Golden Visa Portugal: What Investors Need to Know in 2025
Portugal has been, for the past decade, one of the most attractive European destinations for international investors seeking not only business opportunities but also a legal pathway to European Union residency. Its Golden Visa program has been a benchmark in this field. However, in 2025 the landscape has changed, and it’s crucial to understand the new rules before taking the plunge.
What is the Golden Visa?
The Portuguese Golden Visa is a residency program for non-EU citizens who make a significant investment in Portugal. In return, applicants obtain the right to reside in the country, travel freely within the Schengen Area, and, after five years, apply for permanent residency or even Portuguese citizenship, provided certain requirements are met.
Main Changes in 2025
Since its creation in 2012, the program has undergone several modifications. In recent years, reforms introduced by the Portuguese government have shifted the program’s focus. Starting in 2023 and solidified in 2024, investment in residential property in Lisbon, Porto, and parts of the Algarve was eliminated to promote development in inland regions and strategic sectors. In 2025, these are the key points to consider:
1. Current Investment Options
Investment Funds: One of the most popular options in 2025. Requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in funds that support Portuguese companies.
Donations to cultural or scientific research activities: Starting from €250,000.
Company creation with local job generation.
Capital transfers: Still permitted but less common, requiring at least €1.5 million in direct investment.
2. Restricted Real Estate Investments
High-value residential real estate in urban areas is no longer a valid path. Instead, investment is allowed in properties intended for tourism services or located in rural and low-density areas, promoting economic decentralization.
3. Minimal Stay Requirements
The program remains attractive: investors only need to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain residency.
4. Pathway to Citizenship
After five years of legal residency, and provided that criteria such as basic knowledge of the Portuguese language are met, applicants may request Portuguese citizenship.
Why Is It Still Attractive in 2025?
Despite the restrictions, Portugal’s Golden Visa remains strategically valuable for investors looking for a “gateway” to Europe, a stable fiscal environment, and a globally recognized quality of life. Portugal also stands out for its double taxation treaties, tax benefits for non-habitual residents, and its favorable climate for both living and doing business.
Moreover, compared to the tightening of similar programs in other European countries, Portugal continues to offer a reasonable balance between requirements, benefits, and legal security.
If you’re considering investing in Portugal to obtain a Golden Visa, it is essential to seek specialized legal and tax advice to guide you through every step of the process—from choosing the type of investment to preparing documentation and meeting annual obligations.
At LAW10TIC, we help investors from around the world access Portugal’s Golden Visa with security, efficiency, and strategic vision.