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Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

Portugal Golden Visa & Residence Permit

The Portugal Golden Visa (ARI) offers residence in Europe through a EUR 500,000 investment in investment funds; the real estate route has been eliminated. With an average stay requirement of only 7 days per year, it opens the way to permanent residence after five years and citizenship (the 2026 citizenship law has extended timelines for non-EU applicants).

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Program
Golden Visa (ARI)
Fund investment
From EUR 500,000
Real estate route
Eliminated (no longer eligible)
Stay requirement
Average of 7 days per year
Path to citizenship
5 years (new law extended timelines for non-EU applicants)
Family
Spouse, children, and dependents included

Who is it for?

  • Those seeking residence in the EU with a very low stay requirement (average of 7 days per year).
  • Those preferring a professionally managed passive fund investment over real estate.
  • Those seeking a path to permanent residence and EU citizenship after five years.
  • Families seeking Schengen free movement and access to education/healthcare in the EU.

How Did the Golden Visa Change in 2026?

Portugal eliminated the real estate and capital transfer routes from its golden visa program with the Mais Habitação law, which took effect at the end of 2023. As of 2026, the program continues only through productive investment routes; the most common option is a EUR 500,000 investment in approved investment funds registered in Portugal.

Additionally, the new citizenship law, effective in 2026, extends the time to citizenship for non-EU applicants. We always verify the current legal situation before applying.

Which Investment Routes Are Valid?

The EUR 500,000 approved investment fund is the most popular route. In addition, routes such as donations to scientific research, support for national cultural heritage, and job creation (creating a certain number of jobs by establishing a new company) are also available. The fund route is the most practical option for most clients, as it is a passive investment professionally managed.

Tax and Residence

The golden visa does not require becoming a tax resident of Portugal; an average stay of 7 days per year is sufficient. For those wishing to relocate to Portugal, the previous NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) regime was replaced in 2024 by the new IFICI tax incentive program. Tax planning should be assessed separately based on individual circumstances.

Benefits

  • Free movement within the Schengen area.
  • A very low physical presence requirement of just 7 days per year.
  • Family members can be included in the application.
  • Path to permanent residence and citizenship.
  • Access to living, education, and healthcare in the EU.

Requirements

  • EUR 500,000 approved investment fund (or the research, culture, or job creation routes).
  • Clean criminal record and valid health insurance.
  • Documentation of the legal source of funds.

Costs

Investment fund
From EUR 500,000
Government and application fees
Vary by applicant
Renewal fees
Periodic

Process

  1. Preparation

    Obtaining a tax number (NIF) and opening a bank account.

  2. Investment

    Making the investment in an approved fund.

  3. Application

    Submitting the golden visa application and biometrics.

  4. Residence card

    Obtaining the residence card after approval and renewal.

FAQ

Can I get a golden visa by buying real estate in Portugal?
No. The real estate route was eliminated at the end of 2023; fund investment, scientific research, cultural heritage, or job creation routes are now valid.
How long do I need to stay in Portugal?
There is a very low physical presence requirement of an average of 7 days per year; you are not required to live there continuously.
When can I apply for citizenship?
You can apply after five years of residence; the 2026 citizenship law has extended timelines for non-EU applicants, so we verify the current status.
Can I include my family in the application?
Yes. A spouse, dependent children, and, under certain conditions, dependent parents can be included in a single application.
Can I earn money from the investment fund?
Funds are investment vehicles targeting returns; however, returns are not guaranteed and carry capital risk. Fund selection should be made considering past performance and strategy.
How long does the application take?
After the investment is completed, obtaining the residence card can take several months depending on appointment and review times; we regularly share updates on the current status of the process.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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