Portugal’s Golden Visa – what’s new?

Portugal’s Golden Visa – what’s new?

Portugal Golden Visa 2025 – Investment Funds, Residency & Citizenship

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Demand for investment funds eligible for Portugal’s Golden Visa is skyrocketing, particularly from investors in the United States, according to the Portuguese newspaper Expresso.

Since October 2023, property investment no longer qualifies for the Golden Visa under the government’s Mais Habitação housing plan. Existing holders who applied before the change remain protected, however, new applicants must now explore alternative routes.

Golden Visa Options in 2025
Despite the real estate ban, several strong pathways remain:

  1. Investment Funds (€500k+) – Now the most popular choice. Requires subscribing to Portuguese funds (non–real estate) with at least 60% invested locally, held for 5+ years.

Pros: Diversification, potential returns, passive structure.

Cons: Market risk, management fees, careful fund vetting needed.

  1. Job Creation
    • 10+ Jobs: Create and maintain 10 full-time roles.
    • €500k + 5 Jobs: Invest €500,000 in a Portuguese company and create 5+ jobs for 3 years.

Pros: Tangible economic impact, more control (Option B).

Cons: High operational involvement, riskier.

  1. Arts, Culture and Research
    • Cultural Heritage (€250k+): Support arts or cultural preservation.
    • R&D (€500k+): Fund scientific research.

Pros: Lower threshold (arts) supports society.

Cons: No financial returns, careful project selection needed.

Residency and Citizenship
Golden Visa benefits remain unchanged: live, work, and study in Portugal, plus visa-free Schengen travel, with just 7 days/year stay required. After 5 years, holders may apply for permanent residency or citizenship (requirements: clean record, no tax debts, A2-level Portuguese). Importantly, the 5-year clock may start from application submission, not approval, thus shortening the wait.

Is It Still Worth It?
Yes. The Golden Visa has shifted focus from property to financial, business, and cultural investments, but its path to EU residency and citizenship is intact. With expert guidance from the team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Portugal Property, it remains a powerful and flexible option in 2025.

To discuss Portugal’s Golden Visa, contact us by email hello@PortugalProperty.com or call us on +351 308 800 878 or 0800 014 8201 free from the UK.

Published in: Business / Guide to Portugal / News and Updates / Portugal Property