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A Complete Guide to Citizenship in Portugal Through Investment

Portugal provides a path to citizenship for foreign investors via the Golden Visa program, granting legal residency and — after meeting investment requirements and residing in the country for several years — the opportunity to apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship. This program has attracted significant foreign capital, supporting the real estate market in Portugal and positioning the country as a stable, attractive place to live, work, and invest with access to the Schengen Area.

Portuguese Golden Visa is one of the most popular in Europe

Portugal's Golden Visa program continues to attract record levels of demand in 2025, offering a straightforward path to permanent residency or citizenship in just five years. Since its launch in 2012, it has granted residency to over 12,000 international investors and their families, raising over €7.5 billion. The program provides a range of relatively affordable investment options, including company creation, donation, and fund investment, with a minimum investment ranging from €200,000 to €500,000. Processing times are approximately 8 to 12 months.

Europe to propose rules for holiday rental properties

The European Commission plans to propose new EU-wide rules aimed at the short-term rental sector (such as those on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com), recognising that the surge in holiday lets is contributing to a shortage of long-term rentals.

Portugal Considers Updates to Citizenship and Immigration Laws

Portugal's Parliament has approved a revised immigration law, aiming to manage rising immigration more rigidly while addressing key court concerns. The new law slightly relaxes certain provisions affecting family reunification: the required two-year residency period remains but can now be shortened for couples with a prior one-year relationship, and children or dependents with disabilities can join family members regardless of their legal residency status. The legislation reflects a broader European trend of tightening immigration rules in response to political pressures.

D7 vs Golden Visa: Which Route to Portugal Is Right for You in 2025?

Portugal offers two main residency options for non-EU nationals: the D7 Visa for retirees or remote workers with stable income, and the Golden Visa for investors. Both lead to residency and potential citizenship, catering to different lifestyles and financial situations.

Portugal Golden Visa: New Rules 2025 – What Investors Need to Know

The Portugal Golden Visa Programme has been updated with several important changes, including new investment fund options and revised residency requirements. These updates aim to make the programme more focused on supporting the Portuguese economy while still offering international investors access to Europe’s lifestyle, opportunities, and pathways to citizenship. Find out everything you need to know about the new rules and how they can benefit you in this article.