Portugal Golden Visa 2026 : New Rules and Complete Guide

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that gives non-EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals a Portuguese residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment.

Also known as the Portugal Investment Visa or the Portugal Golden Passport, it was launched in 2012 to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth. Since then, it has become one of Europe’s most popular residency options, thanks to its many benefits.

The Golden Visa Portugal program enables investors and their families to live, work, and study in Portugal, with visa-free access to the EU’s Schengen Zone. After five years (for now), holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship without maintaining full-time residency.

Although there were talks to end the program in 2024, Portugal’s Golden Visa remains active. While real estate purchases and capital transfers no longer qualify, several appealing investment options are still available.

This comprehensive guide to the Portugal Golden Visa in 2026 explains the benefits, eligibility criteria, and how we support you throughout the application process.

Portugal Golden Visa 2025: Key Takeaways

The Portugal Golden Visa gives non-EU nationals residency by making a qualifying investment in the country.

Live, work, and study in Portugal while traveling freely throughout the Schengen Area without additional visas.

Qualify for the Golden Visa through several routes, including starting a company or investing in approved funds.

Invest a minimum of €200,000 in cultural projects or €500,000 in eligible investment funds, among others.

Apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after maintaining Golden Visa status for five years.

The Portugal Golden Visa, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), is a five-year residency program designed for non-EU nationals.

By making a minimum investment into one of the many qualifying options and maintaining it for five years, it allows investors and their families to live, work, and study in Portugal.

The Golden Visa is one of Portugal’s most popular residency options, attracting over €4 billion in investment and more than 20,000 families have received Golden Visas since the program began.

Highlights of Portugal’s Golden Visa

• A variety of investment options
• Minimum investment requirements start from only €200,000 in a cultural project in a low density area, while venture capital funds start at €500,000
• Only spend a minimum of seven days in the first year in Portugal, then a subsequent 14 days every two years
• Family members are included in the application
• A pathway to becoming a long-term Portuguese resident or citizen
• Visa-free within European Union countries and the Schengen area
• Live in a safe country with affordable living costs and a high quality of life

Free movement in the EU: With the Portugal Golden Visa, you can travel freely across 29 European Union countries. This means you can do business, visit family, or explore new destinations without worrying about extra visas or paperwork.

Live in your home country: You don’t have to move to Portugal full-time to keep your Golden Visa. The residency requirements are minimal as you just need to stay seven days in the first year and 14 days every two years after that.

Affordable investment options: Portugal’s Golden Visa is one of the most affordable ways to gain residency in Europe. Investment options start at just €200,000, making it accessible for a wide range of investors.

Portuguese citizenship: A major draw of the Portugal Golden Visa is the chance to become a Portuguese citizen. After five years (for now), you can apply for a Portuguese passport, which opens up visa-free travel to 187 countries and gives you full access to EU benefits.

Financial stability: Investing in Portugal means putting your money into a stable and growing economy. The Golden Visa lets you benefit from both potential returns (depending on the option) and the security of residency in a country that has seen steady growth in recent years.

In our Global Passport Index 2025, Portugal ranks 28th and comes in 12th place for quality of life and enhanced mobility.

Portugal’s cost of living is one of the major drawcards for many expats.

For example, GCS helped Dough and Rich relocate to Porto through the Portugal Golden Visa.

As “numbers guys,” they opted for the investment funds route rather than property, appreciating the flexibility of spending just one week a year in Portugal while deciding on future plans.

“I never envisioned that we would actually move to Portugal when I was in my 70s… but we decided to do it. It’s been a lot of work, but I’ve surprised myself. I’m learning Portuguese, enjoying the culture, and discovering more every day,” Dough explains.

Read about their journey

Our team reviews each client’s profile carefully to determine which investment options make them eligible under the current 2026 rules.

However, to qualify for the Golden Visa in Portugal, you must fulfill several prerequisites:

• You must be at least 18 years old with a clean criminal record in Portugal and your home country
• You must be either a non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA national
• The funds for the investment must come from outside Portugal
• Spend at least seven days in Portugal in the first year, and at least 14 days in the subsequent two years

Portugal Golden Visa Family Members

Portugal’s Golden Visa Program allows your family members to be included in the application. We ensure that the paperwork is correct so that you can include your:

• Spouse or legal partner
• Children under 18 years of age
• Dependent children under the age of 26, provided that they are single, financially dependent, and enrolled as full-time students
• Parents of the main applicant or their spouse/partner, who must be financially dependent if they are under 65 years of age.

American Golden Visa Applicants

Portugal’s Golden Visa is open to US citizens, and make up about 10 percent of all Golden Visa approvals.

Many Americans are drawn to Portugal’s Golden Visa because it offers a straightforward way to gain EU residency. This makes it a popular choice for US entrepreneurs, families who travel often, and anyone looking for a reliable European backup plan without having to move right away.

British Golden Visa Applicants

British citizens can apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa, as there are no restrictions based on nationality. Since Brexit, UK nationals are now considered third-country citizens and no longer have automatic freedom of movement in the Schengen Area.

For many British investors, the Golden Visa offers a practical solution. It brings back visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, gives you the option to live, work, or study in Portugal, and opens a path to permanent residency or citizenship. You don’t need to move to Portugal full-time to qualify.

That’s why many UK applicants see the Golden Visa as a way to regain access to Europe and keep their lifestyle options open after Brexit.

A successful Golden Visa application starts with an investment. We assist investors in selecting the best qualifying funds, ensuring they meet legal requirements while optimizing for long-term residency.

This investment must be made before the application can be filed to qualify for the Golden Visa permit. Here is a summary of the investment routes:

Low-density areas are regions that have fewer than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer or a GDP per capita of under 75% of the national average.

Here’s an in-depth look at the available options for the Golden Visa Portugal:

01/ Golden Visa investment funds

The Portugal Golden Visa fund investments are private equity or venture capital funds managed by fund managers accredited by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), Portugal’s regulatory body.

You can choose from the energy, industry, and technology sectors and your dedicated fund manager ensures that they are appropriately managed within the eligibility scope of the Golden Visa.

American investors can also use their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) funds to invest but this strategy requires careful navigation of both Portugal’s Golden Visa requirements and IRS regulations.

Although IRA investment structures for Portuguese funds are relatively new, our team is diligently researching implementation strategies and regulatory implications for our clients’ applications.

02/ Donation to arts and culture

You can donate a minimum of €250,000 (or €200,000 for projects in low-density areas) to an eligible Portugal Cultural Production Golden Visa project.

Pre-approved by the Portuguese government through GEPAC, these projects aim to promote Portuguese culture, fund restoration efforts of national heritage, and highlight the Portuguese arts.

03/ Scientific research

Golden Visa investors can also make a capital transfer of at least €500,000 for research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions participating in the national scientific or technological system.

04/ Creation of 10 jobs

Under the program, investors must create at least ten full-time jobs. In low-density population areas, this number is reduced to eight. All these positions must align with Portugal’s labor and social security standards.

05/ Company set-up option

Foreign entrepreneurs and investors can establish a new Portuguese business or invest in an existing one. There are two investment options in this category:

• Incorporate a company in Portugal, with a share capital of €500,000, plus creating five permanent jobs
• Increase the share capital of an existing Portuguese company by €500,000 and fulfill the job requirements as stipulated by the Portuguese Government.

Investment options that are no longer eligible

In 2023, the Portugal Golden Visa changes incorporated the Mais Habitaçāo (More Housing) bill, making real estate no longer an option.

The aim is to increase Portugal’s supply of rental housing, combat real estate speculation, and restrict rent increases. The following investment options have been removed:

• Real estate investment: Acquire a real estate property worth more than €500,000 in Portugal. If the property is located in a low-density area, it is reduced to €400,000.
• Real estate purchase: Buy a property with construction dating back more than 30 years or located in an urban regeneration area for refurbishment, with a total value of €350,000 or more. If the property is located in a low-density area, the price reduces to €280,000.
• Capital transfer: Make a transfer of a value equal to or above €1.5 million.

Minimum residence requirement

The Golden Visa requires you to spend seven days in Portugal for the first year, and 14 days for each subsequent year.

Maintain the qualified investment for the duration of the visa

You must present supporting evidence that you have invested the minimum amount required, and a declaration of honor, committing to maintain the investment for the duration of the visa, is also needed.

Required documents for the Portugal Golden Visa

Paperwork can be daunting to get right. Global Citizen Solutions ensures that Golden Visa applicants correctly submit the following documents for the initial application and each renewal:

1. Portugal Golden Visa application form
2. Copy of a valid passport and travel documents
3. A declaration from your bank in Portugal confirming the transfer of funds from abroad
4. Proof of health insurance in Portugal (Enrollment in SNS is required if the investor resides in Portugal)
5. A background check or a police clearance letter from your country of origin, issued no more than 90 days before submitting your application.
6. A declaration of honor promising to maintain the investment for five years.
7. Documents showing a good standing with the relevant tax authorities
8. Document showing non-enrollment or good standing with the Social Security
9. A receipt showing that you have already paid the application processing fee

All documents issued by a non-Portuguese entity must be legalized, with an apostille required if the issuing country is part of the Hague Convention. Additionally, any document not in Portuguese must be translated and certified, typically by a notary.

Getting a Portuguese NIF number

The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is your tax identification number in Portugal. It is a unique identifier assigned by the Portuguese tax authorities and is essential for several transactions in Portugal, such as opening a bank account, buying property, signing a contract, and paying taxes.

You can apply for an NIF at the local tax office, appoint a legal representative, or use a third-party provider that handles the entire NIF application on your behalf.

Opening a Portuguese bank account

You will need to open a Portuguese bank account for your Golden Visa application, and we can also assist you with that. This is necessary because the investment funds required for the visa must be transferred from a local Portuguese bank.

The authorities in Portugal require proof that the funds originate from your account and that all transactions comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

The Portugal Golden Visa costs for submitting, granting, and renewing the residence permit are listed below. All government fees listed are payable per person, whether a main applicant or a family member.

While the information is accurate as of the time of publishing, AIMA can amend the fees without prior notification. The current visa fees table (for all visa types in Portugal) is published on the AIMA website.

Application legal fees

Portugal Golden Visa legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the application, the number of family members included, and the law firm handling the process.

Given the size of the investment and the multi-year nature of the program, most applicants work with a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer to manage due diligence, application submissions, renewals, and compliance throughout the five-year period.

However, below is an estimate of what the legal fees can cost:

• Golden Visa legal application fees: Range from €7,000 to €8,000 for single applicants. Dependents younger than 18 years old can be included in the application free of charge.
• Additional Portugal Golden Visa application fees: For dependents aged 18 years and older, this will cost €500.

Cost comparison of the Golden Visa investment fund and donation routes

While costs and fees vary depending on the route and the number of people, below is an estimate of all fees for the Golden Visa investment fund and donation routes.

The amounts have been calculated on a family of four (main applicant with three dependents) over a five-year period.

Golden Visa renewal legal fees

• Renewal legal costs: € 2,000 for a single applicant.
• Additional fees: For dependents aged 18 and above: €500. Children are free of charge.

Note: Additional fees may apply depending on the investment you wish to make

Pay for the Portugal Golden Visa with cryptocurrency

Global Citizen Solutions is a crypto-friendly company. We now accept cryptocurrency as payment for our services through the Coingate portal. While we do not have a point of sale directly set up on our website, payment with crypto, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple, is possible.

Global Citizen Solutions has already helped many crypto investors obtain their Golden Visa in Portugal and through other citizenship-by-investment programs. We are happy to assist you every step of the way.

Using a loan or mortgage to pay for the Portugal Golden Visa

A common question is whether you can use a loan or a mortgage to secure your Golden Visa investment in Portugal. You cannot take out a loan or mortgage from a Portuguese financial institution to pay for your investment.

While applying for the Golden Visa is relatively straightforward, our consultants guide applicants through the documentation and submission process, minimizing delays and avoiding common pitfalls.

1. Onboarding: Initial discussions with the onboarding and legal teams covering the process as a whole, answering questions, helping you choose one of the qualifying investment options, and completing the process according to the regulations.

2. Documentation: Gather all necessary documents for yourself and any family members. Ensure that all documents are translated, notarized, or certified.

3. Bank account and NIF: In order to obtain the tax identification number (NIF) in Portugal, we will appoint a fiscal representative for you. After obtaining your NIF, we can help you open a bank account in Portugal. This can be done by us remotely, and Global Citizen Solutions will help you.

4. Make the investment: We can begin securing your investment and will guide you through the necessary paperwork required to ensure a successful investment.

5. Online application: Your application must be submitted through the ARI Portal by a legal representative in Portugal, who will guide you through the necessary documentation and submission.

6. Pre-approval: Your application will be pre-approved on the basis that you fulfill the necessary requirements.

7. Biometrics visit: From the time you book your interview, it takes around two months until you can attend a Portugal Golden Visa biometrics appointment in person.

8. Golden Visa issuance: After your biometrics, your Golden Visa has to be approved by AIMA and you must pay the government permit issue fee. We’ll then collect the residence cards on your behalf and send them to you.

From the online application submission to the biometric appointment, processing typically takes between 18 and 24 months, depending on AIMA’s backlog and case complexity. After completing biometrics, you can expect an additional 9 to 12 months before your residence permit is issued.

Once granted, the initial permit is valid for two years and it must be renewed every two years. At the end of the fifth year, if you meet the requirements, you can apply for permanent residency and/or Portuguese citizenship.

Year 0

Golden Visa Issued

Now valid for two years.

Year 2

Portuguese residency permit needs to be renewed.

Valid for another two years.

Year 4

Residency permit needs to be renewed.

Valid for 2 years.

Year 5

Permanent residency

Both permanent residency and citizenship may be requested.

Year 6

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa must be renewed in year 6 if permanent residency or citizenship wasn’t requested.

Note: While permanent residency remains at five years, the requirement for citizenship could soon change to 10 years for non-EU citizens.

Income tax benefits are a big draw for foreign investors. If you don’t become a tax resident in Portugal, you won’t pay any income tax from sources outside of the country.

If you meet the qualifying requirements, you can also apply for the Tax Incentive Scheme for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI). Often referred to as the new NHR, a 20 percent flat tax rate applies to the income of highly qualified professionals working in scientific research and innovation within Portugal for a duration of up to 10 years.

Additionally, income earned abroad, excluding pensions, is exempt from taxation in Portugal under this regime, provided it is declared for tax progression purposes.

Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years (for now) of legal residence in Portugal, calculated from the date the residency permit was issued.

To apply for Portuguese citizenship, you need to submit several key documents, including:

• Clean criminal record: Obtain a certificate confirming you don’t have significant criminal convictions.
• Clean health record: Provide a health certificate indicating that you are in good health and do not have any serious or communicable diseases.
• Proof of Portuguese residency: Submit evidence of your legal residency in Portugal. This includes documentation such as a residence permit demonstrating that you have lived in Portugal for the required period.
• Proficiency in Portuguese: Show proof of Portuguese proficiency at an A2-level, for example, by completing the CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) test or providing equivalent evidence. If you are from a Portuguese-speaking country, the proficiency certificate isn’t required.

You’ll also need to present a completed Portugal citizenship application form, a valid passport (proof of identification), and proof of payment for the application processing fee.

Despite rumors that the Portugal Golden Visa program would end, it did not end in 2023 and is more popular than ever in 2026.

However, potential Golden Visa investors can expect several changes to impact the application process.

For example, in 2025, the Council of Ministers proposed several Portugal Nationality Law changes in a major shakeup of Portugal’s immigration and nationality policies. These could extend the residency requirement for citizenship from five years to 10 years for most applicants.

The government’s proposals adjust both the citizenship and immigration processes, which will affect Portugal Golden Visa holders, among others:

• Extended minimum residency periods from five years to 10 years for Portuguese citizenship eligibility for non-EU applicant.
• Increasing the time to citizenship for CPLP countries from five to seven years.
• The period begins from the date the first residence permit is issued, not from the date of application.

The proposal also outlines new requirements for applying for Portuguese citizenship. Currently, applicants only have to demonstrate an A2-level Portuguese language proficiency, but it is proposed that it should also include:

• Portuguese civic knowledge test on the culture, history, and rights of Portugal
• No criminal record for crimes that resulted in imprisonment

If you plan on moving to Portugal through the Golden Visa Program, here are some key aspects to consider:

Healthcare

Portugal’s healthcare system is a blend of public and private services. The public system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) offers free or low-cost care to citizens and foreign residents, funded through taxes.

EU citizens can access public healthcare using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while non-EU expats must obtain residency or private insurance to qualify.

Though the quality of public care is generally good, wait times for non-urgent procedures can be lengthy, prompting many expats to opt for private health insurance (€50–100/month) for faster access to specialists and facilities.

Dental care, however, is mostly privatized and not covered by the public system, so supplemental insurance is recommended for comprehensive coverage.

Safety

Portugal is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, placing 7th on the Global Peace Index. Violent crime is rare, and the country is widely regarded as safe for solo travelers, women, and families. That said, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas such as Lisbon’s Alfama or Porto’s Ribeira district.

Residential neighborhoods and smaller towns generally feel secure at all hours, and locals are known for their welcoming, helpful attitude toward foreigners. Emergency services are reliable and can be reached by dialing 112, a centralized number for police, medical, or fire assistance.

Cost of living

While Portugal is generally considered affordable, costs vary significantly by location. In major cities like Lisbon and Porto, rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €1,500 to €2,000 per month, while similar accommodations in suburban or smaller towns drop to €600 to €900 per month.

Daily expenses are generally manageable. A monthly grocery budget for two people averages around €300 to €400, and dining out at a mid-range restaurant typically costs €20 to €30 per person.

Public transportation is efficient and affordable, with monthly passes in Lisbon or Porto priced at approximately €40. Utilities like electricity, heating, and water average €100 to €150 per month combined. Coastal areas like the Algarve tend to be pricier due to tourism, whereas rural regions and smaller cities provide more budget-friendly living.

Family activities and attractions

Portugal is a fantastic family destination, offering cultural, educational, and outdoor activities.

In Lisbon, highlights include the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of Europe’s largest aquariums, and the Lisbon Zoo, while Porto’s World of Discoveries museum provides interactive lessons on Portugal’s maritime history.

Day trips to Sintra, with its fairy-tale palaces like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, or to the medieval university city of Coimbra, offer enriching cultural experiences.

The Algarve region is a paradise for families, boasting child-friendly beaches like Praia da Marinha and attractions such as Zoomarine, a marine-themed park with dolphin shows. Nature-loving families can explore hiking trails in Peneda-Gerês National Park or take scenic boat tours along the Douro Valley.

In June, annual festivals like Carnaval and Lisbon’s Santo António celebrations add to the country’s vibrant atmosphere. Many museums and attractions offer discounted rates for children, and public parks, beaches, and historic sites are often free, making it easy to enjoy Portugal’s offerings without overspending.

Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa?

• Global approach by local experts: A team of experienced local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists based in Portugal.
• Independent service:We are not a marketing agency for any projects. You will access all eligible routes for the Golden Visa, with over 40 vetted qualifying investment options, so you can decide on the best option for you.
• 100% approval rate: We have the unique distinction of never having had a Golden Visa case rejected and have helped hundreds of clients from more than 35 countries.
• All-encompassing solution: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams will assist you throughout the process and beyond with a single channel of communication. 
• Transparency: Our fees are clear and detailed, covering the entire process with no hidden costs. 
• Privacy: Your personal data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.

To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa, you can find out more here: Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions for Your Golden Visa Portugal Application?