Portugal's Golden Visa (ARI) is still open in 2026, but it looks very different from the property-driven programme many people remember. The investment routes changed in 2023 and the citizenship timeline changed in 2026.
The 2023 reforms removed all real estate investment routes for new applicants, out of concern that they were pushing up housing prices. Fund investment is now the mainstream route.
The fund route requires a subscription of at least €500,000 in a qualifying Portuguese investment or venture capital fund. It accounted for over 78% of applications in 2025.
Qualifying funds must be Portuguese-domiciled, have a minimum maturity of five years and invest at least 60% of their assets in companies or assets based in Portugal.
Golden Visa holders must spend 7 days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in each later two-year period — an average of about 7 days a year, or roughly 35 days over five years.
The cultural route requires a capital transfer of €250,000 for artistic production or national cultural heritage, reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas.
The Golden Visa is a residence permit, not a tax status. Holders who spend fewer than 183 days a year in Portugal and keep their main home elsewhere are generally taxed in Portugal only on Portuguese-source income.
The 2025 Foreigners Law reform kept exceptions to the 2-year reunification rule for Golden Visa holders and highly qualified professionals, so investors can include family members straight away.
Under Lei Orgânica 1/2026, in force since 19 May 2026, most non-EU nationals need 10 years of legal residence (7 for EU and CPLP nationals). Permanent residence is still available after 5 years.
Golden Visa permits are renewed every two years, with evidence that the investment is still held and that the minimum stay requirement was met.
The business route requires €500,000 invested in a Portuguese company together with the creation of five permanent jobs.
The Golden Visa residence permit has no Portuguese language requirement. A2-level Portuguese becomes necessary only when applying for permanent residency or citizenship.
Source: Golden Visa language requirements (Global Citizen Solutions)
This quiz is general information based on Portuguese rules in force on the review date above, not legal advice. Immigration thresholds change every January with the minimum wage, and laws change often. Confirm your case with a lawyer before applying.