If you’ve been thinking about securing a residency visa in Portugal through the Golden Visa program, you’re not alone. This popular investment visa program has allowed thousands of non-EU citizens to become residents of Portugal and enjoy the many benefits of living in Europe. But 2025 brings new changes to the Portugal Golden Visa — and if you’re planning to apply, you’ll want to understand what’s different and how it could affect your investment.
In this blog, we’ll cover the latest Golden Visa updates and help you figure out if the program is still right for you.
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency by making qualifying investments in Portugal. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency, and eventually Portuguese citizenship.
Since its launch in 2012, the Golden Visa has been a popular residency program for investors, especially those interested in Portuguese real estate and the EU residency benefits it offers. However, recent changes in the law aim to make the program more sustainable and ensure investments benefit all parts of the country. Let’s take a closer look at what has changed in 2025.
One of the biggest changes is the restriction on real estate investments in popular cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve. Previously, these were the go-to locations for most Golden Visa applicants.
Another significant change is the increase in the minimum investment amounts for certain investment types.
These increased investment requirements ensure that the Golden Visa program is targeting more significant contributions to the Portuguese economy.
The government is also emphasizing investments that contribute to Portugal’s green and tech sectors. If you’re looking to align your investment with sustainability or innovation, this could be a great opportunity for you.
If you’re interested in these areas, there are additional incentives available for Golden Visa applicants who focus on sustainability and innovation.
One of the positive updates is the simplified family reunification process. Under the new rules, spouses, children, and even dependent parents under the age of 65 can more easily join the primary applicant in Portugal.
This makes the Golden Visa even more attractive for families looking to relocate to Portugal together, as everyone can enjoy the same residency benefits and pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
If you're concerned that these changes might affect your path to Portuguese citizenship, there's good news: the 5-year timeline to citizenship remains intact. After five years of maintaining your investment, you can apply for permanent residency, and after six years, you can apply for citizenship — as long as you meet residency and language requirements.
Despite these changes, the Golden Visa remains a top residency-by-investment option for many reasons. Here’s why:
Portugal’s Golden Visa gives you the advantage of residency in the European Union, allowing for visa-free travel to over 25 countries in the Schengen Area. This is ideal for investors who want to explore Europe or expand their business opportunities across the EU.
Portugal offers an attractive tax regime for foreign investors. Under the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax program, you can benefit from tax exemptions on foreign income, including pensions, dividends, and other earnings from abroad, for up to 10 years.
This makes the Golden Visa particularly appealing for retirees and entrepreneurs looking to optimize their tax situation.
Portugal boasts an excellent quality of life, with a Mediterranean climate, beautiful landscapes, and a low cost of living compared to other Western European countries. The healthcare system, educational opportunities, and overall safety make it a desirable destination for families, business owners, and retirees.
Portugal is known for its political stability and low crime rate. It’s one of the safest countries in Europe, offering a secure environment for those looking to invest and settle down. Whether you’re looking to move for personal or business reasons, Portugal provides a stable and welcoming atmosphere.
In a nutshell, yes! While the new changes may affect the way you approach the program, the Portugal Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe.
The increased focus on sustainable investments and economic development in less urbanized areas opens up new opportunities for investors. Plus, with the benefits of EU residency, tax exemptions, and a high quality of life, Portugal continues to be a prime destination for those looking to secure a European residence.
If you’re interested in the Golden Visa, it’s important to stay up to date on these changes and consult with a legal expert or immigration consultant to ensure your investment meets the new requirements.
For a complete guide to the Portuguese Government ARI Program (Autorização de Residência para a Actividade de Investimento) contact Tony.