Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Emily Hopkins
Portugal’s popularity continues to rise, and for good reason. Citizenship by investment allows you and your family to obtain permanent residency while benefiting from the country’s many advantages. This program actively puts your money to work, offering financial returns alongside long-term residency benefits. Meanwhile, you can fully enjoy the high quality of life, cultural richness, and lifestyle opportunities that come with living in Portugal.
So, what are the criteria for making this dream come true? Is there a minimum investment, and what’s the most financially feasible option? Are there any other ways for your family to receive Portuguese nationality?
Learn about all this and more through our complete guide on obtaining Citizenship by investment in Portugal! Let’s explore why people make this investment for their family, a secure future, and a better quality of life!
How To Obtain Portuguese Citizenship
There are a few ways to go about this, including through descent and without it.
With the right help and resources, obtaining Portuguese Citizenship is a relatively easy process. If you desire to be a Portuguese national, you can consider Citizenship by investment, after which you’re eligible to request nationality after 5 years for you and your family.
Like all other types of nationality, Portuguese nationality is either granted from birth if the individual has always been Portuguese (known as the attribution of nationality) or from the date they formally attain nationality (known as the acquisition of nationality).
Portugal Citizenship by Investment
This is the next best alternative for those seeking European nationality without family lineage. Citizenship by investment is a popular option for anyone who has significant wealth available for investment.
The question is: what kinds of investments can you make, and why are they forecasted to be fruitful?
Over the next few years, experts foresee robust job growth and heightened economic activity in the Portuguese economy, with GDP expected to surge. This promising outlook signals an ideal time to consider investing in Portugal and pursuing Citizenship through investment. It’s a win-win scenario for most people: capitalize on a flourishing economy while securing Citizenship.
Under the Citizenship by Investment scheme, applicants must invest through one of the approved Golden Visa routes, such as scientific research, investment funds, companies, or art and culture. Applicants must also maintain their investment for at least 5 years to qualify for permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Each route provides a pathway to Citizenship by investment in Portugal while contributing to the country’s economy and societal development. Additionally, the applicant is only required to stay in Portugal for at least 7 to 14 days within a two-year period.
This works out for individuals and families who are already well-settled in other countries and do not wish to relocate to Portugal. It’s especially favorable for affluent individuals with established businesses in a specific country.
Most Golden Visa holders come from China, Brazil, and the United States. According to Reuters, the program has garnered 7.3 billion euros ($8 billion) in funds since its launch in 2012, allowing non-EU citizens to obtain Portuguese citizenship through investment.
- Read Also: Top 5 Investment Options for Retirees.
Family Lineage
You’d be surprised to hear that at least six million people worldwide are eligible to obtain Portuguese Citizenship through their grandparents. You might be one of them, too. In most countries, you can claim Citizenship if your parents are citizens of that country.
However, countries like Portugal extend this privilege to familial lineage that spans two or even three generations.
Portuguese Citizenship by descent provides a pathway for individuals whose parents or grandparents are Portuguese citizens. You can become a Portuguese national if one of your parents or grandparents holds Portuguese citizenship, without needing to trace more distant ancestry.
However, this is only possible if your parents or grandparents still hold valid Citizenship. You don’t need both your parents and/or grandparents to be citizens; one is enough. A valid proof of easily traceable Portuguese lineage is important.
Marriage to a Portuguese National
This is not as straightforward as you may think it would be. It is also not the easiest and most realistic to achieve.
A marriage to a Portuguese citizen may help you qualify for Portuguese nationality as well. Given that the marriage was registered in Portugal and can be proven to be at least 3 years old.
While this isn’t an unusual way to obtain nationality worldwide, it’s definitely not easy or simple.
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program
Coming to the best part of this entire guide: The Portugal Golden Visa Program, as of 2026!
Certain countries grant residency rights in return for a minimum investment. The exact investment threshold varies from one country to another.
Introduced in 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa, also known as ARI (Autorização de Residência para Investimento), has become synonymous with Portugal’s immigration landscape.
The Portuguese Golden Visa program is widely recognized as one of the most popular residency-by-investment programs in Europe. This five-year residence option for non-EU nationals grants the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and to travel freely within the Schengen Area, provided a qualifying investment is made in Portugal.
Benefits for Portugal Golden Visa holders
One of the main advantages of the Portugal Golden Visa is that it allows you to maintain residency or apply for citizenship without becoming a tax resident, provided you meet the minimum physical presence requirement of approximately seven days in the first year and fourteen days in each subsequent two-year period.
This means you can become a resident without significantly disrupting your business, lifestyle, or personal commitments.
As a Golden Visa holder in Portugal, you gain visa-free access to the Schengen Area of the European Union, increasing your mobility within Europe.
Here are some of the main benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa Program:
- Portuguese nationality and a Portuguese passport after five years, subject to meeting legal requirements;
- Access to public healthcare and education after obtaining a residence card and registering in Portugal;
- Portugal is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world;
- Visa-free travel within Schengen and visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 190 countries after acquiring Portuguese nationality;
- All benefits can be extended to eligible family members;
- No requirement to relocate permanently, provided minimum stay rules are respected;
- Right to live, study, work, and invest anywhere in Portugal.
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Investment Options
In October 2023, Portugal’s Golden Visa program underwent significant changes, affecting how applicants qualify for residency. These changes do not affect applications submitted before the reform. Real estate investments and capital transfers are no longer qualifying options.
As of 2026, applicants must choose from alternative investment routes, with a minimum investment of €500,000 for most options.
Current Golden Visa investment options include:
- Investment funds
- Business creation (job creation);
- Donation to scientific research or cultural heritage.
The most popular investment option is investing a minimum of €500,000 in Golden Visa-eligible investment funds. These funds must not be linked to real estate and are typically focused on Portuguese companies, innovation, or development projects.
Another option supports business growth by creating a company and generating at least 10 full-time jobs, or by investing €500,000 in a business and creating at least 5 jobs. This option is suitable for entrepreneurs who wish to operate in Portugal.
The Golden Visa also offers an option for individuals interested in supporting Portugal’s cultural or scientific heritage by donating at least €250,000. In low-density areas, the minimum donation is reduced to €200,000.
- Check out our exclusive interview on how this client’s life has changed since he relocated with family: Living Abroad: An Expat Interview with Damon Johnson.
How To Apply For The Portugal Golden Visa Program
If this topic has sparked your interest, the first step is to research which investment option best suits your financial situation and objectives.
Once you complete a Golden Visa-eligible investment, you may begin the residency application process. This involves gathering the required documentation and submitting your application to AIMA, Portugal’s immigration authority.
The main documents typically include:
- Valid passport;
- Proof of legal entry and stay in Portugal;
- Private health or travel insurance;
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin and from any country where you have lived for more than one year;
- Authorization for the Portuguese criminal record check;
- Declaration confirming compliance with the minimum investment period of five years;
- Tax and Social Security clearance certificates;
- Proof of payment of government application fees.
The Golden Visa application process may take 12 months or longer, depending on application volume and administrative processing times.
- Check out our Complete Guide to Golden Visa in Portugal in 2024!
Best Golden Visa Programs in Europe
Here’s a concise overview of some of the top Golden Visa programs in Europe and their most popular investment amounts.
- Portugal: Minimum investment of €500,000 in investment funds.
- Spain: Minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate.
- Greece: Minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate.
- Cyprus: Minimum investment of €300,000 in real estate.
- Malta: Minimum investment of €888,000 in government bonds or real estate.
- Hungary: Minimum investment of €300,000 in government bonds.
- Latvia: Minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate or €50,000 in government bonds.
- Ireland: Minimum investment of €1 million in an Irish enterprise for 3 years.
Please remember to conduct your own research, regardless of others’ advice. Major financial investments require careful evaluation, weighing pros and cons, and guidance from experienced professionals.
If you’re looking for consultation on the best investment decision for your family, consider getting help from financial advisors and relocation professionals.
Viv Europe has official partners, with award-winning achievements and decades of experience that can help you make a better decision. Feel free to get in touch for more info and connect with experts from the industry!
Do you need help obtaining Citizenship by investment in Portugal?
The process can be time-consuming and exhausting, which is understandable given what’s at stake. That’s why careful planning is essential. With experienced professionals guiding you, most of the hassle is handled, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying your post-investment lifestyle.
Professionals at Viv Europe have been helping people get citizenship by investment in Portugal for years. With the right resources and experience, we make your investment goals and relocation process easier, faster, and more direct.
Get in touch for a consultation with our team to understand the specifics of this scheme. It’s an important decision and requires no haste. Take your time, think about it, and remember, Viv Europe is at your service every step of the way.
For more information about post-relocation life in Portugal, join our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats. Learn about the real experiences of expats who have gone through the process and those who have their dreams within reach. See you soon!
