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Contents
Since 7 October 2023 the Portugal golden visa (ARI) no longer includes property or a plain capital transfer. The most common option now is €500,000 in qualifying investment funds. The visa's main advantage is minimal presence (7 days in the first year and 14 days in each two-year period after), but Portuguese citizenship now requires 10 years of legal residence.
2026 investment options
| Option | Minimum / condition | In low-density areas |
|---|---|---|
| Non-real-estate investment fund (at least 5-year maturity, 60% in Portuguese companies) | €500,000 | — |
| Capital in a Portuguese company + 5 permanent jobs (or keeping 10 jobs for 3 years) | €500,000 | — |
| Scientific research at research institutions | €500,000 | €400,000 |
| Support for arts and national heritage | €250,000 | €220,000 |
| Job creation | 10 jobs | 8 jobs |
None of these options may invest directly or indirectly in real estate. The investment must be kept for at least 5 years.
Pros and limitations
- Minimal stay: 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each later two-year period.
- Family without a wait: under the 2025 foreigners law, golden visa holders' families are exempt from the family reunification waiting period; spouse, children and dependent parents qualify.
- Schengen travel with a valid residence card, under the short-stay rules.
- 10-year citizenship: applications filed from 19 May 2026 need 10 years of legal residence and a language and culture test.
- Long processing: the golden visa queue at AIMA is very long, with reports of a year or more just to get a biometrics appointment.
- Investment risk: funds carry market risk; check the manager, fees and exit terms carefully.
Steps
- Review and document the lawful source of funds
- NIF, tax representative and Portuguese bank account
- Choose and legally review the fund or project, then transfer the investment
- File online with AIMA and wait for the biometrics appointment
- Receive a 2-year residence card, then renew while keeping the investment and minimal stay
Portugal or Greece golden visa?
If you want to buy property, the Greek golden visa still has a real estate option. Portugal vs Spain vs Greece
Frequently asked questions
Does buying property give a Portugal golden visa?
No. Since 7 October 2023 all property options and plain capital transfers have been removed from the Portugal golden visa.
What is the lowest Portugal golden visa amount?
€250,000 for arts and heritage support (€220,000 in low-density areas); the most common option is a €500,000 investment fund.
How much time must I spend in Portugal on the golden visa?
7 days in the first year and 14 days in each two-year period after that.
When can I become a Portuguese citizen with a golden visa?
For applications filed from 19 May 2026, usually after 10 years of legal residence and passing the Portuguese language and culture test.
Amounts and conditions reflect the rules as of October 2026. Have the fund and your case reviewed by Imperial's lawyers before investing.
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