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What is the Portugal Golden Visa program?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program launched in 2012 that allows non-EU citizens to obtain Portuguese residency through qualifying investments. It offers benefits such as living and working rights in Portugal, Schengen Area access, and a path to Portuguese citizenship after 5 years.
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What are the current investment options for the Golden Visa?
Following the "Mais Habitação Law" of October 2023, real estate is no longer a qualifying investment option. Current routes include: €500,000 in qualifying investment funds, €250,000 donation to arts/cultural heritage, €500,000 for scientific research, creation of 10 jobs, or €500,000 in share capital plus 5-10 jobs.
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Which nationalities apply for Portugal's Golden Visa the most?
Between 2023-2025, the leading applicant countries have been the USA (1,335), UK (720), China (582), India (460), Brazil (458), and Canada (329). USA has solidified its position as the leading source, while the UK has seen significant growth to become the second largest source by 2025.
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How long does the Golden Visa application process take?
Processing times have improved significantly since AIMA replaced SEF in October 2023. By Q1 2025, processing times have decreased from over 12 months to an average of 4-6 months for new applications. AIMA is expected to clear the remaining backlog by June 2025.
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Can my family members also get residency through my Golden Visa?
Yes, dependent family members can be included in your Golden Visa application. This includes your spouse/partner, dependent children, and in some cases, dependent parents. Statistics show an average of 1.8 dependents per main applicant as of 2025, indicating that most investors bring their families.
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Why was real estate removed as a Golden Visa investment option?
The "Mais Habitação Law" introduced in October 2023 eliminated real estate as a qualifying investment option to address housing shortages in Portugal. This policy change aimed to reduce pressure on the housing market while maintaining the program's economic benefits through other investment routes.
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What is the most popular investment route currently?
Fund investment (€500,000) has become the dominant route, accounting for over 78% of applications in 2025. These are investments in qualifying funds approved by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission, offering investors a balance of compliance certainty and potential returns.
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What are the residence requirements for Golden Visa holders?
Golden Visa holders have minimal stay requirements of just 7 days per year in Portugal. This makes the program particularly attractive for investors who cannot or do not wish to relocate permanently but want to maintain the option for future residency or citizenship.
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What is AIMA and how has it improved the Golden Visa process?
AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) replaced SEF in October 2023. It has implemented several improvements including complete digitalization of the application workflow, expanded processing teams, a dedicated Golden Visa department, automated preliminary reviews, and online appointment scheduling, reducing backlogs by 65%.
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How does the Golden Visa lead to Portuguese citizenship?
Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship after maintaining their residency for 5 years. Requirements include demonstrating basic knowledge of the Portuguese language (A2 level) and maintaining ties to Portugal. Citizenship provides full EU rights including freedom to live and work anywhere in the European Union.
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What has been the total investment through the Golden Visa program?
From 2012 to 2025, the Portugal Golden Visa program has attracted over €9.2 billion in total investment across all qualifying routes. This significant inflow has contributed to various sectors of the Portuguese economy, particularly in recent years through fund investments focused on Portuguese businesses and infrastructure.
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What future changes are expected for the Golden Visa program?
Future developments may include a new tech startup funding route (€350,000) expected in late 2025, potential citizenship eligibility reforms, new environmental investment categories, hybrid visa options combining elements of golden visa and digital nomad programs, and adjustments to maintain global competitiveness among European residency programs.
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