FAQs

  • The Golden Visa Portugal is a residency program that allows foreign investors to obtain a residence permit through qualifying investments. Benefits include:

    1. Residency: Visa holders can live, work, and study in Portugal and travel within the Schengen Area.

    2. Family Inclusion: Investors can include their family members in the application.

    3. Path to Citizenship: After five years, holders can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

  • No, the Portugal Golden Visa Program is still active. Despite recent legislative changes, the program continues to offer options such as €250,000 donations and €500,000 investment funds.

  • No, existing Golden Visa holders and those who have already submitted applications are unaffected. They can continue renewing their visas and apply for permanent residency or citizenship as usual.

  • Yes, the Golden Visa Program remains open for new applications. Investors can still choose options like the €500,000 investment funds not related to real estate.

  • Absolutely! Applications are currently being accepted.

  • There’s a possibility that future governments might reconsider and potentially reinstate the real estate investment option based on economic conditions and political priorities. The newly elected government in February 2024 has indicated that they may explore new options for the Golden Visa Program in the future.

Portugal Golden Visa Update and Current Investment Options


Despite recent legislative changes, the Portugal Golden Visa Programme remains active in 2024. Although the real estate investment option was terminated in October 2023, the programme still offers pathways for non-European investors seeking EU residency and citizenship. These include donations starting at €250,000 and investment funds starting at €500,000.
The Golden Visa Programme, launched in 2012, has been one of Europe’s most successful Residency-by-Investment initiatives, generating over €7 billion for the Portuguese economy and issuing over 11,000 visas to investors and their families.

Legislative Changes in 2023

On May 19, 2023, former Prime Minister António Costa introduced the “Mais Habitação” bill aimed at curbing inflation and addressing rising real estate prices in cities like Lisbon and Porto. The bill proposed ending the Golden Visa Programme, which had significantly contributed to the economy. However, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa vetoed the bill in August 2023, questioning its effectiveness in addressing real estate speculation and rental inflation.
After parliamentary debates, it was decided to keep the Golden Visa Programme but terminate the real estate investment option. Other investment routes, such as donations and capital ventures, remain available, and existing permit holders were unaffected by the changes. The legislative process was completed on October 23, 2023, and the revised law was published, making these changes official.

Current Investment Options

The Golden Visa Programme still allows investors to apply through various routes, including capital investments, donations, and job creation. Be sure to check the latest requirements and guidelines, as these can evolve over time.

  • Investment Funds:
    One of the most sought-after options is to invest in a private equity or venture capital fund, requiring a minimum investment of €500,000.

  • Company Creation:
    You can also qualify for a Golden Visa by launching a new business in Portugal that creates at least 10 jobs, or by investing a minimum of €500,000 in an existing company that generates at least 5 new jobs.

  • Cultural Support:
    Another avenue is to contribute to arts and cultural heritage through a donation. Invest a minimum of €250,000 in preserving national heritage or a minimum of €500,000 in a research and development activity in Portugal.

  • Tourism-related business:

    Investments in hospitality or tourism sectors are often seen as eligible under the investment fund option or through business creation, depending on the specifics of the investment.


Benefits of the Golden Visa

The Golden Visa allows investors to live, work, and study in Portugal with minimal physical presence requirements. After five years, visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship. Residency also grants visa-free travel to 29 countries within the Schengen Area.
Despite political discussions surrounding its future, the Portugal Golden Visa Programme remains a stable and attractive option for international investors in 2024. With a new government in place, there are indications that additional investment routes may be introduced in the future.
Investors are encouraged to stay informed about potential changes and seek professional advice to navigate the evolving landscape of the Golden Visa Programme.

Weather you are exploring the Golden Visa for the first time or planning the next steps for you Portuguese real estate investment, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

October 19th, 2024.