Portugal does not have a citizenship-by-investment program; the Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program. However, the Portugal Investment Visa program offers a pathway to permanent residency and eventually to Portuguese citizenship. The program is known as one of the most popular residency-by-investment programs in Europe, as it leads to citizenship after holding your investment for a certain number of years, with a minimum physical residency requirement of 7 days per year.
Applicants need to make a qualifying investment in Portugal. The minimum investment required for citizenship in Portugal is €500,000 for a fund investment or €200,000 for a cultural donation. to obtain Portuguese citizenship by investment. Therefore, the Portuguese Golden Visa stands as a strategic asset for those seeking flexibility, thanks to its flexible path to citizenship by investment.
Key Takeaways for Investing in Portugal for Citizenship
- The path to Portuguese citizenship through the Portuguese Golden Visa currently allows investors to apply after 5 years of holding their investment, meeting the minimum residency requirements, and providing an A2-level language test certificate. Note that this timeline is subject to change, from 5 years to 10 years, starting from the issuance of the first residency card.
- Eligible applicants must invest at least €500,000 to a fund or donate a minimum of €250,000 to get citizenship in Portugal.
- Portugal's Golden Visa residency requirement for citizenship is 7 days per year.
- As of October 2023, due to the “Mais Habitação Law,” you cannot obtain Portuguese citizenship through investment by purchasing property. Eligible investment options now include only fund investments, cultural donations, and company creation.
- Portugal allows dual citizenship, but you must also check whether your country of origin permits it. Otherwise, you must revoke your initial citizenship.
What to Discover in This Guide?
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- Update: Proposed Changes to Portugal Citizenship Law 2026
- How to Become a Portuguese Citizen by Investment in 2026?
- Overview of Portugal Citizenship by Investment
- What are the Benefits of Citizenship by Investment in Portugal
- Who Can Apply for Portugal Citizenship by Investment in 2026?
- Investment Options To Get Citizenship in Portugal in 2026
- Portuguese Citizenship by Investment Requirements
- Portugal Citizenship Application Process and Timeline
- How Much to Invest in Portugal to Get Citizenship
Update: Proposed Changes to Portugal Citizenship Law 2026
Portugal has proposed changes to its nationality law. The proposed changes include:
- Extending the citizenship timeline from 5 to 10 years
- Starting the counting period from the issuance of the residency card.
On 28 October, Parliament passed the law; the legislative process is not yet complete. On November 13, the Socialist Party (PS) went around the President and said it would ask the Constitutional Court to review the law in advance. This request automatically put the law on hold before it could be approved.
On December 15, the Constitutional Court approved the extended timeline for citizenship and rejected four out of seven proposed changes to the Nationality Law.
Is the Portugal Citizenship Timeline Extended to 10 Years?
No, not yet.
In light of this decision of the Constitutional Court, the President is obliged to return the bill to parliament for amendment or annulment.
However, if parliament adopts it by a qualified two-thirds majority, it will be approved despite the alleged constitutional violations. For more details and updates on Portuguese nationality law and its impact on Portugal Investment Citizenship, please click here.
Your Guide to How to Get Portugal Passport by Investment
At Get Golden Visa, we worked with families and investors from around the world seeking Portuguese residency or citizenship.
Contact us to speak with one of our independent advisors for questions about the Portugal Golden Visa and citizenship by investment.
How to Become a Portuguese Citizen by Investment in 2026?
“Has anyone become a Portuguese citizen by investment through the Golden Visa program?”
This is one of the first questions we get from our clients. And rightfully so.
Until 2019, the answer was a big question mark. As of 2019, there have been numerous precedent-setting cases of individuals obtaining Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa program. Many families have begun to obtain Portuguese citizenship through investment. In fact, it is one of the best citizenship-by-investment countries.
Although Portugal does not offer a citizenship-by-investment program, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of holding your investment*. To qualify for Portuguese citizenship by investment:
- You must stay in the country for at least seven days per year
- Get Portuguese Language Certificate (A2 Level)
If the new Portuguese Nationality Law (regarding the extension of citizenship law) passes:
- A2-level Portuguese language proficiency (unchanged)
- A new civic knowledge test (covering Portuguese culture, rights, duties, and history)
- Formal declaration of adherence to democratic principles
- Clean criminal record (threshold reduced from three years to two years)
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
- No sanctions from the UN or EU
*The five-year rule in the Portuguese citizenship timeline may extend to ten years. As the implementation timeline and final details may evolve, applicants are advised to verify the latest information from official Portuguese government sources before applying.
Overview of Portugal Citizenship by Investment
Since 2012, Portugal has been an attractive destination for Golden Visa investors. What makes this program unique is that it provides individuals with a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship. Once granted through eligible investment options, Portuguese Golden Visa holders can benefit from visa-free travel to the Schengen Area, the right to reside and work in Portugal, and the inclusion of their family.
In 2026, the available investment options for the Portuguese citizenship by investment program:
- €500,000 for fund investment
- €250,000 for cultural donation option, which can be reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas.
- €500,000 for scientific research
- Creation of 10 jobs
Investors have largely preferred the Portugal Golden Visa investment fund route since the removal of the real estate option in 2023. To support this claim, about €125.5 million was invested in funds, 45.5% higher than in 2023. In 2026, it will remain as a top choice to invest in Portugal for citizenship, especially among those who appreciate capital preservation and a potential return.
By contrast, the Cultural Golden Visa option gained traction in 2025 and is expected to grow in 2026 among those seeking affordability rather than capital preservation. However, investors should be aware that it is a donation with no opportunity to realize a return on investment.
What are the Benefits of Citizenship by Investment in Portugal
Obtaining Portuguese citizenship through investment offers many advantages in 2026. Below, you may find the main advantages:
Minimum Physical Residency Requirement: 7 Days per Year
Most European residency and citizenship programs require the investor to spend most of the year in the host country. Portugal, on the other hand, only requires the Golden Visa applicants to spend an average of seven days per year in the country for five years.*
Let’s see some of the key eligibility criteria for Portuguese citizenship below:
- Staying 7 days per year over 5 years in Portugal*
- Having a clean criminal record history
- Settling all taxes in Portugal
- Passing the Portuguese language examination
When it comes to some of the required documents, here is what you need to apply for a Portuguese passport investment through the Golden Visa program:
- Complete the correct forms
- Provide a birth certificate, ID, or a valid passport from your home country
- Prove that you passed the required Portuguese language test (CIPLE)
- Include your clear criminal record certificate
- Get a document from the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service, AIMA, to confirm that you completed the stay requirement as a Portuguese resident
* The Portuguese Parliament has proposed changes to the Portuguese Nationality Law that, once in force, will extend the general residence period required for citizenship from five to ten years (or seven years for EU and CPLP nationals). As the implementation timeline and final details may evolve, applicants are advised to verify the latest information from official Portuguese government sources before applying.
Family Reunification
In your Portuguese Golden Visa application, you can also include your eligible family members. These are:
- Spouse,
- Children under the age of 18,
- Dependent children under the age of 26, provided that they are full-time students and not married,
- Parents of the main applicant, if over 65 years of age.
Variety of Investment Methods
There are numerous investment options available to obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal, while making a significant contribution to the Portuguese economy. These include:
- Investment funds
- Company creation
- Donation
You are free to choose the route that best suits you. We will briefly go through the investment options later in this article.
Only Citizenship by Investment Opportunity with Investment Return
Compared to other citizenship-by-investment programs, the minimum investment requirements are relatively affordable for the Portugal Golden Visa Program.
More importantly, Portugal’s economy has been robust over the past couple of years. It has been a sought-after destination for tourists and expats alike. Investing in Portugal for citizenship is a financially sound move. It allows you to tap into one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe.
You can get great returns on your fund investment. There are various fund investment options with investment returns to apply for the Portugal Investment Visa Program, priced at €500,000.
Access to Health Care and Social Security in Europe
When you become a citizen of Portugal, you are entitled to all the benefits this European country offers. These include social security and health care.
The social security system in Portugal covers employees and self-employed individuals. It offers them various benefits, including:
- Unemployment benefits
- Occupational diseases benefits
- Invalidity benefits
- Maternity benefits
- Pension benefits
- Death benefits
As a citizen or resident of Portuguese territory, you can access free healthcare in Portugal. The public health care system is strong, with few exceptions. These include visiting the emergency room or the family doctor, which costs €5-20.
Keep in mind that while you’re a temporary resident in Portugal, you’ll need to have private insurance. It costs between €400 and € 1,000 per year, depending on the level of detail.
Who Can Apply for Portugal Citizenship by Investment in 2026?
Portugal golden visa citizenship requirements for the main applicant include:
- Being a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss national.
- Being at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- A clean criminal record is required, both from the applicant’s country of residence and from Portugal.
- Investment funds must be legally sourced from outside Portugal.
- To qualify, applicants must make an approved investment, such as:
- Investing in a qualifying venture capital fund
- Establishing a company and meeting employment creation requirements
- Making an eligible donation
Family Members Included in Portuguese Citizenship Applications
Through Portugal’s family reunification provisions, Portuguese citizenship through investment may be extended to close family members, including:
- A legally married spouse, same sex partners can also be included
- Minor children under 18 years of age
- Dependent children up to the age of 26, provided they are unmarried and enrolled in full-time education
- Parents of the main applicant or spouse, provided they are 65 years of age or older
How to Get Citizenship in Portugal as an American through Investment?
To become a Portuguese citizen as an American, you can follow the Golden Visa path, which initially grants European residency, then leads to permanent residency after 5 years, and ultimately to citizenship.
The requirements for American citizens to get citizenship in Portugal through investment include:
- Complying with physical minimum residency requirements, 7 days per year
- Investing in one of the Portugal Golden Visa qualifying investment options
- Having a clean criminal record
- Having a reliable source of funds
After the investment, you are required to follow the criteria to get citizenship:
- Staying 7 days per year over 5 years in Portugal*
- Having a clean criminal record history
- Settling all taxes in Portugal
- Passing the Portuguese language examination
*Subject to change through Proposed changes to the Portuguese Nationality Law.
Investment Options To Get Citizenship in Portugal in 2026
The scheme allows you to choose from a variety of investment options. The minimum investment amounts and returns on investment vary by method. These are stated below:
Creation of Jobs
You can also choose to establish a company and create ten jobs in Portugal. The number gets decreased to eight if the business is in a “low-density area.”
Portuguese Fund Investment
You can choose to subscribe to a qualifying Portuguese investment fund with a minimum of €500,000 in units.
Scientific Research Investment
You may select the option to invest €500,000 in scientific research that is conducted by accredited institutions that are part of the national scientific and technological system.
Cultural Contribution
The investors can also invest at least €200,000 in artistic production or the recovery or maintenance of the national cultural heritage that is conducted by accredited institutions.
Portuguese Citizenship by Investment Requirements
Portugal requires you to spend seven days on average per year, for a duration of five years, in order to apply for Portuguese citizenship. To apply for citizenship, there are a couple of prerequisites, which include:
- You need to have a clean criminal record,
- You need to have NO unpaid taxes in Portugal,
- You need to enter and pass a Portuguese language test.
* The Portuguese Parliament approved amendments to the Nationality Law that, once in force, will extend the general residence period required for citizenship from five to ten years (or seven years for EU and CPLP nationals).
As the implementation timeline and final details may evolve, applicants are advised to verify the latest information from official Portuguese government sources before applying.
Required Documents
- Filled out application form
- Passport, ID, or a Birth certificate from your country of origin,
- Clean criminal record certificate,
- Portuguese residence permit,
- Proof of passed Portuguese language test (CIPLE)
- Document from AIMA to prove that you have been a resident in Portugal for at least the required number of years
Portuguese Language Requirements for Citizenship
You need to pass an A2-level basic Portuguese language test (CIPLE) to obtain Portuguese citizenship.
The test can be adapted for children under the age of 10. Children aged 10 to 18 may be exempt from the test as long as they attend a Portuguese school or provide a declaration of proficiency.
Portugal Citizenship Application Process and Timeline
Although Portugal does not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment program, there is still a route to citizenship through the Portugal Golden Visa.
Let’s discover the step-by-step process towards Portuguese citizenship:
Step 1: Deciding on Your Investment Type
First, you need to analyze a list of available investment types and choose a suitable investment for you.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
For yourself, the main applicant, and for your dependents, make sure you have all the necessary documents to submit.
Step 3: Get Your NIF Number and Open a Bank Account
Get your NIF number for further legal steps and open a Portuguese bank account.
Step 4: Finalize Your Investment
After deciding on which investment type to continue with, you can pay for your investment in Portugal.
Step 5: Make Pre-Application
Submit your pre-application with your investment made and ready documentation through the online application system of AIMA.
Step 6: Visit AIMA in Portugal for your Appointment
Visit your biometrics appointment at AIMA on the chosen appointment date.
Step 7: Get Your Golden Visa & Continue Renewals
You and your dependents can get your Golden Visa residence cards at this step.
Step 8: Apply for Portuguese Citizenship & Get Your Passport
After the required number of years have passed from the time you received your residency permit, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. This step also requires a language requirement with basic proficiency.
How Much to Invest in Portugal to Get Citizenship?
To obtain Portuguese citizenship through investment, follow the steps outlined at the beginning. The minimum investment is €200,000 for an artistic production or a national cultural heritage project in a low-density area, or a €500,000 fund investment. Apart from these, expect to pay:
- The processing fee is €773.74 plus €83 per dependent, paid once at the beginning and at each renewal.
- The initial application fee is €7,730 per person, payable in full at the start.
- The renewal application fee is €3,866 per person, paid at each renewal.
To get your Portuguese passport upon the grant of Portuguese citizenship, the passport fee is €65 when you apply in-country. If you are applying from another country, such as the United States, the cost of obtaining a Portuguese passport is approximately €100.
How long does it take to get Citizenship by Investment in Portugal?
Once you make your qualifying investment and receive your Golden Visa from Portugal, you will be eligible to apply for citizenship after 5 years*.
The eligibility period may be extended to 10 years, and the timeline may begin upon issuance of the first Golden Visa card. Below is the Portugal Golden Visa path to citizenship timeline if the proposed law comes into effect:
Dual Citizenship in Portugal
Portugal allows for dual citizenship. This means that in order to obtain Portuguese nationality, you do not need to compromise your citizenship status anywhere else. You should, however, check with your country of origin to confirm whether it permits dual citizenship as well.
Other Ways to Get Portuguese Citizenship
Apart from the citizenship by investment scheme, you can go for the following routes if it suits you:
- By birth or descent
- Naturalization after five years of staying in the country (subject to extension to ten years)
- Marriage to a Portuguese citizen (If you have a non-marital relationship with your partner, you can also apply by proving that you have been together for at least three years.)
- Adoption
- Being a citizen of a former Portuguese overseas territory
Get Golden Visa: Who We Are And What We Do
Get Golden Visa is a full-service investment immigration agency & investment advisory company. We provide end-to-end solutions for residence and citizenship-by-investment programs in numerous countries worldwide.
We work with clients worldwide who are interested in obtaining Portuguese Golden Visas.
Contact us and speak with a member of our experienced team to address any questions.
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While we provide advisory services based on the legislation and administrative practice in effect at the time of your consultation, we cannot guarantee that future legal or policy changes will not affect eligibility, timing, or requirements for Portuguese citizenship or residency.
We act as an independent advisory firm, not a government body, and all applications remain subject to Portuguese law and the discretion of the relevant authorities. As the implementation timeline and final details may evolve, applicants are advised to verify the latest information from official Portuguese government sources before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions on Citizenship in Portugal by Investment
Can I buy Portuguese citizenship?
No, you cannot ‘buy’ Portuguese citizenship. However, you may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship indirectly. You become eligible for Portuguese citizenship after obtaining residency through the Portugal Golden Visa, and then become eligible for citizenship once the required number of years has elapsed. The residence permit program then leads to permanent residency and citizenship.
Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship by investment as a UAE citizen?
Yes, you can apply for the portugal citizenship by investment from the UAE. All you need to do is to meet the eligibility criteria we have mentioned above.
How do I apply for a Portuguese passport?
You must first qualify for naturalization by being a legal resident in Portugal for at least the required number of years. Once you are a Portuguese national, you can then apply for a Portuguese passport and typically receive it in a couple of months.
How long do I need to live in Portugal to get Portuguese citizenship?
To be able to apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship, you need to have a valid residence permit in Portugal for at least five years. This is subject to change to ten years. Keep in mind that it doesn’t mean you have to live in Portugal for that whole time; it depends on your residence permit. The residency requirement for a Golden Visa permit is to spend seven days per year in Portugal to keep your residence permit valid. If the application is through marriage, this period is reduced to three years.
How strong Is the Portuguese passport?
To start, Portugal is a member of the European Union, meaning that holding Portuguese citizenship grants the holder the right to live, study, and work in the EU. Portugal is ranked 5th according to the Passport Index in 2026. In terms of visa-free travel, it is one of the strongest passports in the world.
Can I work in Canada and the United States with a Portuguese passport?
Portuguese passport grants visa-free travel to Canada, but to be able to work, passport holders go through a different application process.
Can I travel visa-freely to the United States and Canada with a Portuguese passport?
Portuguese passport grants his/her holder the right to freely travel to and from Canada through Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and USA through Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program. It’s, however, very easy to obtain a visa to travel to the US with your Portuguese passport.
What are the common nationalities that are interested in Citizenship by Investment in Portugal?
In 2025, according to Get Golden Visa’s data, the largest group of Portugal Golden Visa applicants by far is Americans. Following them, the Golden Visa programme is also popular among Chinese, British, Brazilian, and Indian investors. Recently, applicants from the US and the UK have shown increased interest in obtaining a residence permit through investment.
What are the most popular investment types for residency and citizenship in Portugal?
Investors typically choose to make fund investments to apply for a resident visa card via Portugal’s Golden Visa. The country offers many attractive fund investment options for those who are interested in obtaining a European residency card.
Are there other residency and citizenship by investment programs available to investors similar to Portugal Golden Visa?
Yes. Besides Portugal, Italy, and Greece each also offers Golden Visa programs to investors. The program in each country allows investors to invest in exchange for a residency visa. Malta has a citizenship and residency by investment program (MEIN). Many countries in the Caribbean and the British Virgin Islands offer investment immigration programs.
Are there tax incentives and benefits?
Portugal had the tax advantages and incentives available to investors applying for the Portugal Golden Visa program, including the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) scheme. When becoming a non-habitual resident, it was possible to pay little to no tax for ten years through this scheme. With beneficial policies for income tax, property tax, capital gains, and investment income, it was an attractive program. But the NHR system changed, and the old version is no longer available.
What is the easiest way to get citizenship in Portugal?
It depends on your situation and your expectations of getting citizenship in Portugal. You can check out various options and choose among them, including the Portuguese Golden Visa, the first way to secure your residency in Portugal, a route to Portuguese citizenship.
Is it hard to get citizenship in Portugal?
It is not considered hard to get Portuguese nationality as long as you follow the requirements.
What are other visa options in Portugal?
You can also get residency in Portugal by applying for the D7 visa, or digital nomad visa, and this can open a path to Portuguese nationality.
