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Portugal Citizenship by Investment is one of the most efficient and flexible pathways to obtaining a European Union passport. Through the Portugal Golden Visa Program, investors and their families can secure Portuguese citizenship in approximately 6–7 years with minimal physical presence requirements and a qualifying investment.
This program allows non-EU investors to live, work, and study in Portugal and eventually enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries worldwide.
Quick Summary
Portugal Citizenship by Investment is achieved through the Golden Visa Program by investing €500,000 in qualifying Portuguese investment funds. Applicants must maintain the investment for five years, meet minimal stay requirements, and then apply for permanent residency and citizenship through naturalization.
What Is Portugal Citizenship by Investment?
Portugal Citizenship by Investment refers to obtaining Portuguese citizenship through naturalization after holding a Golden Visa residence permit. While Portugal does not grant direct citizenship by investment, the Golden Visa provides a legal and structured route that leads to citizenship after meeting residency and legal requirements.
Who Is Eligible for Portugal Citizenship by Investment?
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss citizen
- Make a minimum €500,000 qualifying investment
- Maintain a clean criminal record
- Hold the investment for at least 5 years
- Meet minimal physical presence requirements
- Demonstrate basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level) at citizenship stage
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Portugal Citizenship by Investment
Step 1: Choose a Portugal Golden Visa Expert
Selecting a qualified Portugal Golden Visa expert is essential. A licensed consultant ensures compliance with current immigration regulations, provides access to approved investment funds, and supports you throughout the multi-year process—up to and including the citizenship application.
Outcome: Correct structuring of your investment and application from the start.
Step 2: What Investments Qualify for Portugal Citizenship by Investment?
As of current regulations, investors must commit a minimum of €500,000 into SEF/AIMA-approved Portuguese investment funds, including:
- Venture capital funds
- Private equity funds
- Regulated real estate development funds (indirect exposure)
Important: Direct real estate purchases no longer qualify. However, many investment funds deploy capital into Portuguese real estate development projects.
Outcome: A compliant investment that preserves Golden Visa eligibility.
Step 3: Documentation Compilation and Investment Execution
At this stage, applicants prepare civil documents such as passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, and proof of investment transfer.
Outcome: Complete and compliant application file.
Step 4: Submission of the Golden Visa Application
Once documentation and investment proof are ready, the application is formally submitted to AIMA (formerly SEF) along with the required government fees.
Outcome: Official entry into the Portugal Golden Visa system.
Step 5: Biometrics Appointment and Pre-Approval
After initial approval, applicants and dependents must travel to Portugal to provide biometric data.
Outcome: Legal residency status in Portugal becomes active.
Step 6: Issuance of Portugal Golden Residence Permit
Following biometrics and final approval, residence cards are issued to the main applicant and all approved family members.
Outcome: Temporary residency rights in Portugal.
Step 7: Maintain the Golden Visa for Five Years
During the five-year holding period:
- Maintain the qualifying investment
- Stay 7 days in Portugal in the first year
- Stay 14 days every subsequent two-year period
Outcome: Continued eligibility for permanent residency and citizenship.
Step 8: Apply for Permanent Residency
After completing five years under the Golden Visa, applicants may apply for Portuguese permanent residency. At this stage, most investment funds also reach maturity, allowing capital return.
Outcome: Long-term residency status without investment obligations.
Step 9: Apply for Portugal Citizenship by Naturalization
Once permanent residency is granted, applicants can immediately apply for Portuguese citizenship. There is no mandatory waiting period between permanent residency and citizenship application.
Outcome: Approval as a Portuguese citizen.
Step 10: Portuguese Citizenship and Passport Issuance
Upon approval, applicants and eligible dependents receive Portuguese citizenship and passports.
Outcome: Full EU citizenship rights, including freedom of movement and employment across the EU.
Key Benefits of Portugal Citizenship by Investment
Feature | Portugal Golden Visa |
Minimum Investment | €500,000 (Funds) |
Physical Presence | ~7 days per year |
Citizenship Timeline | 6–7 years |
Family Inclusion | Yes |
EU Freedom of Movement | Yes |
Visa-Free Travel | 190+ countries |
Why Work with a Portugal Golden Visa Expert?
- Access to AIMA-compliant investment funds
- Full legal and immigration compliance
- End-to-end support through citizenship
- Risk mitigation and professional due diligence
Conclusion
Portugal Citizenship by Investment remains one of the most attractive and reliable pathways to EU citizenship. With a €500,000 qualifying investment, minimal residency requirements, and full family inclusion, investors can secure a Portuguese passport within 6–7 years, unlocking long-term global mobility and EU opportunities.
Popular Portugal Programme Blogs
New Regulations on the Portugal Golden Visa Program | Portuguese Golden Visa Options | How to Obtain Portugal Citizenship by Investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Portugal citizenship by investment typically takes 6–7 years, including five years under the Golden Visa and processing time for permanent residency and naturalization.
Investors must invest €500,000 in approved funds, maintain the investment for five years, meet minimal stay requirements, and pass basic background checks.
Yes. Eligible family members include a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents of either spouse.
No. Direct real estate purchases no longer qualify. However, investors can gain indirect real estate exposure through approved investment funds.
Portuguese citizens gain the right to live and work anywhere in the EU, vote in elections, and travel visa-free to over 190 countries.
No. The Golden Visa has minimal stay requirements – approximately 7 days per year on average.
The minimum qualifying investment remains €500,000 through approved Portuguese investment funds.
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate A2-level Portuguese at the citizenship stage.
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