for remote workers. You can find out how the two stack up in our guide: D7 vs D8 Visa Portugal.

Goldcrest: Who We Are and How We Can Help You

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, offering insightful expertise and strategic advice. Although the real estate option for the Golden Visa is no longer available, if you are looking for residential properties, we can provide you with several options to consider across the country. 

The following articles may also be of interest to you: 

Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal Golden Visa Properties

Note that, as of 7 October 2023, it is no longer possible to invest in real estate and qualify for the Golden Visa program.

From 7 October 2023, it is no longer possible to invest in real estate and be eligible for the Golden Visa program.