Unveiling Horizons: Navigating the Portugal Golden Visa Journey

The Portugal Golden Visa program has been one of Europe’s most popular residency programs since 2012. It allows foreign investors and their families to live in Portugal by making a qualifying investment. The program offers big benefits. You can live and work in Portugal, travel freely in the Schengen Zone, and even apply for permanent residence or citizenship later. Families often choose it for both stability and opportunity. In 2023, Portugal changed the program. Real estate options were removed, but new investment routes remain. These focus on culture, science, jobs, and business growth. In this article, we’ll talk about how the Portugal Golden Visa works in 2025, what has changed, which investment options are available, and how we at MotaWord can support you with certified translations. Let’s get right into it!

Portugal Golden Visa Program 2025: What It Is and How It Works

The Portugal Golden Visa is officially called the Autorização de Residência para Investimento, or ARI for short. It’s run by AIMA, the new agency that replaced SEF in 2023. With the Golden Visa, you get the right to live and work in Portugal. You can also travel freely in the Schengen Area without a visa. The program makes it possible to bring close family with you. After holding the visa for several years, you may apply for permanent residence or even citizenship, depending on the rules in force.

Portugal Golden Visa Changes: Key Updates Since 2023

In October 2023, Portugal introduced the Mais Habitação reforms. These changes removed real estate investments and capital transfers as qualifying routes for new Golden Visa applications.

Under the new rules:

• You can still buy property in Portugal for personal use, but this no longer qualifies for the Golden Visa.
• Fund investments must now be non-real-estate, with oversight from Portugal’s securities regulator.
• Job creation and business investment routes remain valid, though with stricter criteria.

The change is not retroactive. If you already hold a Golden Visa under the old rules, or your application was submitted before October 2023, your rights are preserved. This includes renewals, family reunification, and the path to permanent residence.

Another important shift is the change in the immigration agency. SEF was replaced by AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo). AIMA now handles all Golden Visa applications and renewals.

Since the reform, the program is more regulated. Expect closer scrutiny of funds, compliance, and transparency.

Current Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options

The Portugal Golden Visa investment options no longer include real estate. Instead, the program now focuses on investments that boost culture, science, jobs, and business. Here are the main options available in 2025:

• Job creation: Create at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
• Scientific research: Invest €500,000 or more in public or private research projects.
• Arts and culture: Invest €250,000 or more in artistic production, cultural projects, or heritage preservation.
• Investment funds: Invest €500,000 or more in non-real-estate funds. These funds must follow Portuguese law, have a maturity of at least five years, and invest most of their assets in Portuguese companies.
• Business expansion: Invest €500,000 or more to start or recapitalize a Portuguese company. The company must either create five permanent jobs or keep at least 10 jobs (five of them permanent) for three years.

Each option has its own paperwork and rules. Choosing the right one depends on your personal and financial goals.

Portugal Golden Visa Requirements: Stay Rules and Residency Obligations

To keep your Portugal Golden Visa, you must maintain your investment and spend some time in the country. The rules are lighter than most residency programs in Europe.

• Maintain the investment: You must keep your qualifying investment for at least five years.
• Stay in Portugal: Spend at least seven days in Portugal during the first year. After that, spend 14 days in the country every two years.
• Residence cards: Your first residence card is temporary. You’ll need to renew it according to AIMA’s schedule while you meet the program’s requirements.

These flexible stay rules make the Golden Visa popular with investors who want European residency without moving full-time.

Family Benefits: Who Can Join Your Application

One of the best parts of the Golden Visa is that you can bring your family with you. The program makes it possible to apply together and enjoy the same rights.

Eligible family members include:

• Your spouse or legal partner
• Children under 18
• Dependent children over 18 who are unmarried and studying full-time
• Dependent parents, if you can prove financial support

Family members get residence cards too. They can live, study, and work in Portugal while you maintain your Golden Visa.

Taxes: What Investors Need to Know

The Portugal Golden Visa Program gives you residency, but it does not set your tax status. Taxes depend on how much time you spend in Portugal and where your income comes from.

• Tax residency: If you spend more than 183 days a year in Portugal, or your main home is there, you may become a tax resident.
• No automatic taxes: If you spend less time in Portugal, you can often avoid being taxed as a resident. Always check with a tax advisor to be sure.
• NHR regime: The Non-Habitual Resident program closed to new applicants in 2024.
• IFICI regime: Portugal now offers a new regime called IFICI. It targets researchers and professionals in science and innovation. Some Golden Visa holders may qualify if they fit the criteria.

In short, the Golden Visa itself does not make you a tax resident, but your lifestyle and time in Portugal might.

Application Guide: Step-by-Step Process

Applying for the Portugal Golden Visa application takes a few steps. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Get a Portuguese NIF
   Apply for a Portuguese tax number, known as NIF. You’ll also need to open a local bank account.

2. Choose and complete your investment
   Decide which qualifying route works best for you. Complete the investment and gather proof.

3. Apply online
   Portugal Golden Visa application through the ARI Portal. Upload your documents, pay the fees, and wait for confirmation.

4. Biometrics appointment
   Once approved, schedule a visit to an AIMA office. There, you provide fingerprints, photos, and signatures.

5. Receive your residence card
   After processing, you’ll receive your residence permit card. Keep it valid by renewing on time.

6. Renewals
   You must renew your card while keeping your investment and meeting the stay requirements.

Processing can take time, so plan ahead. Many applicants work with legal advisors to make the process smoother.

Essential Documents and Formalities

To apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, you need to prepare and submit several documents. These must be accurate, up to date, and often translated into Portuguese.

Here’s a basic checklist:

• Valid passport
• Proof of lawful funds and the qualifying investment
• Criminal record certificates from your country of residence
• Proof of health insurance covering Portugal
• Translations and legalizations of foreign documents when required

The exact list depends on your chosen investment option. Always follow AIMA’s guidance on the ARI Portal to make sure nothing is missing.

Your Path to Long-Term Residency

The Golden Visa can open the door to long-term residency or even citizenship in Portugal.

• Permanent residence: After five years of maintaining your investment and meeting the stay requirements, you can apply for permanent residence.
• Citizenship: Current law allows you to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence. You must also pass a basic Portuguese language test and show ties to the country.
• Possible changes: The government has proposed increasing the timeline for citizenship to 10 years, or 7 years for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries. As of 2025, this change is not yet law.

Golden Visa holders should track updates closely. The path is clear today, but rules may change in the future.

FAQ

1. Is the Golden Visa ending?

No. The program continues, but real estate and capital transfer routes are no longer available for new applications.

2. Can I invest in property or real estate funds?

No. Buying property in Portugal no longer qualifies you for the Golden Visa. Only non-real estate investment options are valid.

3. How many days must I be in Portugal?

You must spend at least 7 days in the first year, then 14 days every two years.

4. Does the Golden Visa give me tax breaks?

Not automatically. Your tax status depends on how much time you spend in Portugal. The NHR regime closed in 2024, but the new IFICI regime may apply to certain professionals.

Certified Translations for Portugal’s Golden Visa Program: How MotaWord Supports Your Application

Applying for the Portugal Golden Visa can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest hurdles is making sure your documents are translated correctly into Portuguese. This is where we step in to help.

• All required documents (passports, criminal records, financial proofs) must be submitted in Portuguese and often with certified translations
• We provide certified, legally valid translations that meet AIMA’s requirements
• We offer fast turnaround (as quick as 12–24 hours), ensuring you don’t miss deadlines
• Our global network of expert translators guarantees accuracy and compliance
• Notarization included when needed, adding legal weight to your application
• We make the process smoother by acting as your language partner throughout the Golden Visa journey

With our help, you can focus on your investment and your future in Portugal while we take care of the language barrier.

The Future of Portugal’s Golden Visa Program: Why It Remains a Top Choice

The Portugal Golden Visa has changed, but it is still one of Europe’s most attractive residency options. While property investment is no longer part of the program, new routes highlight culture, science, jobs, and business.

The visa gives you and your family a chance to live in Portugal, travel freely in the Schengen Area, and apply for permanent residence or citizenship after a few years. It remains a flexible option for investors who want security and opportunity in Europe.

Success depends on careful planning, following AIMA’s rules, and preparing the right documents. That’s where we come in. At MotaWord, we make sure your translations are accurate, certified, and ready for submission. Get your certified Golden Visa translations today.