Portugal Citizenship by Investment (2025)

What is Portugal’s Citizenship by Investment Program?

Portugal’s Golden Visa program, officially the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), is a residency-by-investment scheme launched in 2012 to attract foreign capital. As of March 7, 2025, it remains one of Europe’s most popular pathways to citizenship, offering non-EU nationals residency with a clear route to citizenship after five years. Benefits include visa-free travel in the Schengen Area (~26 countries), the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, and eventual access to an EU passport ranked among the world’s strongest (~174 visa-free destinations).

This guide details the 2025 requirements, investment options, costs, and application process. Ready to secure EU citizenship through Portugal’s Golden Visa? Let’s dive in!

Who Qualifies for Portugal’s Golden Visa?

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals over 18 with sufficient funds can apply. Key requirements for 2025:

Core Requirements

• Minimum investment of €250,000-€500,000 (depending on the option).
• Clean criminal record (home country and Portugal, verified via due diligence).
• Funds sourced legally from outside Portugal.
• Health insurance valid in Portugal.
• Minimum stay of 7 days/year (14 days every 2 years) for residency; A2-level Portuguese for citizenship after 5 years.

Eligible Dependents

• Spouse or legal partner.
• Children under 18, or 18-26 if unmarried students and dependent.
• Dependent parents (main applicant or spouse) over 65, or younger if dependent.
• Additional fees apply per dependent.

Investment Options in 2025

Since October 2023, real estate is no longer a qualifying option. Current pathways require €250,000-€500,000:

• Cultural Donation: €250,000 to support arts or restore national heritage (non-refundable).
• Scientific Research: €500,000 to fund research at public/private institutions.
• Investment Funds: €500,000 in CMVM-regulated venture capital/private equity funds (no real estate focus).
• Job Creation: Create 10 full-time jobs or invest €500,000 in a business creating/maintaining 8 jobs in low-density areas.

Note: Investments must be maintained for 5 years to qualify for citizenship.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Processing takes 12-18 months due to backlogs (AIMA, 2025). Steps for 2025:

1. Choose Investment: Select and execute a qualifying investment (e.g., fund subscription).
2. Gather Documents: Passport, criminal record, proof of funds/investment, health insurance.
3. Submit Online: Upload via the ARI portal (paper submissions discontinued in 2025).
4. Biometrics: Attend an appointment in Portugal (auto-scheduled 30-90 days after upload).
5. Approval: Receive residency card (valid 2 years, renewable) after due diligence.
6. Citizenship: After 5 years, apply with A2 Portuguese proficiency (CIPLE test) and ties to Portugal.

Pro Tip: Hire a lawyer (€3,000-€10,000) to navigate delays and ensure compliance.

Costs of Portugal’s Golden Visa

Costs vary by investment and family size (2025 estimates):

• Investment: €250,000 (cultural) or €500,000 (funds/research/jobs).
• Processing Fees: €533/application, €5,325 approval fee (main applicant), €83/dependent card.
• Renewal Fees: €2,663 every 2 years (main applicant), €83/dependent.
• Legal Fees: €3,000-€10,000.
• Total (Solo, Funds): ~€515,000+ (excluding citizenship application).

Expert Tips for Success

• Use a Lawyer: Essential for ARI portal and backlog navigation (€3,000-€10,000).
• Funds Option: Most popular—opt for diversified, CMVM-regulated funds for liquidity.
• Start Early: Backlogs mean 12-18 months; citizenship clock starts at application (2024 law).
• Learn Portuguese: Begin A2 prep early (CIPLE test needed for citizenship).
• Visit Regularly: Build ties to Portugal (7 days/year minimum).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References & Resources

• AIMA Portugal - Official program details.
• Global Citizen Solutions - Investment insights.
• Henley & Partners - 2025 updates.