Portugal Golden Visa
Secure European residency through a qualifying investment in Portugal, with a light stay requirement and access to the Schengen Area. Real estate no longer qualifies, so choosing the right fund or contribution matters more than ever.
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Who It Is For
A Peaceful Plan B in Europe
Portugal’s Golden Visa is formally called the Residence Permit for Investment Activity, or ARI. It lets non-EU investors and their families live in Portugal, travel within the Schengen Area and work toward long-term residence without relocating full-time.
It suits families who want the option of Europe, strong security and a stable base, and who are comfortable with a regulated, non-property investment.
Benefits
Why Choose the Portugal Golden Visa?
A mature, widely used program with a light stay requirement and a clear path to permanent residence.
Schengen Mobility
Your Portuguese residence permit allows you to travel within the Schengen Area for short stays, subject to Schengen rules.
A Very Light Stay Rule
Holders are generally required to spend only about seven days a year in Portugal to keep their status active.
Permanent Residence Option
After five years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residence, subject to the usual conditions.
Family Included
Your spouse, children and dependent parents can usually be included, each with their own application.
Live, Work and Study
Residence in Portugal allows you to live, work, study and run a business in the country.
Lifestyle and Safety
Enjoy Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, with mild weather, good healthcare and one of Europe’s safest societies.
2026 Investment Options
Which Routes Still Qualify?
Portugal closed the real estate route in 2023. The options below are the ones currently open for new applications, and we confirm them again before you commit.
โฌ500,000: Investment Fund
A qualifying venture capital or private equity fund focused on Portuguese companies, with a minimum maturity of five years. This is the most popular route.
โฌ250,000: Cultural Heritage
A non-refundable donation to approved arts or heritage projects, reduced to around โฌ200,000 for qualifying projects in low-density regions.
โฌ500,000: Research Activities
A contribution to approved scientific research or R&D activities carried out by qualifying institutions.
Business Creation
Creating or maintaining a Portuguese business that generates at least ten jobs.
Real Estate No Longer Qualifies
Buying property stopped counting toward the Golden Visa in October 2023. Older guides that mention it are out of date.
Choosing the Right Route
Funds can be returned but carry market risk and a lock-up period, while donations are not recoverable. We explain the trade-offs clearly.
Residency and Citizenship
Timelines You Should Know About
Portugal updated its Nationality Law in 2026, so the citizenship timeline is longer than it used to be. The Golden Visa investment routes themselves were not changed by that reform.
- Residence permits are issued for an initial period and then renewed, with a very light yearly stay requirement
- Permanent residence can be requested after five years of legal residence
- Citizenship now generally requires ten years of legal residence for most nationalities, plus a Portuguese language test
- Processing times at the immigration agency have varied widely, with reported estimates ranging from around a year to longer
The Process
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Route Selection and Eligibility
We review your goals, source of funds and family, then help you choose between the fund, donation and other routes.
Tax Number and Bank Account
You obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a local bank account, which is required to make your investment. A power of attorney can handle much of this remotely.
Making the Investment
You subscribe to the qualifying fund or complete the donation from your own account, and we collect the proof needed for your file.
Digital Application Filing
We prepare and submit your application through the official digital portal, including criminal records, health insurance and proof of funds.
Biometrics and Residence Card
You attend a biometrics appointment in Portugal, and your residence cards are issued once the application is approved.
Our Support
What We Handle for You
Residency by investment involves real money, so every step needs care.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of which route fits you and your family.
Source of Funds Review
Help preparing the evidence that banks and authorities expect.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of certificates, translations and apostilles for every applicant.
Tax Number and Banking
Guidance on setting up the practical foundations for your investment.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of the complete file to prevent delays or refusals.
Renewal Support
Reminders and guidance to keep your residence valid for the long term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the Portugal Golden Visa.
Can I still buy a house to get the Golden Visa?
No. The real estate route was discontinued in October 2023. Today you must invest through a qualifying fund, a cultural or research contribution, or a job-creating business.
Do I have to live in Portugal to get citizenship?
The Golden Visa itself only requires a very short yearly presence. Citizenship is a separate step and currently requires ten years of legal residence for most nationalities, plus a Portuguese language test and other conditions, so it is not automatic.
What is the minimum age for family dependents?
There is no minimum age. Minor children can be included as dependants, and adult children may qualify if they are financially dependent, such as full-time students. We review each family member’s eligibility individually.
Is my fund investment returned?
Fund units are held for a minimum period of five years and are usually returned over a longer horizon, but they carry market risk and fees. A donation, by contrast, is not recoverable.
How long does processing take?
Processing times at the immigration agency have varied a lot in recent years. We give you a realistic estimate based on the latest information when you start, and keep you updated.
Can my parents be included?
Dependent parents can usually be included in the application if they rely on you financially. We confirm the documents required for each person.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Portuguese authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
Ready to Secure Your Portuguese Residency?
Tell us about your budget and your plans, and we will point you to the route that fits best and explain your next steps.