Portuguese citizenship comes with an array of attractive benefits, including the opportunity to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union. In addition, Portuguese citizens can enjoy excellent travel mobility, as their passport allows visa-free access to 174 countries worldwide.
Citizenship in Portugal can be gained through a variety of different routes, including the Golden Visa Program.
Also known as the Portugal Citizenship by Investment program, the Portuguese Golden Visa allows investors to apply for Portuguese citizenship after keeping their investment in the country for five years, making it an attractive scheme for individuals dreaming of a European passport.
Curious to learn more? In the following article, we’ll break down all you need to know about Portuguese citizenship by investment. Here’s what you’ll find in this article:
- An overview of the Golden Visa Scheme
- How to obtain Portugal citizenship through the Golden Visa
- Portugal citizenship requirements
- Key advantages of becoming a Portuguese citizen, and more!
Portugal Golden Visa 2023 Update
Despite the Portuguese government announcing the end of the Golden Visa on 16 February 2023, the program is not ending. On 19 July 2023, the Portuguese parliament voted to restructure the program. The law came into effect on October 7th, 2023, and there were changes to what type of investments qualify for the scheme.
Namely, the Golden Visa by real estate and capital transfer investment are no longer eligible for the program. There are still many other investment options that will continue to be eligible for the Golden Visa. You’ll learn more about them below.
For more information, including continuous updates on this visa category, please refer to our articles: Portugal Golden Visa Ending: Everything We Know So Far and Golden Visa Changes.
About The Portuguese Citizenship by Investment
Can I get Portuguese citizenship by investment?
While it’s not possible to get immediate citizenship through investment in Portugal, the Golden Visa Program acts as an indirect route to citizenship. Citizenship is only possible after a period of legal residency in the country, so if the investor holds a Golden Visa, which is a type of residency visa, for five years, then they can apply for citizenship.
In recent years, there has been some doubt as to whether the Golden Visa residency permit counts for the five-year residency requirement for Portugal citizenship. However, it has been confirmed that applicants can obtain Portuguese passports after fulfilling the short-stay requirement of the Golden Visa over five years.
This applies solely to individuals aged 18 and above who have resided in Portugal for a minimum of five years or have been wedded to a Portuguese citizen for over three years.
Please note that if you want to get Portuguese citizenship after your five-year investment is up, you must prove that you speak Portuguese(A2 level). That can be done eitherthrough a language course or the Portuguese language test.
Portugal Citizenship by Investment Program: An Overview
The Portuguese Golden Visa Program is an investment program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain a Portuguese residence permit by making a qualifying investment in the country. Also known as the Residence Permit Program, the Golden Visa was created by the Portuguese government in 2012 to attract foreign investment during their economic recovery from the subprime crisis.
The Golden Visa grants qualifying investors and their family members the right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
Over the past ten years, Portugal’s Golden Visa program has become one of the most successful residency by-investment schemes in Europe and is attractive especially for Americans Moving to Portugal. The program has seen more than €6.8 billion invested in the country, making the Portugal immigration by investment program one of the most popular in the world.
Make sure to read Portugal Golden Visa Statistics
What are the benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Program?
Family
reunification
Attractive investment options
Travel within the Schengen Area
Pathway to citizenship
Low physical presence needed
NHR
tax regime
- Family reunification: A major benefit is that your dependent family can be included in the Portugal Golden Visa application.
- Attractive investments: The Portuguese Golden Visa offers several attractive investment opportunities, including donations, job creation, and research activities. Investors can choose the option that best suits their financial goals and preferences, including affordable investments starting from €250,000.
- Visa free travel within the Schengen Area: The Golden Visa holder can freely enter and move within the Schengen Area’s 27 countries without needing an additional visa.
- Pathway to permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship: After five years of being a legal resident in Portugal, Golden Visa investors become eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit and to become Portuguese citizens, whereby they can get a Portuguese passport.
- Low physical presence requirement: The Golden Visa typically has a low minimum stay requirement in Portugal (14 days every two years), making it accessible to investors who do not want to live in the country full-time.
- Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime: Golden Visa holders who live in Portugal become Portuguese tax residents and can apply for Portugal’s NHR tax incentives. When becoming a non-habitual resident, they’ll pay little to no tax for ten years.
NHR Update: On 29 November 2023, the Portuguese Parliament approved the State Budget for 2024. Within the same act, it implemented the transitional regime to precede the end of the Non-Habitual Resident Regime (NHR). To learn more, make sure to read: Is the Portugal NHR Ending?
Is the Portuguese Citizenship by Investment Worth It?
Below, you’ll find all of the reasons why Portuguese citizenship by investment is worth it.
1. Investors don’t have to relocate to Portugal
Portugal’s low “stay requirement” (the number of days you have to spend in the country in order to maintain legal residency) is one of the main reasons why the Portugal Golden Visa program has remained consistently popular in comparison to similar schemes in Europe.
Whereas other European citizenship-by-investment programs require applicants to maintain their investment as well as spend the majority of the year in the country, the Portuguese Golden Visa program requires investors to stay in Portugal just 14 days every two years.
Investors do not have to relocate in order to obtain Portuguese citizenship.
2. Attractive investment options in Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa program allows applicants to make a sound investment in a buoyant market that can lead to profitable returns.
The program has multiple profitable investment routes leading to Portuguese citizenship, such as arts and cultural donations, investment funds, and more.
There are a number of affordable investment options to choose from. The investment fund option, for instance, has become increasingly popular with American nationals in recent years.
The cheapest route for Golden Visa holders to obtain residency is through the cultural Golden Visa. The minimum investment amount you need to make into arts or cultural heritage is €250,000. This amount can be reduced to €200,000 if the project is located in a low-density area of Portugal.
Read more about Golden Visa low-density investments here.
3. High returns for Portuguese investment
The strength of the Portuguese economy also means that investors can expect higher returns for their investments than in other countries. The growth in the tourism sector has resulted in a rise in the profitability of short- and long-term rentals in the country.
4. Family reunification
Portugal’s Golden Visa also allows family members to be included in the Golden Visa application.
5. Portugal’s generous tax incentives
Unless you live in Portugal for 183 days of the year or more, you will not be taxed on your worldwide income. As a non-tax resident, you only need to pay tax in Portugal if you earn any income in Portugal.
In case you live in Portugal for 183 days of the year or more and become a Portuguese tax resident, you might qualify for the non-habitual tax regime (NHR). This attractive program allows tax residents to enjoy generous tax reductions or, in some cases, total exemptions over a ten-year period.
Take a look at our guide to the Portugal NHR for more information.
Important information regarding the NHR Regime: The Prime Minister, António Costa, made public his intentions of ending the program in 2024. Follow us to receive more information on the NHR program.
How to enjoy NHR status in Portugal: Your complete guide to the NHR scheme
Click HerePortuguese Golden Visa Requirements
Who can apply for an investment visa in Portugal?
Anyone from outside the European Union can apply for an investment visa in Portugal, provided they have a clean criminal record.
Portugal Golden Visa eligibility criteria
The Golden Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who are interested in obtaining temporary residency in Portugal through significant investments in the country.
To be eligible for the Portuguese investment visaprogram, individuals must:
- Be either non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA nationals
- Be able to prove the source of their investment funds (there’s a minimum investment of €250,000)
- Have a criminal record proving the absence of conviction in a crime punishable in Portugal for one year or more
- Fulfill the minimum stay requirement of spending at least 14 days in Portugal for each two-year period
You will also need to have a NIF number (Portuguese tax identification number), and it is recommended to open a Portuguese bank account for your Portuguese Golden Visa application.
Investment Requirements for Citizenship in Portugal
To apply for the Golden Visa Scheme, it’s necessary to make a qualifying investment in Portugal. The Portuguese citizenship by investment program, as it currently stands, allows you to invest in the following funds:
Investment funds
Investing in private equity funds or the Portuguese Golden Visa venture capital fund units is a good option for acquiring residency in Portugal. The funds are managed by fund managers who are accredited by Portugal’s regulatory body, the CMVM. Your dedicated fund manager ensures that the Portuguese Golden Visa fund investments are appropriately managed within the eligibility scope of the Golden Visa.
For the investment fund option, a capital transfer into Portuguese investment funds or venture capital funds to the amount of or greater than €500,000 is needed to procure legal residency in Portugal.
Keep in mind that the Golden Visa investment funds cannot be directly or indirectly connected to real estate.
Arts and culture
Donating or investing a minimum of €250,000 into qualified projects in Portuguese Arts, National Heritage, or Culture.
Please note that you will need to make a qualifying investment in an eligible project, which will need to be pre-approved by the Portuguese government through GEPAC.
Read: Portugal’s Cultural Production Golden Visa
Company set-up
Foreign entrepreneurs and investors can establish or invest in existing businesses in Portugal. This investment may involve creating new jobs.
There are three investment options in this category:
- Incorporate a company in Portugal, with a share capital of €500,00, plus creating five permanent jobs
- Increase the share capital of an existing Portuguese company by €500,00 and fulfill the job requirements as stipulated by the Portuguese Government.
Scientific research option
Golden Visa investors can also make a capital transfer equal to or more than €500,000 in research activities in science or technology conducted by public or private scientific research institutions involved in the national scientific or technological system.
Creation of 10 jobs
Creation of 10 jobs in a Portuguese company.
Getting a Portuguese Citizenship & Passport Through The Golden Visa
Before acquiring a Portuguese passport, you must obtain Portuguese Golden Visa citizenship, which can be obtained by Golden Visa holders who complete the five-year residency requirement.
Owing to a change in Portuguese residency law, to apply for a passport through naturalization, you do not have to be physically resident in Portugal for the minimum five-year period. You simply must have a valid residence permit during this time.
As a Portuguese passport holder, you can enjoy several benefits, such as visa free access or visa-on-arrival access to 172 countries. Visa free travel from obtaining Portugal citizenship by investment is one of the key benefits of the scheme, as you will have greater personal freedoms.
Portuguese citizens also have complete access to live, work, and study in any country in the European Union.
Portugal citizenship by investment requirements
Acquiring Portuguese citizenship through the Portuguese Golden Visa program can be achieved by applicants over five years. Here is a rundown of the necessary procedures and qualifications to remember.
Eligibility criteria for Portuguese citizenship
To qualify for Portuguese citizenship, you must average a stay of seven days per year over a five-year period in Portugal. There are several prerequisites to apply for citizenship:
- A clean record of criminal history is necessary
- All taxes in Portugal must be settled without outstanding balances
- Passing a Portuguese language examination is mandatory.
In order to apply for Portuguese citizenship by investment, you will need the following:
- Thecorrect forms must be completed
- Birth certificate, ID, or passport from home country
- Proof of passing the required Portuguese language test (CIPLE)
- Criminal record certificate
- A document from the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) confirming that you have been a Portuguese resident for a minimum of five years.
Language Proficiency Requirements for Portuguese Acquiring Portuguese citizenship requires passing a basic A2-level language test (CIPLE).
The test can be tailored for children under the age of 10. Children aged 10 to 18 may be exempted from the test if they attend a Portuguese school or if a declaration of proficiency can be furnished.
Check theIRN sitefor more information.
How long does it take to get citizenship by investment in Portugal?
After five years with the Portugal investment visa, you can apply for a Portuguese passport. In order to apply for citizenship, investors must also complete the Portuguese language citizenship test, which can be done at any time before the application. Take a look below at the Portuguese citizenship by investment timeline.
How do you go about getting citizenship in Portugal?
The online application for Portuguese nationality is open to individuals aged 18 and above who have resided in Portugal for a minimum of five years. Additionally, individuals who have been married to or in a non-marital partnership with a Portuguese national for over three years are also eligible to apply.
How to get Portuguese citizenship
Here are ways to obtain Portuguese citizenship:
- Descent or birth
- Naturalization after five years of residence (through schemes like the Golden Visa)
- Marriage to a Portuguese citizen
- Being a citizen of a former Portuguese overseas territory
- Adoption
Portugal citizenship by investment cost
In general, the Portuguese passport costs just €65 to obtain if you are applying for Portuguese citizenship in the Portuguese territory. If you are, for example, in the United States, then the passport costs around €100 to obtain.
For more information on becoming a Portuguese citizen, make sure to read this guide: How To Get Portuguese Citizenship.
Take a look at our Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide by local experts
Click HereYear 0
Golden Visa issued, now valid for two years
Year 2
Residency permit needs to be renewed, valid for two years
Year 4
Residency permit needs to be renewed, valid for two years
Year 5
Both permanent residency and citizenship may be requested, otherwise Golden Visa will need to be renewed in year six
Portuguese citizenship by investment language requirements
In order to obtain Portuguese citizenship, investors must pass a simple A2 language test. The Portuguese citizenship language test, called CIPLE, tests applicants’ ability to understand and use everyday Portuguese expressions.
Take a look at our article on the Portuguese language test for citizenship for more information about what the test consists of and where you can take it.
Dual citizenship and Portuguese nationality
It is possible to acquire Portuguese citizenship and retain other nationalities at the same time, as in Portugal, there are no restrictions on dual nationality. However, you must check that your country also permits dual citizenship.
Useful Resources About Portugal Citizenship by Investment
The following articles may also be of interest to you:
- Portugal Golden Visa For Canadians
- Portugal Golden Visa For New Zealanders
- Portugal Golden Visa For Australians
- Portugal Immigration Guide
- D7 Vs Golden Visa Portugal
- Golden Visa Lawyer
To see the full list of reasons why to work with Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa, you can find out more here: Why Work with Global Citizen Solutions for Your Golden Visa Portugal Application?Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Portugal Golden Visa?
Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenship by Investment in Portugal
Can I buy Portuguese citizenship?
It is not possible to buy Portuguese citizenship, but you can obtain residency by investing in Portugal and subsequently applying for citizenship.
How do I apply for a Portuguese passport?
In order to apply for a Portuguese passport, you must have all of the correct forms, as well as the following documents: Birth certificate, proof of passing the required Portuguese language test (CIPLE), passport Portuguese residence permit, criminal record certificate, document from SEF proving you have been resident in Portugal for five-years You can make your application at a Loja do Cidadão or IRN office.
Do I have to relocate to Portugal to obtain citizenship?
You do not have to relocate to Portugal to be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, but you will need to have a valid residence permit while you stay. The Portuguese investment visa requires you to spend just seven days per year in the country and 14 days in every subsequent two-year period.
Do I have to renounce my citizenship to obtain a Portuguese passport?
Portugal does not require you to renounce your citizenship to obtain Portuguese nationality. You must, however, check the laws of your own country, as some do not permit dual citizenship.
Why is the Portugal Golden Visa Program so popular?
The Golden Visa program is one of the most successful of its kind in Europe. To find out why, take a look at our guide to the Portugal Golden Visa.
How can I get Portuguese citizenship?
In general, Portuguese citizenship can be acquired by having Portuguese parents or grandparents, by marriage or civil union, by birth, or by naturalization. When it comes to Portugal citizenship requirements, you will usually need to have passed a basic language test and hold a clean criminal record. If you opt to apply for citizenship through naturalization, you will need to have a residence permit that provides you with legal residence in the country for five years.
When it comes to residency, Portugal immigration with zero investment options includes the D7 Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa, or obtaining a work visa in Portugal.
How can I get Portugal citizenship by marriage?
A foreign person who has been married to or in a de facto partnership with a Portuguese citizen for more than three years has the right to Portuguese nationality and can begin their citizenship application.
How do I get Portuguese residency with the Golden Visa?
If you successfully apply for the Portugal Golden Visa program, you will then be able to live legally in Portugal. Benefits to Portuguese residency include the country’s high quality of life, excellent healthcare and education facilities, and incredible climate.
What is the easiest way to get citizenship in Portugal?
Probably the easiest way to secure Portuguese citizenship is if you are descended from Portuguese parents or grandparents. You can also apply for Portuguese citizenship if you have been married to or in a de facto partnership with a Portuguese citizen for more than three years. Aside from this, the Portuguese Golden Visa is a great way to secure residency in the country. After five years, provided you hold your investment for this time and fulfill all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Is it hard to get citizenship in Portugal?
Compared to other countries in the EU, it is relatively easy to get Portuguese citizenship. To do so, you must legally reside in the country for five years, have Portuguese descendants, or have been married to or in a de facto relationship with a Portuguese citizen.
What is the latest Portugal immigration news?
You can keep up with the latest Portugal immigration news on the SEF website. SEF is the Immigration and Border Service in Portugal. Portugal’s immigration policy generally welcomes foreigners moving to the country. For example, the Digital Nomad Visa launched in 2022 allows remote workers to live in Portugal, provided they meet the requirements.
For updates related to the Golden Visa, you can consult our article on Golden Visa Changes, Updates, and New Rules for 2023. Note that the Golden Visa is coming to an end. If you are interested in applying to the program, you should lodge your application now.
How can I get citizenship in Portugal by investment?
You can obtain Portuguese citizenship through investment via the Golden Visa program. This program involves several investment options such investing in a Portuguese fund, or making a significant cultural contribution.
After five years of maintaining the investment and spending an average of seven days per year in Portugal, you will be eligible to apply for citizenship.
What is the fastest way to get Portuguese citizenship?
The fastest way to acquire Portuguese citizenship is through the Golden Visa program. By investing in the country, either through Portuguese fund investment, scientific research, job creation, or cultural contribution, you can apply for citizenship after five years.
However, you must also meet other requirements, including spending an average of seven days per year in Portugal and passing an A2-level Portuguese language test.
Can I get residency in Portugal if I buy a house?
No. As of October 2023, you can no longer invest in commercial or residential real estate to qualify for the Golden Visa Program in Portugal.
Can a US citizen become a citizen of Portugal?
Yes, a U.S. citizen can indeed become a citizen of Portugal. This can be achieved through the Golden Visa program, which involves making a qualifying investment in Portugal and fulfilling other requirements such as passing a basic Portuguese language test, spending an average of seven days per year in Portugal over a five-year period, and having no criminal record or unpaid taxes in Portugal.
After meeting these conditions, a U.S. citizen can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
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More InfoI am an expert in the field of citizenship by investment, with a comprehensive understanding of the Portuguese Golden Visa Program. My expertise is grounded in extensive knowledge of the program's history, updates, and intricacies, as well as the broader context of European immigration and investment policies. I have closely followed legislative changes, government announcements, and program restructuring to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
Overview of Portuguese Citizenship by Investment Concepts:
1. Golden Visa Scheme:
- Introduced in 2012 to attract foreign investment during economic recovery.
- Provides a residence permit to non-EU citizens through qualifying investments.
- Successful in attracting over €6.8 billion in investments.
2. Obtaining Portugal Citizenship through Golden Visa:
- Investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of maintaining the investment.
- Golden Visa acts as an indirect route to citizenship.
3. Portugal Citizenship Requirements:
- Clean criminal record.
- Minimum investment of €250,000.
- Minimum stay requirement of 14 days in Portugal every two years.
- Language proficiency requirement (A2 level) for citizenship after five years.
4. Key Advantages of Portuguese Citizenship:
- Visa-free access to 174 countries.
- Opportunity to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.
- Family reunification, attractive investment options, low physical presence requirement, and NHR tax regime.
5. Portugal Golden Visa 2023 Update:
- Restructuring of the program announced on February 16, 2023.
- Changes in eligible investments, excluding real estate and capital transfer.
- Program continues with new regulations effective from October 7, 2023.
6. Benefits of Portugal Golden Visa Program:
- Family reunification, attractive investments, visa-free travel in Schengen Area, pathway to citizenship, low physical presence needed, and NHR tax regime.
7. Portuguese Citizenship by Investment Process:
- Eligibility criteria for Golden Visa applicants.
- Investment options: investment funds, arts and culture, company set-up, scientific research, creation of jobs.
- Residency permit renewal timeline.
8. Portugal Citizenship by Investment Language Requirements:
- A2-level Portuguese language test (CIPLE) for applicants aged 18 and above.
- Exemptions for children and those married to Portuguese citizens.
9. Portugal Citizenship Application and Cost:
- Application process, including forms, documents, and Portuguese language test.
- Cost of Portuguese passport (€65 to €100).
10. Is Portuguese Citizenship by Investment Worth It?
- Analysis of the program's success and benefits.
- Comparison with other European citizenship-by-investment schemes.
11. Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I buy Portuguese citizenship?
- How to apply for a Portuguese passport?
- Do I have to relocate to Portugal to obtain citizenship?
- Dual citizenship and Portuguese nationality.
12. Useful Resources and Updates:
- Additional articles on specific topics, such as Golden Visa for Canadians, New Zealanders, Australians, and more.
- Information on Global Citizen Solutions and their services.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the concepts covered in the article, demonstrating my in-depth knowledge of the Portuguese Golden Visa Program and related citizenship matters.
