Portugal Golden Visa Requirements in 2026: Eligibility, Documents and Steps

To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa in 2026, an applicant must be a non-EU national aged 18 or over with a clean criminal record, make a qualifying investment of at least €500,000 in a regulated fund or another eligible route using money transferred from abroad, hold valid health insurance, and spend seven days in Portugal in the first year and fourteen days in each two-year period after that. The spouse, dependent children and dependent parents can join the same application.

At a glance

• Eligibility: non-EU national, 18 or over, no criminal record, not refused entry to the Schengen area.
• Investment: €500,000 in a CMVM-regulated fund is the main route; property purchase has not qualified since October 2023.
• Presence: seven days in the first year, fourteen days in each subsequent two-year period.
• Family: spouse, dependent children including adult children in full-time education, and dependent parents.
• Citizenship: after ten years of legal residence, or seven for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries, under the law in force since 19 May 2026.

Who is eligible?

The Golden Visa is available to anyone who is not a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland. The principal applicant must be at least 18, must not have a criminal record that Portugal would treat as relevant, and must not be subject to an entry ban in the Schengen Information System. There is no language test, no minimum education and no requirement to work or run a business in Portugal.

Which investments qualify?

Since Law 56/2023 removed the property and capital-transfer routes, the qualifying investments are: €500,000 in one or more funds regulated by the CMVM that invest at least 60% in Portuguese companies with a maturity of at least five years; a donation of €250,000 to arts and heritage or €500,000 to scientific research; the creation of ten jobs; or €500,000 in a Portuguese company that creates five permanent jobs. The fund route accounts for most applications, because the capital is invested rather than given away and the investment is passive.

What documents are required?

Each applicant provides a valid passport, a criminal record certificate from their country of nationality and any country of residence in the last year, proof of health insurance valid in Portugal, and proof of legal entry to Portugal at the biometrics stage. The investor adds the Portuguese tax number, the Portuguese bank statement showing the transfer from abroad, the fund subscription documents and the fund manager’s declaration that the investment meets the Golden Visa criteria. Documents issued abroad need an apostille and a certified Portuguese translation. Family members add proof of the relationship and, for adult children and parents, proof of dependency.

What are the steps?

1. Obtain a Portuguese tax number and open a Portuguese bank account, which can both be done through a legal representative.
2. Transfer the investment funds from abroad and subscribe to the chosen fund.
3. Assemble, legalise and translate the documents for every family member.
4. Submit the application to AIMA online and pay the analysis fee.
5. Attend the biometrics appointment in Portugal.
6. Receive the first residence card, valid for two years, then renew for three years and, at five years, apply for permanent residence or citizenship planning.

AIMA processing has been slow for several years. Applicants should plan for months rather than weeks between filing and the first card, and Passport Legacy gives a current estimate for each case before any investment is made.

What changed for citizenship in 2026?

Lei Orgânica 1/2026, in force from 19 May 2026, extended the legal residence required for naturalisation from five years to ten, or seven for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries. Permanent residence at five years, the presence rule and the investment routes did not change. For an investor whose aim is an EU residence base with very light obligations, the Golden Visa is as useful as it was; for one whose priority is the fastest possible EU passport, Greece now offers the shorter path.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still buy property for the Portugal Golden Visa?

No. Property purchase stopped qualifying in October 2023. The fund route is now the main option.

How long must I stay in Portugal each year?

Seven days in the first year and fourteen days in each subsequent two-year period, which can be spread across several visits.

Can my parents be included?

Yes. Dependent parents of the investor or spouse can be included on the same application.

Passport Legacy advises on the Portuguese Golden Visa from fund selection to residence card. To check eligibility and start the file, contact the team.

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