Portugal Golden Visa | European Residency & Path to Citizenship
Portugal residency from EUR 500,000. Access 29 Schengen countries, path to EU citizenship after 10 years (7 for EU/CPLP). Top-rated healthcare and quality of life.
ARI (Golden Visa) rules as amended, and Lei Orgânica 1/2026 on nationality.
As of October 2026 — Statutory Quick Facts & Investment Tiers
| Route | October 2026 statutory position |
|---|---|
| Qualifying fund | €500,000. Real estate is not a qualifying new route. |
- Minimum outlay
- €500,000 in a qualifying non-real-estate fund. Family of 4 minimum: The same fund subscription. Family members are included on the residence permit, not by raising the fund minimum.
- Government / processing fees
- Government and professional fees are extra. New real-estate purchases have not qualified since October 2023. A cultural donation route starts at €250,000.
- Processing timeline
- Processing times are at record highs. There is no short statutory decision deadline.
- Visa-free / mobility
- Schengen travel on a residence permit. Nationality for most applicants is now 10 years, or 7 years for EU and CPLP nationals, under Lei Orgânica 1/2026, in force 19 May 2026.
- Tax and residency highlights
- Residence and tax residence are separate. The non-habitual regime is closed to new applicants. About seven days a year is the practical presence figure cited for the residence permit.
- Governing legal framework
- ARI (Golden Visa) rules as amended, and Lei Orgânica 1/2026 on nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do I need to invest for the Portugal Golden Visa?
- The most common route in 2026 is a minimum investment of EUR 500,000 in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund. A cultural or artistic donation route is available from EUR 250,000. Real estate investment is no longer a qualifying route under the current programme rules.
- How long does it take to get the Portugal Golden Visa?
- The Portugal Golden Visa currently takes between 12 and 24 months to process due to high application volumes. Processing times are expected to improve as the government clears its backlog. The initial residency permit is valid for 2 years and is renewable.
- How little time do I need to spend in Portugal each year?
- Portugal Golden Visa holders are required to spend a minimum of 7 days in Portugal in the first year, and 14 days in each subsequent 2-year renewal period. This is one of the lowest physical presence requirements of any European residency programme.
- Can I get Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa?
- Yes, but the timeline has changed. Under Organic Law 1/2026 (in force 19 May 2026), most Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship after 10 years of legal residence (7 years for EU and CPLP nationals). Applications filed before that date follow the previous 5-year rule. Portuguese citizenship grants full EU citizenship rights, including the right to live and work in all 27 EU member states. The Portuguese passport offers visa-free access to 190+ countries.