Portuguese Citizenship by Investment: Q&A Guide for Foreign Investors

Thinking about getting Portuguese citizenship by investment? Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains one of the most popular ways for global investors to access European residency, offering the chance to live, work, and study in Portugal, with a pathway to citizenship in just five years.

While Portugal doesn’t grant citizenship outright in exchange for investment, the Golden Visa opens the door to naturalization after maintaining legal residency, making it one of the fastest and most flexible routes to an EU passport.

In 2025, important updates took effect: real estate is no longer a qualifying investment, and the five-year residency period now begins from the moment you submit your application, not when it’s approved. These changes show Portugal’s commitment to sustainable investment while keeping the program attractive for serious investors.

This Q&A guide answers your most asked questions, from how to qualify for citizenship to what the timeline looks like, who can be included, and how legal guidance can make all the difference.

1. Can You Get Portuguese Citizenship by Investment?

Not directly, but investment can open the door.

Portugal does not offer immediate or automatic citizenship in exchange for an investment. Non-EU nationals can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, a residency-by-investment program that provides a legal pathway to Portuguese citizenship after a period of sustained residence.

This is an indirect route to citizenship: eligible investors first obtain a residence permit through the Golden Visa. After maintaining their status for five years, they may apply for naturalization as a Portuguese citizen. Their application also includes language proficiency and basic integration requirements.

Portugal also recognizes dual citizenship, allowing investors to maintain their original nationality while gaining the rights and privileges of an EU passport, including freedom of movement and access to European markets.

2. What is the Portugal Golden Visa Program?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU nationals to obtain a renewable residence permit in Portugal by making a qualifying investment in the country’s economy.

Holders of a Golden Visa enjoy a number of key benefits, including:

• Legal residency in Portugal.
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
• Minimal physical presence requirements (just 7 days per year as the mandatory period of stay).
• Access to healthcare, education, and a pathway to citizenship after 5 years.

The program has become one of the most attractive in Europe for investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking flexibility, security, and long-term EU access.

Not sure if you qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa Program? See what’s required and how we support your application.

3. How can I get Portuguese Citizenship Through Investment?

Portuguese citizenship through investment is not immediate. The process is structured and takes multiple years. It begins with obtaining residency through the Golden Visa. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

1. Make a Qualifying Investment

Start by choosing an eligible investment option under the Golden Visa program. As of 2025, this includes fund subscriptions, cultural or scientific donations, and business-related contributions. Real estate is no longer an eligible route.

2. Submit your Golden Visa Application

After making your investment, you must submit your application to the Portuguese authorities. It’s important to note that under the updated rules, the five-year residency period now begins from the date your application is submitted, not the date it’s approved. This allows you to begin counting time toward citizenship earlier.

3. Maintain Residency and Meet the Minimum Stay Requirements

To retain your Golden Visa status, you’ll need to spend just 7 days in Portugal during the first year, and 14 days during each subsequent two-year period. As long as your investment remains valid and these stay requirements are met, your residency can be renewed as needed.

4. Apply for Citizenship After 5 Years

Once you’ve completed five years of legal residency, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization. At this stage, you’ll need to demonstrate basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (a minimum A2 level) and provide evidence of ties to the country.

5. Receive Your Citizenship and Passport

If your application is approved, you’ll be granted full Portuguese citizenship and can apply for a passport. Portugal allows dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your original nationality while enjoying the rights of an EU citizen.

Portuguese citizenship law can be tricky — get expert legal guidance for your Portuguese citizenship by investment.

4. What Types of Investments Qualify for the Golden Visa?

Up until recent years, real estate investments were an option for the Portugal Golden visa. However, as of 2025, the Golden Visa pathway has shifted significantly. 

Real estate investments (both direct property purchases and real estate-linked funds) are no longer eligible. In their place, applicants can secure residency through one of the following investment options:

1. Portuguese Investment Funds

• Minimum investment: €500,000 into eligible private equity or venture capital funds registered in Portugal.
• Funds must be focused on local companies across sectors like tech, industry, sustainability, and must exclude real estate exposure.

2. Creation of Jobs or Company Investment

• Launch a Portuguese-based business that generates at least 10 full‑time jobs for locals.
• Alternatively, invest €500,000 in an existing Portuguese company and create or maintain at least 5 permanent positions.

3. Scientific and Technological Research

• Support public or private research institutions with a minimum donation of €500,000.
• Ideal for investors passionate about innovation, science, and development.

4. Cultural or Heritage Contributions

• Contribute at least €250,000 toward cultural initiatives. For example, arts, heritage site restoration, or museum projects.
• This is the most affordable pathway and impactful for preserving Portugal’s cultural legacy.

Since October 2023, Portugal has removed all real estate-based and capital transfer options from the Golden Visa program. Now, only investments that promote economic growth, innovation, culture, and job creation are eligible. This shift aims to channel foreign capital into sustainable development and community benefit.

5. Is it the Same as Getting Citizenship Directly?

No, Portugal does not offer “citizenship for sale.” Unlike some countries that run true citizenship-by-investment programs (where a passport is granted outright in exchange for a large payment), Portugal’s Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program. 

Investment does provide a legal pathway to citizenship, but citizenship must be earned through a combination of time, integration, and compliance.

To qualify for Portuguese citizenship after five years of Golden Visa residency, applicants must:

• Meet the minimum stay requirements.
• Maintain a qualifying investment.
• Pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level).
• Demonstrate good character and no serious criminal record.

This system reflects Portugal’s emphasis on long-term commitment and cultural integration rather than financial contribution alone. The goal is to welcome foreign investors who wish to become genuinely rooted in the country, not just those who want a passport on paper.

In summary, Portugal offers a structured and achievable route to EU citizenship, but it comes with responsibilities, making it distinct from fast-track “passport-for-payment” schemes found elsewhere.

6. What are the Benefits of Citizenship in Portugal by Investment?

Once you obtain Portuguese citizenship by investment, you gain access to a wide range of powerful, long-term benefits that go far beyond residency rights.

1. Full EU Citizenship

Portuguese citizenship automatically grants you citizenship of the European Union, allowing you to live, work, study, and retire freely in any of the 27 EU countries. This makes it one of the most versatile and mobility-friendly citizenships in the world.

2. Visa-Free Travel

As a Portuguese citizen, you’ll receive a Portuguese passport, which ranks among the world’s most powerful passports. It provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries, including the US, Canada, UK, and the entire EU Schengen Area.

3. Access to Public Healthcare and Education

You’ll have full rights to Portugal’s national healthcare system and public education, including university-level tuition at domestic rates. These services are among the most affordable and accessible in Western Europe.

4. Family Rights and EU Mobility

Your citizenship can pave the way for family reunification, and your children may also be eligible for Portuguese citizenship.

5. No Need to Maintain Your Investment

After citizenship is granted, you are no longer required to maintain the original investment that qualified you for the Golden Visa. This gives you full flexibility to divest or restructure your assets as you wish, with no impact on your citizenship status.

7. How Long Does it Take to Get Portuguese Citizenship By Investment?

The full timeline to obtain Portuguese citizenship through investment typically spans 6 to 7 years from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of how the process typically looks:

1. Golden Visa Approval

After submitting your Golden Visa application, initial approval can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on application volume and processing delays. Under the newly issued rules in 2025, your five-year residency clock starts from the date of application submission, not approval. This effectively shortens the overall wait.

2. Five Years of Legal Residency

Once the five-year period has passed, and you’ve met the required stay days (7 days in year one, 14 days every two years after), you become eligible to apply for citizenship.

3. Citizenship Application Processing

The naturalization process typically takes 12 to 24 months from the time you apply. During this stage, authorities will review your application, verify your legal residency history, check for criminal records, and assess your Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level or higher).

In total, most investors can expect the process from initial Golden Visa application to citizenship approval to take approximately 6 to 7 years. While it’s not instant, Portugal’s structured pathway offers long-term security, eventual EU citizenship, and significant lifestyle benefits along the way, making the timeline worthwhile.

Want to avoid costly mistakes? Get legal clarity on Portuguese citizenship by investment.

8. Can Family Members be Included in the Portugal Residency by Investment?

Yes, one of the key advantages of the Golden Visa program is that it allows you to extend residency rights to your immediate family through a process called family reunification. This means your qualifying dependents can live, work, and study in Portugal under the same residency conditions as you. They can eventually apply for citizenship after five years as well.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

Under Portugal’s Golden Visa rules, you can include the following family members in your application:

• Spouse or legal partner.
• Children under 18.
• Dependent children aged 18 and over, provided they are unmarried and financially dependent (such as full-time students).
• Parents of the main applicant or spouse, if they are financially dependent and supported by the applicant.

How Does the Process Work?

Family members do not need to make a separate investment. Once your main Golden Visa application is submitted or approved, you can apply for family reunification by providing:

• Proof of relationship (e.g. marriage or birth certificates).
• Evidence of financial dependence (if applicable).
• Clean criminal background checks.
• Valid passports and biometric data.

Each family member will receive their own residence permit, subject to the same renewal requirements and stay minimums. After five years, they may also become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, assuming they meet the same conditions as the main applicant.

9. Is Portuguese Citizenship by Investment Still Available in 2025?

Yes, Portugal’s Golden Visa program is still active in 2025 and continues to offer a legitimate pathway to citizenship through investment.

However, as we mentioned previously, the structure of the program has undergone significant changes in recent years, and it’s essential to understand the latest updates before applying. Below we have listed all of the major changes:

Real Estate Is No Longer Eligible

As of the latest reforms, you can no longer qualify for the Golden Visa by purchasing residential or commercial property in Portugal. This includes direct property purchases and real estate-linked investment funds.

Updated Investment Categories

The program now focuses on investment in areas that support the Portuguese economy, such as venture capital funds, scientific research, cultural heritage, and job creation. These categories remain eligible in 2025.

The 5-year Residency Period Starts Earlier

One of the more favorable updates is that your five-year countdown toward citizenship begins at the time of application submission, not approval. This change benefits applicants by shortening the total timeline to eligibility.

While the Golden Visa remains open in 2025, Portugal’s immigration and nationality laws are subject to change. Discussions around extending the residency period required for citizenship have surfaced, which may impact future applicants. It’s important to stay up to date on the latest requirements to ensure there have been no changes to your chosen pathway before you begin your application.

10. How Can a Lawyer Help with Portuguese Citizenship by Investment

Navigating the pathway to Portuguese citizenship by investment involves multiple legal, financial, and administrative steps. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can make the entire process more efficient, compliant, and stress-free. Here’s how our legal team supports you at every stage:

Investment Structuring

A lawyer can help you choose a qualifying investment route that aligns with both your goals and legal requirements. They’ll also ensure all documentation and fund transfers meet regulatory standards.

Application Preparation and Submission

Your legal team will handle the application process for the Golden Visa, from gathering supporting documents to liaising with Portuguese authorities. This helps minimize delays and avoid costly errors.

Residency Renewals and Compliance

Golden Visa residence permits must be renewed periodically. Lawyers track deadlines, submit renewal documents, and ensure you continue to meet the minimum stay and investment criteria.

Naturalization and Citizenship

When you are eligible for Portuguese citizenship, your lawyer will prepare your application, guide you through language test requirements, and ensure your legal residency history supports approval.

Family Reunification

If you’re including dependents, a lawyer can assist with proving eligibility and filing family reunification applications in parallel with your main file, ensuring a smooth transition for your family.

Legal guidance helps you move through the process with clarity and confidence, from the moment you invest to the day you receive your Portuguese passport.

Need Support With Your Portuguese Citizenship by Investment?

Portugal’s Golden Visa remains a valuable gateway to European citizenship, offering flexibility, security, and long-term benefits for investors and their families. But with evolving rules and a multi-year process, success depends on navigating each step with care.

At Lexidy, our lawyers simplify the journey, from investment through to citizenship, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.

Fill out the form below to speak with our expert Portuguese immigration lawyers today to explore your eligibility and take the next step with confidence.