The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment programme that grants non-EU nationals a Portuguese residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment. Despite significant changes since 2023, the programme remains active in 2026 — though the rules look very different from the version most people remember.
I have managed over 600 successful Golden Visa applications across more than 15 countries. The Portugal programme remains one of the strongest in Europe, but only if you understand the current rules and avoid the outdated advice that still dominates most search results.
What Changed in 2023 — And Why It Still Matters
In October 2023, Portugal passed the Mais Habitação law, which removed real estate as a qualifying investment for the Golden Visa. This was the route roughly 90% of applicants had used. The capital transfer option of €1.5 million was also eliminated.
What survived: fund investments, donations to cultural heritage, scientific research contributions, and business creation. In practice, the fund investment route at €500,000 has become the dominant pathway for most applicants in 2026.
Current Investment Options (April 2026)
There are four qualifying investment routes still available:
Fund investment: €500,000 into a CMVM-regulated investment fund. The fund must allocate at least 60% of its capital within Portugal. This is the route the vast majority of applicants now use. Sectors include private equity, venture capital, renewable energy, tourism, and technology.
Cultural heritage donation: €250,000 contributed to an approved cultural preservation project. Fully donated — no financial return expected. Suitable for applicants who prioritise a lower entry point over investment returns.
Scientific research: €500,000 directed toward approved scientific research activities in Portugal.
Business creation: Establishing a company in Portugal that creates at least 10 permanent jobs, or investing €500,000 into an existing Portuguese company and creating at least 5 permanent jobs.
Who Qualifies?
Any non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss national over the age of 18 can apply. There is no minimum income requirement, no language test at the application stage, and no requirement to live full-time in Portugal. You must maintain a clean criminal record and make one of the qualifying investments through a Portuguese entity.
The Physical Presence Requirement
Portugal requires just 7 days of physical presence per year — or 14 days across each two-year renewal period. This is the lowest stay requirement of any European Golden Visa programme, which is why it remains popular with applicants who need flexibility around where they live and work.
Renewal and Duration
The initial Golden Visa permit is valid for two years. After that, it renews in two-year cycles for as long as you maintain your qualifying investment. After five years of legal residency, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship — though the citizenship timeline may be changing.
What the Golden Visa Gets You
A Portuguese residence permit grants you:
- The right to live and work in Portugal
- Visa-free travel across all 29 Schengen Area countries
- Access to Portuguese healthcare and education
- The ability to include your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents on the same application
- A pathway to permanent residency and EU citizenship
2026 Administrative Updates
AIMA (Portugal’s immigration authority) launched an online renewal portal on 2 February 2026, which is expected to reduce processing friction for renewals. Government fees were updated on 1 March 2026: the application fee is now €632.10, and the first residence permit card costs €6,314.20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Portugal Golden Visa still available in 2026?
Yes. The programme is active and accepting applications. Real estate is no longer a qualifying investment, but fund investments, cultural donations, and other routes remain open.
Can I buy property to get a Portuguese Golden Visa?
No. Real estate investments were removed as a qualifying option in October 2023 under the Mais Habitação law. The primary route is now a €500,000 fund investment.
How much does the Portugal Golden Visa cost in total?
The minimum investment is €250,000 (cultural donation) or €500,000 (fund investment). Government fees add approximately €7,000 per applicant. Legal and advisory fees typically range from €15,000 to €30,000.
Do I need to live in Portugal?
No. You need to spend just 7 days per year in Portugal — the lowest requirement of any EU Golden Visa programme.
Can I include my family?
Yes. Your spouse or partner, dependent children (including adult children up to 26 if in full-time education), and dependent parents can all be included on a single application.
I advise every client to treat the Golden Visa as the beginning of a residency strategy, not a standalone transaction. The investment is the entry point — the real value is in how you structure your tax position, time your citizenship application, and plan around the regulatory changes that are coming.
— Jason Swan, JS Privé