If you’re considering a path to European residency and eventually citizenship, the Portugal Golden Visa in 2025 remains a viable option despite recent changes. The program underwent significant restructuring, particularly in terms of qualifying investments.
While purchasing property is no longer eligible, there are new avenues such as investments in equipment and projects supporting vulnerable immigrants. These modifications ensure the program will continue to benefit the Portuguese economy.
In this guide, we have the most recent updates on the Portugal Golden Visa 2025.
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What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
For those unfamiliar, the Portugal Golden Visa program allows non-EU citizens to secure residency through various investment options. After maintaining residency for five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. This makes the Golden Visa a strategic gateway for those seeking to live, work, and travel across the EU. The latest updates have introduced different criteria for investment, which may impact your plans if you were considering property as your main investment route.
The program’s appeal lies in its flexibility and the myriad opportunities it offers. Given the updated rules, staying informed about the new criteria and fees is crucial. Understanding these changes helps you tailor your investment to meet the new requirements and reap the benefits of living in Portugal.
The Portugal Golden Visa program has undergone significant changes as of October 2023. The new law, Mais Habitação, amended the popular residency-by-investment scheme, shifting the focus from real estate purchases to other investment options.
Key Changes in the Portugal Golden Visa 2025 – Latest June Updates
The Portugal Golden Visa program has seen several important revisions in June 2025. These include adjustments to investment thresholds, modifications in real estate investment criteria, and new residency requirements aimed at maintaining the program’s integrity.
Investment Threshold Adjustments
In June 2025, the Portuguese government increased the minimum investment threshold for certain categories. For instance, capital transfer investments now require a minimum of €1.5 million, up from €1 million.
Entrepreneurs must now invest at least €500,000 in a Portuguese business to qualify. These adjustments are intended to ensure that the investments contribute significantly to the Portuguese economy, catering to a more robust and sustainable growth strategy.
Changes to Real Estate Investment Criteria
The biggest change is the shift in real estate investment rules. Since October 2023, purchasing residential properties in notable urban areas like Lisbon and Porto no longer qualifies for the Golden Visa.
You can still invest in real estate, but it must be in designated interior regions or autonomous areas like Madeira and Azores. This adjustment directs investment towards underdeveloped areas, pushing urban renewal and economic diversification.
Updated Residency Requirements
Residency conditions have also evolved in 2025. You’re now required to maintain a physical presence in Portugal for at least 14 days within the first two years, previously it was just seven days.
This shift ensures a stronger connection between investors and Portugal, encouraging greater economic and cultural integration. The government hopes these changes will promote long-term investment and commitment to staying in Portugal.
Investment Options for the Portugal Golden Visa 2025
Explore the different investment avenues available for Portugal’s Golden Visa program. This section covers real estate acquisitions in prime locations, participation in various investment funds, and capital transfer options.
Real Estate Acquisition in Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve
Purchasing real estate in Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve remains one of the most popular options for investors. In 2025, the minimum required investment is €500,000 for properties in these high-demand areas.
To promote urban regeneration, investing in properties over 30 years old or located in designated rehabilitation areas can bring the threshold down to €350,000.
This option provides attractive rental yields and potential capital appreciation. Pay attention to property taxes and maintenance costs, crucial for calculating your total investment.
Venture Capital Funds and Investment Funds
For those interested in diversifying their portfolios, investing in venture capital funds and investment funds is an innovative option. The minimum investment required is €500,000.
These funds are often managed by professional financial managers and focus on sectors like technology, renewable energy, and startups.
Investing in these funds not only helps you qualify for the Golden Visa but also supports Portuguese economic growth. Ensure you review the fund’s track record and risk profile to align with your financial goals.
Capital Transfer Options
The capital transfer option offers flexibility by allowing you to transfer a minimum of €1.5 million into a Portuguese bank account or invest in approved stocks and bonds.
This route is ideal for individuals looking to maintain liquidity or those who prefer financial assets over physical ones. The €1.5 million threshold may vary slightly based on the bank’s policies and the type of financial assets chosen.
Capital transfers can also fund research activities or support the arts and culture sector in Portugal, providing a broader impact on society while meeting investment criteria.
How to Apply for the 2025 Portugal Golden Visa:
- Choose an eligible investment option.
- Gather required documents, including proof of investment and a clean criminal record
- Submit your application and pay the processing fee
- Upon approval, receive your residency card, which must be renewed every two years
The Portugal Golden Visa continues to offer an attractive path to European residency and citizenship, despite the recent changes. Interested applicants should carefully consider the new investment options and consult with a qualified professional to ensure compliance with the updated requirements.
Portugal has revamped its Golden Visa program, introducing a new category to foster social investment. This move represents a shift from the previous focus on real estate and capital investment towards supporting social causes directly linked to immigrant integration.
Comparison with Previous Golden Visa Scheme of Portugal
The new Golden Visa scheme in Portugal marks a significant shift from the previous program, primarily attracting foreign investment through real estate purchases. Here’s a closer look at how these changes impact potential residents:
Previous Benefits:
- Real Estate Investment: Investors could gain residency by purchasing residential property, which was particularly appealing in high-value areas like Lisbon and Porto.
- Minimal Stay Requirements: The old program required investors to stay in Portugal for only seven days per year, making it ideal for those who do not want to relocate permanently.
- Path to Citizenship: After five years of residency, investors could apply for Portuguese citizenship, opening up EU residency and work rights.
New Scheme Benefits:
- Diversified Investment Options: While residential real estate investment is no longer eligible in high-density areas, investors can now choose from a wider range of options, including commercial property, investment funds, and cultural heritage projects.
- Higher Investment Thresholds: The minimum investment amounts have increased across various categories, such as the capital transfer option rising from €1 million to €1.5 million.
- Continued Core Benefits: Despite the changes, the new scheme still offers the key advantages of the previous program, including residency for the applicant and their family, visa-free Schengen travel, and a path to citizenship after five years with minimal stay requirements.
The shift in focus from residential real estate to other investment options reflects Portugal’s efforts to promote more sustainable and diverse foreign investment. While the higher investment thresholds may be a challenge for some, the Golden Visa remains an an attractive option for those seeking European residency and the potential for citizenship.
The new Golden Visa scheme in Portugal marks a significant shift from the previous program, primarily attracting foreign investment through real estate purchases and capital investments. Here’s a closer look at how these changes impact travelers and potential residents:
Understanding the Portugal Golden Visa Program
The Portugal Golden Visa Program offers a path to residency through various investment forms. You’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria, provide essential documentation, and ensure you have a clean criminal record.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Golden Visa, you must make a significant investment. This could be through a venture capital fund, arts donation, or job creation. As of October 2023, traditional property purchases no longer meet the requirements.
Applicants must be non-EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals. You’ll need to prove a minimum stay of 7 days in the first year and 14 days in subsequent periods of two years. Moreover, maintaining financial independence is crucial.
Application Process and Documentation
The application process involves several steps. First, obtain a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), which is the Portuguese tax identification number.
Next, open a Portuguese bank account. Afterwards, gather required documentation such as a valid passport, proof of investment, and medical insurance. Submit these documents along with your application online via SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).
Legal fees vary from €5,000 to €8,000 for single applicants. Dependents’ fees may range from €500 to €2,000 depending on their age. After application approval, you’ll attend a biometric appointment in Portugal.
The Importance of a Clean Criminal Record
A clean criminal record is mandatory for the Golden Visa application. You need to provide police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for more than one year in the past five years.
The Portuguese authorities conduct thorough background checks to ensure applicants do not have any history of criminal activity. This requirement safeguards the integrity of the program and ensures that only law-abiding citizens are granted residency.
Without a clean criminal record, your application will be denied. Maintaining transparency and honesty throughout this process is essential for a successful application.
Benefits and Advantages of the Golden Visa to Get a Portugal Residency
Portugal’s Golden Visa program provides numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for investors. These advantages extend beyond financial gain and include opportunities for family reunification, favorable tax regimes, and access to top-tier healthcare and education systems, enhancing overall quality of life.
Residency and Family Reunification
By obtaining a Golden Visa, you gain the right to reside in Portugal and move freely within the Schengen Area. This is significant for business and leisure travel across 26 European countries. The program also allows you to include family members, making it easy to bring your spouse, children, and even dependent parents under one application.
Parents and children both benefit from reunification provisions, making it simpler for families to stay together. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, further solidifying your family’s presence in Portugal.
Tax Regime and Non-Habitual Resident Status
One of the major attractions of the Golden Visa is the favorable tax regime. As a holder, you can apply for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status. NHR offers significant tax benefits, including exemptions on foreign income such as pensions, dividends, and royalties for up to ten years.
In addition to income tax benefits, there are no wealth taxes or inheritance taxes in Portugal. This can result in considerable financial savings, making Portugal a very tax-efficient country for expatriates and investors.
Healthcare, Education, and Quality of Life
Portugal boasts a high-quality healthcare system, providing excellent medical services to Golden Visa holders and their families. Public healthcare is often free or low-cost, and private healthcare is also available and relatively affordable.
Educational opportunities for children are abundant, with access to top international schools and reputable universities. The education system ensures that children receive high standards of learning, making it ideal for families.
Life in Portugal is known for its pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Combined with a lower cost of living compared to many other Western European countries, these factors contribute to an excellent quality of life.
Portugal Golden Visa 2025 vs. Other Popular Residency Programs Through Investments
Portugal’s Golden Visa has long been a popular choice for investors seeking European residency and a path to citizenship. However, with the recent changes, it’s worth comparing the program to other top Golden Visa options around the world.
Greece Golden Visa
Minimum Investment: €250,000 in real estate
Benefits: Residency for the investor and their family, visa-free Schengen travel, and a path to citizenship after seven years
Compared to Portugal: Greece offers a lower minimum investment threshold and a similar path to citizenship, making it an attractive alternative for those primarily interested in real estate investment.
Spain Golden Visa
Minimum Investment: €500,000 in real estate
Benefits: Residency for the investor and their family, visa-free Schengen travel, and a path to citizenship after ten years
Compared to Portugal: Spain’s Golden Visa is similar to Portugal’s in terms of real estate investment, but the path to citizenship is longer.
Malta Golden Visa
Minimum Investment: €690,000 (combined investments and contributions)
Benefits: Residency for the investor and their family, visa-free Schengen travel, and a path to citizenship after five years
Compared to Portugal: Malta’s program requires a higher overall investment but offers a faster path to citizenship compared to other EU countries.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP)
Minimum Investment: Varies by country, starting from $100,000
Benefits: Immediate citizenship, visa-free travel to over 140 countries (depending on the country), and potential tax benefits
Compared to Portugal: Caribbean CIPs offer faster citizenship acquisition and more affordable investment options but do not provide the same level of access to the EU as European Golden Visas.
While Portugal’s Golden Visa has undergone significant changes, it remains competitive with other top programs, particularly for those seeking a path to European citizenship. However, investors should carefully consider their priorities and explore alternative options to determine the best fit for their needs.
After Golden Visa: Achieving Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Following the completion of the Golden Visa program, you become eligible for permanent residency and eventually, Portuguese citizenship. This process opens doors to numerous opportunities such as living, working, studying, and traveling freely within the Schengen Area.
Permanent Residency Pathway
After five years of holding a Golden Visa, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal. This status allows you to live and work in Portugal without needing to renew your residence permit. Permanent residency provides you with similar rights to Portuguese citizens, including access to healthcare and education.
One important aspect is the five-year residency requirement. You must maintain legal residence in Portugal for at least five years. This includes meeting the minimum stay requirements, generally set at 7 or 14 days per year, depending on your specific visa conditions.
Portuguese Citizenship Journey
Achieving Portuguese citizenship is the next step after permanent residency. Citizenship allows you to obtain a Portuguese passport, giving you the rights of an EU citizen. This includes the ability to live, work, and study in any EU country without restrictions.
To apply, you need to have held your residency (initially Golden Visa and then permanent) for a total of at least five years. During this period, demonstrating integration into the Portuguese society—such as language proficiency and knowledge of Portuguese culture—can be beneficial.
Visa-Free Travel in the Schengen Area
Holding either Portuguese permanent residency or citizenship significantly eases travel. With a Portuguese passport, you gain visa-free access to over 180 countries worldwide.
As a permanent resident, you enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries. This freedom to travel can enhance your business, education, and leisure experiences, making it more convenient to explore Europe without lengthy visa application processes.
Will You Go for the Portugal Golden Visa 2025 as Your Path to Residency in Portugal
The 2025 updates to Portugal’s Golden Visa program represent a strategic pivot towards more sustainable and socially beneficial investments. This guide serves as a comprehensive overview for those considering Portugal as a residency option, emphasizing the need for detailed planning and consultation with legal experts to navigate the new requirements successfully.
This evolution reflects a broader trend in global residency programs prioritizing social impact alongside economic benefits, offering a unique opportunity for meaningful engagement and investment in Portugal.
For those looking to delve deeper into specific requirements or seeking personalized advice, consulting with legal and financial advisors familiar with the latest regulations is recommended.
Digital Marketer and Entrepreneur since 2011, Rachel Pregunta was a writer before co-founding Gamintraveler with her partner, Ruben. Mixing her passions for photography, storytelling, and writing, she started traveling in 2015 and has traveled to 20+ countries and three continents. She has built a 5-figure social media agency and has been writing online for 20 years. She is passionate about fitness, slow travel, and digital nomadism. She is from the Philippines and lives in Spain with Ruben and her son, Han.