Portugal Citizenship by Investment

Golden Visa Residence Program

Unlock Golden Visa Pathway for Portuguese Nationality after 5 years with minimal Residency.

Starting from €200,000

Fees and Costs
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ARI Golden Visa

The World’s most popular and highly sought after Residency program in Europe.

Minimal Residency

Portugal is the only EU country with relaxed citizenship rules without persistent stays.

Portuguese Citizenship

After 5 years of holding golden visa permit and pass easy A2 language test.

Real Estate

Real estate route is closed for golde n visa investments since Oct 2023. Only funds or donation are popular routes.

Low Presence

Portugal is the only EU country Just 7 days per year or 14 days every 2 year required.

Nationality Law Change

Portugal government is currently debating changes to citizenship law increasing residence time to 10 years from current 5 years.

Exclusive Benefits

Portugal Golden Visa Program

Permanent Residence

Easy path to Portuguese permanent residence card after 5 years with minimal living.

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Full Rights

Full rights to live, work, study and do business in Portugal.

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EU Citizenship

Get a EU citizen status after 5 years with Portuguese nationality. Highly respected elite status globally.

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Recoverable Investment

Recover your capital and get 5-15% returns with fund option.

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Visa Free Travel

Travel visa free within Schengen area and other non-EU countries.

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Portugal passport

Sixth powerful EU passport in the world with visa free travel to 186 countries.

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Portugal began its Golden Visa scheme in 2012. The Portugal Golden Visa is an immigrant investor program by the government of Portugal that grants residency to individuals who make qualifying investments such as investment fund subscriptions, business and job creation, scientific research, or cultural heritage supportAs of 2026, the country has attracted 9 billion euros of funds invested through the program. As of 2024, the Portugal Golden Visa no longer includes real estate investment as an eligible option.

Why Portugal

Portugal is a top pick for these reasons.

  • Safest country in the World
  • Wam Climate and Sunny Beaches.
  • Stable currency and country.
  • Reduced citizenship time for CPLP nationals.
  • Immigrant friendly country.
  • Low cost of living.
  • Gateway to Americas, Middle East and Africa.
  • High yield property market.
  • Proximity to Americas, Middle East and Africa.
  • High quality of living.
  • World class healthcare and medical care.
  • Modern infrastructure.
  • Free education at public schools.
  • Destination for Expats and Retirees.

Top Investment Funds

Private Equity and Venture capital investment funds

Prime Fund

€200,000

  • Hospitality fund
  • Donation option
  • Low fees / Low risk
  • Golden Visa
Details

Mercan Fund

€500,000

  • Hospitality Fund
  • Low Fees
  • 2% IRR
  • Golden visa
Details

Capital Green

€500,000

  • Credit Fund
  • No Fees
  • IRR 8%
  • Golden Visa
Details

Horizon Fund

€500,000

  • Open End Fund
  • Bitcoin ETF Assets
  • IRR 15-20%
  • Golden Visa
Details

New Nationality Law Approved on April 1, 2026

On April 1, 2026 approved the “new” Nationality Law increasing the residence time for citizenship to 10 years up from 5 years. The time for EU/CPLP nationals also increased to 7 years (up from 3 years). Below are important changes to citizenship legislation that will affect all Portugal residents and golden visa holders.

  1. Residency increased to 10 years – Residency time for naturalization increased to to 10 years for nationals of other third countries; 
  2. CPLP or EU Countries – Reduced residence period increased to 7 years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and citizens of European Union Member States.
  3. Residence period counts from residence permit date – the introduction of a new rule under which the residence period will only begin to count from the issuance of the first residence permit card (not application is filed), rather than from the submission of the application; and 
  4. Loss of Nationality for Criminals – new provisions concerning the loss of acquired nationality in the event of a criminal conviction. individuals convicted of serious crimes and sentenced to three or more years of effective imprisonment from obtaining Portuguese nationality.  introduces the loss of nationality as an additional penalty for those sentenced to five or more years in prison for crimes deemed very serious, including aggravated homicide, slavery, human trafficking, rape and sexual abuse, as well as criminal association, drug trafficking, and arms trafficking.
  5. No Transition or Safeguard Clause – No safeguarding clause was introduced for pending residence processes, nor was any transitional regime established.

The amended citizenship reforms will be sent to President of the Republic for approval. If approved the new law will be published in Gazette. If vetoed it will be sent to constitutional court for review.

Permanent Residency Unaffected

The Law on Portugal permanent residence program remains unchanged. Permanent residency allows holders to live and work in Portugal without renewing temporary permits every two years. While it does not grant voting rights , it does provide visa-free travel within the 29-country Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Golden visa holders are eligible obtain permanent residency after five years and wait an additional five years before applying for citizenship.

Portugal Nationality Law Changes

Portugal has long offered a five-year pathway to dual citizenship and an EU passport after obtaining a residency permit. A proposed reform if approved, could extend this to 10 years for foreign nationals and 7 years for CPLP nationals. The reform did not pass through constitutional court and was struck down. This created a lot of uncertainty among investors.

As of March 2026, the law remains unchanged. Under Portugal’s Nationality Law, foreign nationals may apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency. The residence period clock starts from the date you submit your residency application and waiting time counts for citizenship.

The Portugal government has tabled changes Nationality Law on the parliamentary agenda on April 1, 2026 after appointing new president of the republic

Portugal flag

Portugal Investment Funds

Most popular eligible pathway to secure Portugal golden visa. What makes VC/PE investment funds so attractive.

  • Capital fully recoverable.
  • Attractive fund returns.
  • Low risk investments.
  • Financing option available.
  • 5 year exit period.
  • Low fees compared to real estate.
  • Tax free investment.
  • Apply for Portuguese nationality.
  • Flexible investment funds.
  • Popular among US investors

€500,000 onwards

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Become a EU citizen

Portugal Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

We clear some of the confusions between Golde n visa and Citizenship by Investment in Program. Portugal does not have a direct “Citizenship by Investment” program in the literal sense. 

  • Golden visa provides a indirect pathway to citizenship.
  • Visa free travel within schengen area.
  • Apply for Citizenship after 5 years.
  • Maintain 7 day per year residency.
  • Pass A2 Portuguese language test.
  • Enter and Exit Portugal anytime.
  • Maintain your investment.

Portugal is the only EU country to offer passport without physically moving to the country.

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Artistic & Cultural Donation

Invest in cultural and art projects in Portugal .

  • One time donation to national and public.
  • ROI available.
  • Discounted for low density regions.
  • Eligible for ARI Golden visa
  • DGARTES and GEPAC approval required.

€200,000 onwards

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Portugal Assembly

Portugal Citizenship by Residence

How to Apply

  • Year 0: Apply for Golden Visa.
  • Year 1-5: Maintain investment & visit 7 days/year.
  • Year 4: Pass A2 Portuguese Language test .
  • Year 5: Apply for Portuguese PR card.
  • Year 6: Apply for Naturalization & Passport.

Golden Visa Program

Eligibility

  • Must be above 18 years of age
  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
  • Clean criminal record.
  • Proof of legally acquired funds outside Portugal.
  • No visa refusal from Schengen states.
  • Not from sanctions list.

Portugal Permanent Residency

Secure Permanent Resident status in Portugal via Golden visa program. A highly attractive option for Golden visa holders who wish to become a long term permanent residents with settled status in the EU.

  •  Time- After 5 years of Golden visa status.
  • Low Stay requirement – 7 days per year or 14 days every two years 
  • Divest investment after PR is granted.
  • A2 language test required.
  • Flexible absence permitted.
  • Average processing time 6 months.
Learn More
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Investment Options

Portugal

Portugal Investment Funds

Details
Funds
Portugal

Artistic/Cultural Golden Visa

Details

Naturalization for Citizenship

Become a full fledged EU citizen acquiring citizenship in Portugal.

  • Wait Time- After 5 years of holding golden visa
  • Minimal Stay requirement – 7 days per year or 14 days every two years 
  • Divest investment 5 years
  • A2 language test required.
Conditions
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Minimal residence requirement

Residence Conditions

7 days / year

  • 7 days per year or 14 days per 2 years.
  • Prolong the permit after one or two years.
  • Must appear in person for biometrics.
  • Appoint a proxy or lawyer for application process.
Conditions
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Portugal Golden Visa

Processing Timeline

AIMA has significantly cleared up backlogs and improved processing times in 2026.

12-18 months

  • Stage 1 – Open bank account, Tax and SS number – 3 months
  • Stage 2 – Transfer investment
  • Stage 3 – AIMA application filing
  • Stage 4 – Biometrics appointment
  • Stage 5 – AIMA Approval
  • Stage 6 – Residence cards printed.
Details

Schengen Residence Permit

ARI Residence Permit

Portugal’s temporary residence permits are typically valid for one year, extendable for two-year periods. After five years of legal residency, individuals may apply for permanent residence with minimum physical presence.

  • Initial – 1 year
  • First Renewal – 2 years
  • Second Renewal – 2 years.

Golden Visa Fees

AIMA Fees

AIMA charges the following fees for ARI golden visa applications on top of the investment

  • Application Fee – €618,60*
  • Approval Fee – €6.179,40*
  • Renewal Fee – €3,090.40*

* Applicable Fee per applicant.

All Fees

Note: Renewal fee applies for Residence permit extensions.

American Investors

U.S Citizens

Americans are the top investors in Portugal GV program. There are no restrictions for US persons to invest in GV program. Flexible investment options available including open and closed end funds managed by top fund managers are open for investing.

US investors need to be careful about reporting requirements.

  • Open Bank account with FATCA compliant Portugal bank.
  • Passive foreign investment company (PFIC)
  • Self Directed 401k transfers
  • FATCA compliance
  • FBAR reporting
Details

Portugal Investment Funds

Golden Visa Eligible Funds

To be eligible for ARI golden visa, requires acquisition of units of Private equity (PE) funds which invest in companies not listed in stock market or venture capital (VC) fund of funds dedicated to the capitalisation of startups companies. 

The Fund must meet the following conditions.

  • About 60% of the capital invested in Portuguese companies.
  • Approved by CMVM securities commission.
  • Must not have exposure directly or indirectly into real estate market.
  • Head office in national territory
  • Investment returns must not be guaranteed.
  • Capital must be locked for 5 year period.
How to Invest

Private Equity and Venture Capital

Portugal Investment funds

Portugal manages about 30 billion euros of funds in the market. investment fund route is one of the easiest routes to invest in a golden visa for those who seek capital growth and appreciation. It is also a better option compared to real estate ownership

Popular Funds

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

Can i invest in real estate?

This route is long closed. Alternatively you can invest in hospitality funds which invests in hotel operations.

What are the additional fees involved?

Additional fee are AIMA fees, Lawyer fee. We do not charge agency fee.

Can you recommend a lawyer in Portugal?

Yes, we can provide you a lawyer, highly recommended to seek qualified advice.

What is the current processing time?

AIMA currently processes GV applications in 12-15 months or sooner depending on your case.

When can i apply for citizenship?

After 5 years of legally in Portugal. Rules could change soon.

Is it obligatory to open bank account?

It is optional. Instead you can use jumbo accounts to transfer funds from abroad.

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Visa Free Travel

Portugal Passport

Portugal’s passport is a well respected and highly recognized EU travel document that has excellent visa free, eVisa and Visa on arrival benefits in over 250+ countries and territories

  • Global Passport Strength – 6th
  • Visa Free countries – 185+
Full List

Download Brochure

Download Presentation and Brochure in PDF format

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“….Experts in Portugal Golden Visa Investment funds.. Great advice and highly recommend them for Americans..”

JANE, USA

“…Our application process was smooth and efficient despite AIMA delays…Great customer support.”

ANSARI, UAE

“Our case was complicated. Despite some hiccups opening bank account and they provided proper legal advice with citizenship…”

MAHMOUD, UK

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