The Portugal Golden Visa, officially referred to as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), is designed to attract international capital and promote economic growth. It offers investors and their families the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and a path to Portuguese citizenship after five years. 
Launched in October 2012 amidst Portugal’s economic recovery, the programme has been a great success, raising over €7.5 billion since then. Despite persistent rumours of closure, the Golden Visa did not end in 2023 and remains more popular than ever in 2026. 

Who Is the Golden Visa For?

The Golden Visa suits high-net-worth individuals and families who want:

• A secure EU residency base without relocating full-time
• A pathway to an EU passport and visa-free global travel
• A diversified investment in a stable European economy
• A Plan B — safety, security, and opportunity for their family

It is particularly popular among investors from the US, Brazil, China, the Middle East, South Africa, and India.

Key Benefits

Minimal stay requirement — Golden Visa holders are required to spend a minimum of just 7 days in Portugal during the first year, and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods.  No need to relocate full-time.

EU Schengen access — holders enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area of Europe. 

Path to citizenship — after five years as a legal resident, a Golden Visa holder may apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided they have a clean criminal record, sufficient knowledge of Portuguese, and demonstrate ties to the national community. 

Permanent residency — permanent residency after five years is still available. Even if the citizenship timeline extends to ten years, Golden Visa holders can still apply for permanent residency after five — giving them an independent, long-term right to live and work in Portugal and across the EU without maintaining their investment. 

Family inclusion — the main applicant can include eligible family members such as a spouse, dependent children, and financially dependent parents in the same application. 

Portuguese passport — Portugal’s passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 destinations. 

Investment Routes (2026)

Post-2023 reforms removed property purchases and large capital deposits. The Golden Visa now focuses on qualifying funds, job creation, research, and cultural contribution. 

Investment Funds Route — investing €500,000 in a qualifying private equity or venture capital fund is currently the most popular route. This option allows investors and their families to obtain Portuguese residency without the need for active business management or relocation. It is the only passive option that may also offer a return on investment. Units of Portuguese investment funds yield about 10% annually, depending on assets and strategy, and are redeemable in 6–10 years. 

Cultural Contribution Route — one of the most budget-friendly routes is the contribution to national heritage or cultural activities, with a non-refundable contribution starting at €250,000. This allows investors to contribute to the preservation of Portugal’s cultural and historical sites. 

Costs to Budget For

Beyond the core investment, applicants should budget for:

Legal fees typically start from €5,000 in the first year, with ongoing legal support for residency renewals at around €1,500 every two years. Government application fees are charged per applicant and currently stand at approximately €6,394 for the initial residence permit, with renewals at €3,488 every two years.

The Application Process

1. Strategy & Eligibility — We assess your goals, family composition, and the best investment route for your situation.
2. NIF & Bank Account — We obtain your Portuguese tax number and open a Portuguese bank account, often via power of attorney — no travel required at this stage.
3. Investment — Funds are transferred to your chosen qualifying investment vehicle.
4. Document Preparation — We compile, certify, and apostille your full application file.
5. Portal ARI Submission — Applications and document uploads are now handled through the official Portal ARI, with Golden Visa renewals also available via the Renewals Portal since February 2026, making submission and fee payment fully digital. 
6. AIMA Biometric Appointment — You travel to Portugal for your in-person appointment. It typically takes around four months after the interview to receive your Portuguese residence permit cards. Your residence clock starts ticking on the day your Golden Visa card is issued. 

Total processing time: typically around 12–18 months. 

2026 Citizenship Update — What You Need to Know

In April 2026, the Portuguese parliament approved amendments to the Nationality Law that, once in force, will extend the general residence requirement for citizenship from five to ten years for most non-EU applicants. The period begins from the date the first residence permit is issued, not from the date of application. 

Important: the Golden Visa programme is entirely unaffected by this vote. The investment routes remain active and unchanged, including the €500,000 fund route and the €250,000 cultural contribution route. Holders continue to enjoy full residency rights: renewal, family reunification, and travel across the Schengen area. 

We strongly recommend booking a consultation to understand how the new timeline affects your personal planning — especially if citizenship is a key goal.

FAQ

Is the Portugal Golden Visa still available in 2026? Yes. Despite rumours that the programme would end, it did not end in 2023 and is more popular than ever in 2026. 

Can I still buy property to get the Golden Visa? No. As of October 2023, Portugal’s government enacted the “Mais Habitação Law,” removing real estate investment options from the Golden Visa programme. The fund and cultural routes remain fully active.

Do I have to live in Portugal? You only need to spend a minimum of 7 days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods.

Can I include my parents? Yes. Eligible dependents include a spouse, dependent children, and financially dependent parents, subject to meeting the legal requirements.

Is there a language requirement? There is no language requirement for residency. The A2 Portuguese language requirement applies later when you apply for citizenship.

Why Residency.pt?

• Lisbon-based — we know AIMA, the process, and the market inside out
• End-to-end support: NIF → investment → permit → renewals
• Network of licensed fund managers and legal partners
• Personal case manager for every client
• Clients from 20+ countries including the US, UK, Brazil, UAE, and South Africa