One Way Ticket Team
Portugal's Golden Visa is one of the most attractive investment programs in the EU. Despite the 2023–2024 reform, the program is still running — although its flagship route, buying residential property, has been closed. Here is what remains, and why the Portuguese "golden passport" is still in demand.
What changed after the reform
In October 2023 the Portuguese parliament passed the Mais Habitação law, closing the door on Golden Visas obtained through residential real estate. The decision sparked heated debate, but the other investment routes remain fully in force.
- •❌ Closed: residential real estate purchase (previously €500K, or €280K in designated regions)
- •❌ Closed: commercial real estate purchase
- •✅ Open: investment funds from €500K
- •✅ Open: creating 10+ jobs, or €500K of capital in a company with 5+ jobs
- •✅ Open: research funding from €500K; arts and heritage support from €250K
- •✅ Open: venture investment in startups from €500K
Investment funds — the most popular route
Since the real estate route closed, qualified investment funds have become the main path to a Golden Visa. The principle is simple: you invest €500K in a CMVM-certified fund, receive a temporary residence permit, and after 5 years become eligible for permanent residency or citizenship.
- •Minimum investment: €500K in a qualified fund
- •Residence permit validity: 2 years, renewable
- •Physical presence: just 7 days in the first 2 years (crucial!)
- •Permanent residency: after 5 years
- •Citizenship: since 19 May 2026 — after 10 years of lawful residence (7 for EU and CPLP nationals)
- •Passport: access to 190+ countries, including the US without a visa
💡 Portugal's biggest advantage: the minimal physical presence requirement (7 days a year) means you don't have to relocate — short visits are enough. Perfect for anyone who wants a "backup" EU passport while continuing to live in another country.
The road to Portuguese citizenship
Portuguese citizenship is among the most valuable in the world. The passport ranks in the global top 5, opening visa-free access to 190+ countries. Update 2026: since 19 May 2026 you can apply for citizenship after 10 years of lawful residence (7 for EU and CPLP nationals), with A2-level Portuguese and genuine ties to the country.
“The Portuguese passport is an EU passport. Once you have it, you can live and work freely in any of the 27 EU countries.”
