What is the minimum investment for Portugal Golden Visa in 2026?

The minimum investment is €500,000 in a qualifying investment fund approved by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). Real estate investment was removed as an option in October 2023.

How much time do I need to spend in Portugal for Golden Visa?

The program requires minimal physical presence: just 7 days in the first year, and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period. This is one of the lowest residency requirements in Europe.

Can I get Portuguese citizenship through Golden Visa?

Golden Visa holders may become eligible for permanent residence after five years, subject to the applicable requirements. Under Portugal's Nationality Law effective from 19 May 2026, Portuguese citizenship generally requires ten years of legal residence for most new non-EU and non-CPLP applicants, or seven years for EU and CPLP nationals. Different rules may apply to nationality applications already pending when the new law entered into force.

Can my family be included in the Golden Visa application?

Yes, one investment covers the main applicant, spouse, dependent children under 26, and dependent parents over 65. All family members receive the same residency rights.

Is Portugal Golden Visa still available in 2026?

Yes, the program is active. While real estate investment was removed in October 2023, investment funds remain a fully qualifying route with increased interest from applicants worldwide.

What are the benefits of Portugal Golden Visa?

Benefits include: visa-free travel to 27 Schengen countries, permanent residence eligibility after five years, access to Portuguese healthcare and education, ability to live and work anywhere in the EU, and favorable tax treatment under the NHR regime.

- PH-V-2026 - Portugal Golden Visa · MMXXVI

Section V / Application Journey

Process & Timeline

A step-by-step record of the Golden Visa application - from pre-qualification through permanent residence eligibility.

Overhead view of neatly stacked application folders and a navy passport booklet on linen — Plate V - The application file

Aggregate Duration

Typical Timeline: Several Months to Over a Year

From initial engagement to receiving your first residence permit. The stage durations below are indicative only - actual timing depends on AIMA scheduling and documentation completeness.

01

Pre-Qualification Assessment

Initial review of investor eligibility, capital availability, and investment preferences.

- Review of nationality and residency status

- Verification of capital availability and source

- Assessment of investment timeline and preferences

- Preliminary compliance screening

1–2 Weeks

02

Investment Selection & Execution

Selection of qualifying investment route and completion of investment documentation.

- Presentation of qualifying investment options

- Due diligence on selected investment vehicle

- Subscription documentation and capital transfer

- Investment confirmation and proof of funds

4–8 Weeks

03

Application Preparation

Compilation of all required documentation for Golden Visa application submission.

- Personal documentation gathering

- Criminal record certificates (origin country)

- Health insurance arrangement

- Power of attorney execution

2–4 Weeks

04

Application Submission

Formal submission of Golden Visa application to Portuguese immigration authorities.

- Application filing with AIMA

- Payment of government fees

- Appointment scheduling for biometrics

- Application tracking and status updates

1–2 Weeks

05

Biometrics Appointment

In-person appointment in Portugal for fingerprinting and document verification.

- Attendance at AIMA or VFS Global centre

- Biometric data collection

- Original document verification

- Interview (if required)

2–4 Months Wait

06

Initial Approval & Permit

Receipt of initial Golden Visa approval and issuance of residence permit card.

- Approval notification from AIMA

- Residence permit card issuance

- Initial permit validity as set by AIMA - see official ARI page

- Travel within Schengen area permitted

2–6 Months

07

Renewals - Years 2 & 4

Periodic renewal of the residence permit subject to investment maintenance and presence requirements, as set out by AIMA.

- Proof of investment maintenance

- Evidence of minimum stay requirement

- Updated documentation as required

- Renewal cycle as published by AIMA

2–4 Months Each

08

Permanent Residence Eligibility

Eligibility to apply for permanent residence after 5 years of legal residency. Portuguese citizenship is governed separately by the Nationality Law effective from 19 May 2026, which generally requires ten years of legal residence for most new non-EU and non-CPLP applicants, or seven years for EU and CPLP nationals.

- A2 Portuguese language certificate

- Clean criminal record throughout residency

- Nationality application, where the applicable conditions are met

- Dual citizenship permitted

12–24 Months

End of Stages · Document Ref. PH-V-2026

Annotation · Known Delays

Common Bottlenecks

i

Government Processing Delays

AIMA processing times fluctuate and have lengthened in recent years; treat any duration on this page as indicative rather than guaranteed. Check AIMA's own statistics for current benchmarks.

ii

Document Legalisation

Documents from certain countries require apostille or consular legalisation. This can add 4–8 weeks.

iii

Biometrics Scheduling

Limited appointment availability can result in 2–4 month waits, particularly during peak periods.

iv

Investment Fund Closings

Qualifying funds have specific closing dates. Missing one may mean waiting 2–6 months for the next.

End of Annotation · PH-V-2026

Provenance

Written by Michael Vincent (CEO)

Legally reviewed by Review pending

Last reviewed: 31 August 2026 · Last legally verified: Not yet verified

Author and reviewer profiles

Primary sources

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