Since its introduction in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa Program has been the most well-known residence by investment program in Europe. The purpose of this program is to lure international capital into Portugal and since the program’s start, it has attracted over 10,000 investors into the country.
Thanks to Portugal’s alluring characteristics, such as mild climate, affordable cost of living, and strategic position, the program is also very popular among New Zealanders. In this guide, we’re going to explain how you can benefit from the Portugal Golden Visa program as a New Zealand citizen.
Important Update: Portugal approved revisions to its nationality law in 2026 that may affect Portugal Golden Visa holders seeking Portuguese citizenship through naturalization.
The approved changes include:
- Extending the general citizenship eligibility period from 5 years to 10 years for most applicants (7 years for EU and CPLP nationals)
- Starting the residence counting period from the issuance of the residence permit
After revisions, the law was reapproved by Parliament on April 1, 2026, with a two-thirds majority. On May 3, 2026, the President signed the law.
For more details, please read Portuguese Nationality Law Change News
Why Get Portugal Golden Visa: Benefits
There are several benefits for applicants who submit a Golden Visa application in Portugal. We’ve listed a couple of them in this section.
The Right To Live and Work in Portugal
If you hold a Golden Visa, you can live, work, and study in Portugal. Your family members are also covered by this. This indicates that the Portuguese educational system will be advantageous to your children.
Flexible Stay Requirements
If you’re not ready to move out of New Zealand yet but only looking for a Plan B option, Portugal Golden Visa covers you. By staying in Portugal only for seven days on average per year, you can still keep your residency in Portugal.
Opportunity To Become an EU Citizen
One of the most appealing features of Portugal Golden Visa is that it leads to Portuguese citizenship, subject to the applicable laws in force at the time. With a Portuguese passport, you are able to travel, work, and reside anywhere in the EU.
The Right To Include Your Family
The fact that this program can be extended to members of your family is one of its most attractive features. Along with your spouse and minor children, you can also include your senior parents in your application.
Easy Travel Within Europe
If you want to move to Portugal and live there permanently, you can easily travel to the rest of Europe. Living in Portugal will make it possible for you to explore a lot more countries than you’d in New Zealand.
Affordable Living
If you consider living in Portugal after you get your Golden Visa, you can rest assured that your living expenses will be lower compared to New Zealand.
According to the data collected in June 2022:
- Consumer prices including rent in Portugal are 35.51 percent lower than in New Zealand
- Rent prices in Portugal are 29.20 percent lower than in New Zealand
- Restaurant prices in Portugal are 44.44 percent lower than in New Zealand
- Groceries prices in Portugal are 49.40 percent lower than in New Zealand
How To Get a Portuguese Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa program is open to anyone who does not hold citizenship in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. As a New Zealand citizen, you can be eligible if you are at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal record.
The first stage in obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa is to make a qualifying investment there. There are various options available, including purchasing real estate, subscribing to a fund, making a capital transfer, or donating to qualifying institutions in Portugal.
Investment Types for Portugal Golden Visa
Another outstanding feature of Portugal Golden Visa is that it offers multiple investment options, including real estate acquisition and fund subscription. This way it can cater to different investor profiles.
The minimum amount for Portugal Golden Visa application starts from €200,000 which is the donation route. The highest investment is required for capital transfer, which is €1.5 million, are no longer available.
See the table below for the most popular investment routes for Portugal Golden Visa, fund investment and other options available.
| Real Estate Option (no longer eligible) | |
| Residential Property (no longer eligible) | Required Amount |
| Investment in residential real estate in a designated interior area | €400,000. Depending on the property’s condition and its location, it can be as low as €350,000 or €280,000 |
| Commercial Property (no longer eligible) | Required Amount |
| Investment in a commercial real estate anywhere in Portugal | €500,000. Depending on the property’s condition and its location, it can be as low as €350,000 or €280,000 |
| Investment Fund | Required Amount |
| Investment in funds participation units | €500,000 |
Other investment options include:
- Capital transfer of €1.5 million (no longer eligible)
- Creating job opportunities through a company set up in Portugal
- Donating €250,000 to Portugal’s national heritage preservation or €500,000 to a Portugal-based R&D project
Can I get Portuguese citizenship through Golden Visa program as a New Zealand citizen?
Yes, you can. Both Portugal and New Zealand allow dual citizenship which means that you don’t have to renounce your citizenship to become a Portuguese citizen at the same time.
However, note that getting Portuguese citizenship is possible only after five to ten years of holding your Golden Visa and keeping your investment, subject to the applicable laws in force at the time.
Portugal Golden Visa scheme provides you with a two-year temporary residency permit at the beginning. After this period is over, you can extend it for another three years. During this time, you’re not required to live in Portugal as we’ve previously stated. Visiting Portugal for seven days on average will suffice to maintain your status and rights.
To be eligible for citizenship, you’re required to complete the five-year threshold and pass a basic Portuguese language exam.
Get Golden Visa: How We Can Help You
Get Golden Visa is a bespoke investment advisory firm. With our team of legal professionals in Portugal, we offer our clients a tailor-made and transparent journey in their search for Portugal Golden Visa through investment funds.
Contact us and talk to one of our experienced team members to help you with your inquiries.
