Portugal Golden Visa to Permanent Residency Guide 2026

Key Takeaways

1. Portugal’s Golden Visa now requires a €500,000 investment in CMVM-approved funds, with only 14 days of physical presence every two years to maintain residency.
2. US citizens qualify easily with clean criminal records, and they can include a spouse, children, and dependent parents without Portuguese tax obligations unless they relocate.
3. The Golden Visa offers a 5-year path to permanent residency, while citizenship now generally requires 10 years of residence under the 2025 law changes plus A2 Portuguese proficiency.
4. The process includes obtaining a NIF/tax number, opening a bank account, making the fund investment, submitting the AIMA application, attending biometrics, and completing renewals, with a 12 to 18 month timeline to the first card.
5. Government fees, legal costs of approximately €16,000 to €20,000, and fund fees apply; Contact VIDA Capital today for expert guidance on the VIDA Fund and a streamlined Golden Visa application.

Who Qualifies for Portugal Permanent Residency via Golden Visa

US citizens qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa program as non-EU nationals. The primary applicant must be at least 18 years old and provide clean criminal records from both the United States and Portugal. The applicant must also show sufficient funds to support the €500,000 investment and prove that these funds originate from outside Portugal.

Eligible family members include spouses or common-law partners, dependent children under 18 who are unmarried and not working, and parents or in-laws over 65 or financially dependent on the main applicant. Each family member must provide clean criminal records from their country of residence.

The Golden Visa grants residency rights in Portugal only, not across the entire European Union. Holders can still travel visa-free throughout the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. US citizens do not pay Portuguese taxes unless they relocate and become tax residents. The A2 Portuguese language requirement applies only to citizenship applications, not to permanent residency.

Golden Visa Investment Rules After 2023 Reforms

Portugal removed real estate as a qualifying Golden Visa option in October 2023. All new Golden Visa applicants must now invest at least €500,000 in CMVM-approved investment funds. These funds must allocate at least 60% of their portfolio to Portuguese investments, which directs capital into the local economy.

The VIDA Fund offers an asset-backed option that focuses on acquiring and revitalizing undervalued hospitality businesses across Portugal. The fund follows a 6.5-year investment lifecycle and targets doubling investor returns through an integrated owner-operator model. Historical performance does not guarantee future results. The fund operates under strict CMVM regulation and undergoes bi-annual Deloitte audits, which support transparency and investor protection.

Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains more flexible than many European alternatives. Spain has discontinued its Golden Visa program. Greece requires seven years of physical residence and tax obligations before citizenship. Portugal still provides a path to citizenship without mandatory relocation, which appeals to globally mobile investors.

Step-by-Step Process to Reach Permanent Residency

Pre-Application Setup: NIF, Bank Account, and Investment

The process starts with obtaining a Portuguese tax number, known as a NIF, and opening a bank account with a Portuguese financial institution. A qualified Portuguese lawyer can complete both steps remotely. VIDA Capital connects investors with experienced legal professionals who specialize in Golden Visa applications. After banking is in place, investors complete their €500,000 fund investment.

Submitting the AIMA Application

Legal counsel submits the Golden Visa application online to AIMA, the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, for the investor and all family members. After AIMA grants preliminary approval, applicants schedule in-person appointments for biometric data collection. The full approval process usually takes 12 to 18 months from the initial submission to the first residency card.

First Residency Card and Initial 2-Year Period

Once approved, investors receive a temporary residency card that remains valid for two years. This card allows visa-free travel throughout the Schengen area and establishes the record needed for permanent residency eligibility. During this initial period, the minimum stay requirement is 14 days within the two-year window.

Renewals During Years 2 Through 5

Residency cards require renewal every two years. Investors must show that they still hold the qualifying fund investment and have met the 14-day presence requirement for each two-year period. Because card issuance often takes about a year, many investors complete only one renewal instead of two during the 5-year path. Each renewal requires updated biometric data and clean criminal records from Portugal and the investor’s home country.

Applying for Permanent Residency in Year 5

After maintaining Golden Visa status for five years, investors can apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency provides long-term security and removes the need for repeated temporary card renewals while the investment requirements remain in place.

Secure your EU residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa through VIDA Capital’s comprehensive guidance and access to the asset-backed VIDA Fund.

Citizenship Timeline and Rules After Permanent Residency

Portugal’s Parliament approved a new framework in October 2025 that extended the general citizenship timeline. Most applicants must now reside in Portugal for 10 years before qualifying for citizenship. Nationals of Portuguese-language countries, known as CPLP states, and EU citizens follow a reduced requirement of seven years. The new law should apply to all Golden Visa applicants except those who submitted their citizenship applications before the law was published.

Citizenship applications require A2-level Portuguese language proficiency, clean criminal records, and evidence of ties to the Portuguese community. These evolving rules highlight the value of working with experienced advisors such as VIDA Capital, who track regulatory changes and provide current guidance at each stage.

Detailed Cost Breakdown Beyond the €500,000 Investment

Golden Visa government fees add a high cost on top of the €500,000 investment. Current government fees include an initial submission fee of €618.60 per family member at the time of application. The issuance of approval cards costs €6179.40 per family member at the biometrics stage. Each renewal costs €3023.20 per family member at the two-year and four-year marks.

Legal representation usually ranges from €16,000 to €20,000 for the full Golden Visa process, although fees vary by firm, case complexity, and services included. The VIDA Fund charges a 1% subscription fee on the total investment amount, which is paid to the fund manager when the investment is completed.

These expenses are spread across several years, which helps make the overall financial commitment more manageable for qualified investors.

Why US Investors Choose Portugal and VIDA Capital

Portugal’s Golden Visa gives US investors flexible access to European residency while they maintain their existing business and personal lives. The program creates a practical Plan B for family security, global mobility, and wealth preservation during periods of uncertainty. Portugal’s hospitality sector continues to expand, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup co-hosting opportunity is projected to generate more than €800 million in economic impact.

VIDA Capital stands out through transparent communication, personalized concierge-style support, and advisory services focused on asset-backed hospitality investments via the VIDA Fund. The VIDA Fund strategy centers on acquiring tangible hospitality assets that support capital preservation. The advisory team has a collective track record of more than €4 billion in managed assets and over 100 private equity deals executed worldwide.

Secure your EU residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa supported by VIDA Capital’s advisory experience in Portugal’s growing hospitality market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portugal’s Golden Visa still worth pursuing in 2026?

Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment programs in 2026. The move to fund-only investments has created room for secure, asset-backed options such as the VIDA Fund. The minimal 14-day presence requirement every two years continues to appeal to busy professionals and families who want European residency without full relocation.

Can US citizens obtain permanent residency in Portugal without living there full-time?

US citizens can obtain permanent residency through the Golden Visa while keeping their primary residence in the United States. The program requires only 14 days of physical presence in Portugal every two years to maintain residency status. After five years, investors can apply for permanent residency if they have met the presence and investment requirements.

Are US citizens eligible for Portugal’s Golden Visa program?

US citizens qualify as non-EU nationals and can include their family in a single application. Eligible family members include spouses, dependent children under 18, and parents or in-laws who are over 65 or financially dependent on the main applicant.

Is the A2 Portuguese language test required for permanent residency?

The A2 Portuguese language test is not required for permanent residency through the Golden Visa. The A2 proficiency requirement applies only to citizenship applications. This structure makes the residency route accessible for investors who prefer to delay language study.

Which investment funds are available for the Golden Visa?

The VIDA Fund offers a leading asset-backed option that focuses on Portugal’s hospitality sector by acquiring and revitalizing undervalued hotel properties. This strategy aims to preserve capital through ownership of tangible assets while benefiting from Portugal’s tourism growth, which is projected to reach 22.6% of GDP by 2035.

Conclusion: A Practical Pathway to EU Residency

Portugal’s permanent residency requirements through the Golden Visa program give US investors a clear and secure route to European residency with minimal disruption to their current lifestyle. The 5-year path to permanent residency, combined with only 14 days of required presence every two years, creates a practical Plan B for families who value global mobility and long-term security.

The shift to fund-only investments has opened opportunities for sophisticated investors to participate in Portugal’s economic growth through asset-backed strategies. VIDA Capital’s experience with the application process, combined with access to the regulated VIDA Fund hospitality portfolio, offers a complete solution for achieving Portuguese residency and, over time, eligibility for citizenship.

Secure your EU residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa through VIDA Capital’s structured guidance and transparent investment approach.