Portugal golden visa through investment funds
In short
A residence permit for an investment of €500,000 or more in accredited funds. Requires only seven days of presence in the first year and allows a citizenship application after five years. Real estate purchase as a qualifying route was abolished in October 2023
Requirements current as of 2 October 2026
Exact requirements are confirmed during a consultation. This information is for reference only and is not an offer.
Program requirements
| Investment threshold | from €500,000 in accredited funds |
|---|---|
| Other routes | €500,000 in scientific research, €250,000 in culture, creation of 10 jobs |
| Real estate | abolished as a qualifying route since October 2023 |
| Validity | 2 years, then renewal for 3 years |
| Presence requirement | 7 days in the first year, 14 days in each of the following two years |
| Processing time | 12 to 18 months due to immigration service backlogs |
| Path to a passport | citizenship application after 5 years, A2 language exam required |
Availability by applicant citizenship
Russia
Restricted
The program is open, but banks and fund managers run enhanced source of funds checks, and consulate and immigration service appointments take longer
Belarus
Restricted
Same banking compliance restrictions
Kazakhstan
Available
No citizenship-based restrictions
Uzbekistan
Available
No citizenship-based restrictions
Pros
- Lowest presence requirement among European programs
- Real path to an EU passport
- Status extends to spouse, children and parents
- Free movement within the Schengen Area
Cons
- Immigration service backlogs stretch the process to around 18 months
- Fund investment carries market risk, returns are not guaranteed
- A longer naturalization period is under discussion, terms may change
- Opening a Portuguese bank account can take months for some nationalities, including Russian citizens
Common reasons for refusal
- Source of funds not documented for the required period
- Fund is not on the accredited list
- Criminal record or a previous Schengen visa refusal
- Minimum days of presence not met at renewal
FAQ
Can I get a Portugal golden visa through real estate?
No. Since October 2023, property purchases and investments in real estate funds are excluded from the program. Non-real-estate funds, research investment, culture and job creation remain available
How many days a year do I need to spend in Portugal?
Seven days in the first year and fourteen days in each of the following two years. This is the most lenient requirement among European investment programs
After how many years can I apply for citizenship?
Five years from the date of the first residence permit, provided you pass an A2 language exam. An increase to this period is under discussion, so check the date this page was last updated before applying
Are there restrictions based on citizenship?
There is no formal ban for any nationality. In practice, Russian and Belarusian applicants face stricter banking compliance: proving the source of funds and opening an account take considerably longer than for applicants from other countries
Other programs in Portugal
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