Demand for Portugal’s Golden Visa continues with more than €9 billion in investment to be met by 2026

Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, often referred to as the No.1 residency-by-investment in the world, is set to continue for the long term, following recent discussions surrounding proposed small amendment changes to the country’s citizenship timeline to fall in line with the rest of the EU.

The fundamentals of the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme in Portugal remain completely unchanged; in fact, there are plans to further reduce the time it takes to secure the Golden Visa residency cards from AIMA, the Portuguese immigration office.

The only element under review is the length of time before you can apply for EU citizenship and a second passport, which may be adjusted to bring Portugal more closely in line with other EU nations.

Next week, Portugal’s parliament are set to finalise any changes to when you can apply for permanent EU citizenship via Portugal’s Golden Visa or D Visas before it gets sent to the president, Luís Montenegro, for approval or for it to be then scrutinised by the constitutional court.

If there are no constitutional issues, there is a 20-day period before it can be put into law. Therefore, the earliest it could come into law would be the end of November or early December.

The final amendments are just around how many additional years will be potentially added to apply for permanent citizenship. Currently, it is 5 years.

Crucially, nothing is changing for Golden Visa holders in terms of benefits, renewals, or residency rights. Also, crucially, the clock starts ticking on permanent residency from the date the application is filed, following the €500,000 investment in one or more of the alternative investment funds, not when you receive the Golden Visa residency card, as was previously the case.

Families and investors can continue to renew their Golden Visa residency cards, which effectively serve the same function as a second passport for travel and residency purposes across the 29 EU Schengen region countries.  

Portugal’s government appears committed to protecting the integrity and future of the Golden Visa, ensuring it remains an appealing pathway to European residency for years to come.

The importance of the Portugal Golden Visa is enormous, and all political parties from the left to the centrist government and the right-leaning Chega party have shown support for continuing the Golden Visa programme, which is now close to delivering €9 billion in inward investment to support Portugal’s future economic prosperity.

According to Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, confidence in the programme remains incredibly strong. “Portugal is safeguarding the Golden Visa’s long-term future,” he said.

“Applicants can choose to continue to renew their Golden Visa residency cards every two years ad infinitum as before, and the programme continues to offer the same exceptional advantages that have made it such an international success.

“We’ve found that 99% of our international families and investors are looking for a Plan B from their home country as their main motivation with their Golden Visa applications, and in the past week alone, we’ve received over 100 new enquiries from the US, Canada, the UK, Turkey, South Africa, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, China, Brazil, amongst others.

“This clearly shows that interest in Portugal’s Golden Visa remains as strong as ever.”

The benefits that make Portugal’s Golden Visa so popular remain fully intact, including freedom of movement across 29 countries in the Schengen Area, minimal residency requirements of just 7 days per year, no tax on the upside of any Golden Visa investment, and the ability to include spouses, qualifying offspring, and dependent parents with a single investment of €500,000.

For investors from countries such as Malaysia, China, and the United States, the programme often serves as a “Plan B” — offering security and flexibility without the need to relocate. As a result, the proposed Portuguese citizenship changes are expected to have little impact on demand for Portugal’s Golden Visa.

Portugal’s blend of lifestyle appeal, economic stability, and investor-friendly approach continues to make it one of the most desirable destinations for international investors.

By refining the system rather than overhauling it, the government is sending a clear signal of its commitment to maintaining the Golden Visa as a long-term and sustainable route to residency.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor to the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund in Portugal eligible for the Golden Visa, said: “Portugal has always struck the right balance between welcoming international investment and ensuring long-term stability. The Golden Visa remains not only viable but stronger than ever.

“We have seen really high demand in the key sectors that are driving Portugal’s economic growth, such as tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, media and international events, healthcare, and technology.

“Recent A+ international economic ratings from Fitch and S&P reflect the country’s continued economic growth and prosperity. Additionally, private equity funds in Europe have been outperforming international public markets in recent times.

“Add on to that a low cost of living and high quality of life, it’s no wonder so many are choosing Portugal’s Golden Visa.”

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About Portugal Pathways

Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.

About Portugal Investment Owners Club

The Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is a unique investor membership community designed for discerning individuals, families, and organisations committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal and enjoying money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive events.

About Portugal Future Fund

The Portugal Future Fund strategically invests in key sectors, driving growth and innovation across Portugal. Approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment, it offers a unique opportunity for impactful and rewarding participation.

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.

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