Portuguese Citizenship Through Investment (Golden Visa)
The Portuguese Golden Visa program offers a pathway to citizenship through significant investment in Portugal followed by naturalization after five years.
Current Investment Options (2025)
As of 2025, the qualifying investments for the Golden Visa include:
- Fund investment (minimum €500,000 in Portuguese investment funds)
- Cultural production donation (minimum €250,000)
- Job creation (minimum 10 jobs in Portugal)
Important Note: Real estate investment is no longer a qualifying option for the Golden Visa since 2022-2023 changes to the program.
Path to Citizenship Through Golden Visa
- Make a qualifying investment
- Apply for and obtain the Golden Visa
- Renew the visa every two years
- Maintain the investment for the full 5-year period
- Meet minimal physical presence requirements (7 days in year 1, 14 days in each subsequent 2-year period)
- Pass the A2 Portuguese language test
- Apply for citizenship after completing 5 years
Advantages of this Pathway
- Minimal physical presence requirements in Portugal
- Family inclusion (spouse, dependent children, dependent parents)
- Freedom to live and work in Portugal
- Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area
- Option for citizenship after 5 years
Documentation Required
- Proof of qualifying investment
- Clean criminal record certificates
- Private health insurance
- Portuguese language certificate (for citizenship application)
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Evidence of tax compliance in Portugal
- Application forms
Important Considerations
- The investment must be maintained for the full 5-year period
- Language requirements only apply at the citizenship stage, not for the visa itself
- Tax residency is separate from the Golden Visa (determined by 183+ days in Portugal)
- Processing times have increased in recent years (6-12 months for initial visa application)
Read also:
http://www.accessportugal.net/guide-to-portugal-visa/golden-visa/
