Portugal is one of the most popular countries for real estate investment in Europe. Thanks to its climate, affordability, and safe environment, it’s highly sought after. Nowadays, low-density areas in Portugal are attracting a lot of attention from locals and expats alike. It is due to the Portugal Golden Visa program, which offers the lowest entry via the cultural donation option in low-density areas since the removal of the real estate pathway.
In this case, investors can donate a minimum of €200,000 to a cultural or artistic project certified by GEPAC in low-density areas, increasing to €250,000 in more densely populated regions. However, as stated, it is only a non-refundable donation. Therefore, you donate to the Portuguese culture and get your residency through Portugal Golden Visa program.
In this article, you will find:
- Portugal Golden Visa: What Is a Low-Density Area?
- Removal of Real Estate Investment Route
- Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options
- Portugal Golden Visa Programme: Why Invest in a Low-Density Area?
- Top 4 Popular Low-Density Areas in Portugal in 2026
- The List of Low-Density Areas in Portugal
- A Strategic Investment: Why Portugal Golden Visa Investment Funds?
Important 2025 Update: On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese government proposed changes to the Portuguese Nationality Law that may impact Golden Visa holders. It includes extending the minimum residency period required to apply for citizenship from 5 to 10 years.
These are not laws yet. You can learn more about the proposed changes to Portugal’s citizenship law by clicking here
Portugal Golden Visa: What Is a Low-Density Area?
First, let us explain what “low-density area” means. “Low-density areas” are regions with fewer than 100 inhabitants per square km or per capita GDP below 75 percent of the national average. For example, Lisbon and Porto aren’t listed as low-density areas. The islands of the Azores and Madeira are excluded as well.
However, the Douro Valley, Setúbal, Évora, and some districts in the Algarve are included in the low-density areas. Also, donating to Portuguese culture with a minimum investment of €200,000 in these areas or €250,000 in high-density areas can make you eligible for a Portugal Golden Visa routes.
Removal of Real Estate Investment Route
In 2023, Portugal has eliminated the real estate investment from the Golden Visa routes. Currently, you can no longer qualify for Portuguese residency via investing in a commercial real estate or residential properties.
The old path offered is highlighted bellow, to purchase property:
- Acquire real estate worth more than €500,000 in Portugal,
- Acquire real estate that is older than 30 years old, in an urban rehabilitation area, and renovate it for a minimum of €350,000 in Portugal.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options
With the removal of real estate investment option in 2023, which allowed you to buy residential and commercial properties and get residency, Portugal Golden Visa scheme offers investors following routes to be eligible for residency by investment:
Portugal Golden Visa Programme: Why Invest in a Low-Density Area?
Given Portugal’s rising popularity as a hub for technology and financial centers, investing in the country is increasingly important. Let’s quickly go through some major benefits.
By choosing the Portugal Cultural Golden Visa path, you can see all the benefits:
- Affordable Investment Threshold: It offers one of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe. The minimum investment requirement is €200,000 in low density areas, €250,000 in major cities. That’s why golden visa applicants who prefer affordability over financial rewards choose this Golden Visa option.
- Contribution to Portuguese Art & Culture: As these key investment areas requires a donation to the Portuguese art and culture, you can create a sense of belonging to the country.
- Pre-Approval: All the projects available for Portugal Golden Visa programme must be approved by GEPAC.
- Path to Permanent Residency: After 5 years, you can go for permanent residency if you comply with the minimum residency requirement per year, which accounts for 7 days per year for 5 years.
- Opportunitiy for Citizenship: You can also be eligible for Portuguese citizenship after complying with the legal requirements of the current legislation.
- Family Reunification: Your family members can also be included in your Portugal Golden Visa application.
Top 4 Popular Low-Density Areas in Portugal in 2026
Here are some of the most popular low-density areas in Portugal. We’ve also added the full list of low-density regions at the bottom.
1. The Alentejo
Among the interior regions, the Alentejo is a rural tourist spot in Portugal. It’s home to many wineries, and the region is famous for its tranquil atmosphere. It’s a 2-hour drive from Lisbon. It’s not a touristy area, but it’s still open to new development, which makes it an ideal place for a property investment as well.
2. Comporta
If you’re looking for a place where you can be away from the crowds but still close to the center, Comporta real estate can be your ideal property investment too. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Lisbon. While the region offers many buildings that need renovation, it also has new luxurious villas.
3. Aljezur
Aljezur is located in the Algarve; however, it has a more relaxed vibe than other big resort towns in the region. If you’re looking for a quiet life near the beach, Aljezur real estate can be an ideal choice for you. The investment property options vary from apartments to luxury villas.
4. Douro Valley
Located in the North of Portugal, the Douro Valley is both popular with tourists and expats. Properties in this region have a local vibe, and they offer great views. If you’re looking for a home where you can appreciate nature, you can purchase property in Douro Valley.
The List of Low-Density Areas in Portugal
Below is the detailed list of low-density municipalities.
| City/ Municipality | Neighborhoods | Neighborhoods |
|---|---|---|
| Águeda | União das freguesias de Belazaima do Chão, Castanheira do Vouga e Agadão | União das freguesias do Préstimo e Macieira de Alcoba |
| Amarante | Ansiães | Candemil |
| Gouveia (São Simão) | Jazente | |
| Rebordelo | Salvador do Monte | |
| União das freguesias de Aboadela, Sanche e Várzea | União das freguesias de Olo e Canadelo | |
| União das freguesias de Bustelo, Carneiro e Carvalho de Rei | Vila Chã do Marão | |
| Amares | Bouro (Santa Marta) | Goães |
| União das freguesias de Caldelas, Sequeiros e Paranhos | União das freguesias de Vilela, Seramil e Paredes Secas | |
| Caminha | Dem | União das freguesias de Arga (Baixo, Cima e São João) |
| Castelo de Paiva | União das freguesias de Gondar e Orbacém | Real |
| União das Freguesias da Raiva, Pedorido e Paraíso | – | |
| Condeixa-a-Nova | Furadouro | – |
| Guimarães | União das freguesias de Arosa e Castelões | – |
| Loulé | Alte | Ameixial |
| Salir | União de freguesias de Querença, Tôr e Benafim | |
| Marco de Canaveses | Várzea, Aliviada e Folhada | – |
| Ourém | Espite | União das freguesias de Matas e Cercal |
| União das freguesias de Freixianda, Ribeira do Fárrio e Formigais | União das freguesias de Rio de Couros e Casal dos Bernardos | |
| Pombal | Abiul | Anais |
| Ponte de Lima | Ardegão, Freixo e Mato | Associação de freguesias do Vale do Neiva |
| Bárrio e Cepões | Beiral do Lima | |
| Boalhosa | Cabaços e Fojo Lobal | |
| Cabração e Moreira do Lima | Calheiros | |
| Estorãos | Friastelas | |
| Gemieira | Gondufe | |
| Labruja | Labrujó, Rendufe e Vilar do Monte | |
| Naviô e Vitorino dos Piães | Poiares | |
| Serdedelo | – | |
| Porto de Mós | São Bento | – |
| Santarém | União das freguesias de Casével e Vaqueiros | – |
| Silves | São Marcos da Serra | – |
| Tavira | Cachopo | Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo |
| Tomar | Olalhas | Sabacheira |
| União das freguesias de Além da Ribeira e Pedreira | União das freguesias de Casais e Alviobeira | |
| União das freguesias de Serra e Junceira | – | |
| Vale de Cambra | Arões | Junqueira |
| Valença | Boivão | Fontoura |
| União das freguesias de Gondomil e Safins | União das freguesias de São Julião e Silva |
A Strategic Investment: Why Portugal Golden Visa Investment Funds?
For Golden Visa investors who prefer financial rewards, the strategic option is Portugal Golden Visa Investment Funds. Through a minimum investment amount of €500,000, you can
- Secure Investment: Similar to Cultural Donations, there is an authority that regulates the Portugal Golden Visa Funds, which is CMVM. Additionally, there is the Bank of Portugal, External Fund Management Company, and the Portuguese Tax Authorities audit the fund
- Low Tax Rates and Fees: The funds does not require high fees and taxes rates unlike Portugal real estate pathway.
- Diversification: You can diversify your risk among different funds, reducing your risks.
- Potential Return: Depending on the fund you choose, you can gain annual yields and capital appreciation unlike the non-refundable donation option.
- Professional Management: Your fund investment will be managed by the professional fund managers, which will provide you with a hassle-free investment.
Speak to a Portugal Golden Visa Advisor in Portugal
Get Golden Visa is a bespoke investment advisory firm. Since 2014, we’ve provided consultancy for citizenship and residency investment programs for investors.
In 2019, we were among the first companies to introduce the fund route, when almost everyone else was focused solely on real estate. Today, after the government excluded real estate from the program in October 2023, the fund option has become the main strategic investment route for Golden Visa applicants.
Contact us today to schedule a call with our independent fund advisors to discuss tailored strategies for your risk profile.
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