Portugal
South Europe · informational research only · no verified delivery partner published
Portugal offers one of Europe's most established residency-by-investment routes (the Golden Visa) plus a residence-to-citizenship track. A May 2026 nationality-law amendment materially changed naturalization timelines — route pages select the correct rule version for each cohort.
RBI route
Golden Visa (AISR)
Reg. (EU)-aligned A-Residence scheme
EU travel
Yes — Schengen
Path to PR
5 years of continuous residence (subject to absence rules)
Path to citizenship
Under May 2026 law: 7 years (Portuguese-speaking/EU nationals) or 10 years (others); transitional cohorts apply
Minimum stay (ARI)
7 days in the first year; 14 days in later two-year periods
Overview
Portugal's Golden Visa grants temporary residence to qualifying investors and their families. It does not grant citizenship; citizenship is a later, separate application with its own qualifying-residence and (where applicable) language requirements.
Residence cards are issued for two years and renewable for further periods. The route attracts applicants who value EU access, favorable climate and a path to nationality, but who do not want to live full-time in Portugal immediately.
Important: the nationality law changed in May 2026. New applications use seven- or ten-year residence periods by nationality category; the Justice Ministry states that applications already pending on 19 May 2026 continue under the previous wording.
3 draft route records in Portugal
Portugal Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Two-year renewable residence permit in Portugal (plus Schengen travel) for qualifying investors and family. Not citizenship.
Research cutoff 2026-09-21 · 3 source references · review pending
Portugal Permanent Residence (after 5 years)
Permanent residence in Portugal after 5 years of continuous lawful residence, with broadened absence tolerance.
Research cutoff 2026-09-19 · 2 source references · review pending
Portugal Naturalization by Residence (post-May 2026 law)
Portuguese citizenship by residence: seven years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries or EU member states and ten years for other nationals under the law effective 19 May 2026.
Research cutoff 2026-09-21 · 2 source references · review pending
Physical presence note
AIMA states a minimum stay of seven days in the first year and fourteen days in subsequent two-year periods. PR and naturalization use separate tests.
PR & naturalization
Permanent residence and citizenship are separate. For citizenship applications after 19 May 2026, the statutory period is seven years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries or EU member states and ten years for others; pending applications continue under the previous wording according to the Justice Ministry.
Tax note
Non-habitual resident (NHR) and other tax regimes have changed; we never publish a universal tax test. Tax questions are referred to a qualified tax adviser. Tax advice is given only by a qualified tax professional.
Documents note
Typical lists include passports, criminal records (apostilled/translated), proof of funds or qualifying investment, proof of health insurance and address. The engaged professional issues the case-specific final checklist; document issuance recency and legalization requirements vary.
Frequently asked
Is the Golden Visa the same as citizenship?
No. It grants renewable residence status in Portugal and Schengen travel. Citizenship requires a later application with its own qualifying residence period and conditions.
How long must I stay?
AIMA states seven days in the first year and fourteen days in later two-year periods for ARI. Naturalization and permanent residence use separate rules.
Does the investment have to stay for 5 years?
Approved investment options must generally be maintained while relying on the route; the required holding period and redemption conditions differ by investment type. See the program page for the per-option terms.