Portuguese Government Confirms it Has “No Plans” to End Golden Visa Programme

With almost 5000 Golden Visas issued in 2024, Portugal has confirmed it has no intention of ending its residency-by-investment programme.

Instead, the government is looking to revamp it to attract more international talent and foreign capital.

According to the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, the government is actively exploring ways to make the Portugal Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme more efficient and economically impactful.

Speaking to Bloomberg, he emphasised that rather than scrapping the programme, the focus should be on strengthening it to enhance Portugal’s reputation as a prime destination for global investment.

"There are no plans to end it. That is not under consideration," said Leitão Amaro, adding that any adjustments will aim to ensure both economic viability and social fairness.

Although real estate investment was removed as a qualifying route for Portugal’s Golden Visa in late 2023 under the previous Socialist government, the programme remains one of the most attractive of its kind in Europe.

Today, non-EU nationals can qualify by investing a minimum of €500,000 in approved investment funds – granting them the opportunity to apply for permanent dual EU citizenship and an EU passport after five years.

Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, states:

“International investors and affluent families are drawn to Portugal’s Golden Visa for the flexibility it allows.

“Requiring holders to spend just seven days per year in Portugal, the Golden Visa’s clear pathway to citizenship makes it a no-brainer for anyone looking to secure dual EU citizenship and an EU passport for them and their eligible family members.

“2024 was a massive year for Portugal’s Golden Visa, and so far in 2025, we’re seeing demand reaching record levels once again.”

Portugal Pathways’ Golden Visa Investment Fund Index contains over 30 of the top alternative investment funds eligible for Portugal’s Golden Visa. Click here to learn more.

Data from the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) shows that 4,987 golden visas were granted in 2024—marking a 72% increase from the previous year and setting a new record.

Since its inception in 2012, the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme has seen strong uptake, particularly from investors in the U.S., the UK, China, South Africa, and Brazil.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, adds:

“We’ve seen a significant uptick in investors looking to benefit from Portugal’s Golden Visa in 2025.

“There are a number of key growth sectors in Portugal’s economy, such as healthcare, media and international events, renewable energy, tourism and hospitality, and technology, that continue to offer investors a robust investment opportunity.

“Our fund offers investment diversification across many of these sectors.”

Additionally, with several European countries—such as Spain, Malta, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Greece—tightening or phasing out similar programmes, Portugal has become an increasingly attractive option for investors.

To meet growing demand, the government is also working to accelerate the review process of nearly 45,000 pending golden visa applications currently awaiting a decision at AIMA. “We hope to significantly resolve this backlog by the end of the year,” said Leitão Amaro.

Want to learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme? Arrange a discovery call with Portugal Pathways

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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 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.

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.

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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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