The global investment migration industry saw some turbulent changes in 2024. But one jurisdiction stands resilient: Portugal.

As nations worldwide tighten their foreign investment and immigration policies, the Portugal Golden Visa program continues to offer a path to Portuguese nationality through diverse investment options. Evolving beyond traditional real estate to embrace new asset classes, the residence permit and investment program now includes Bitizenship’s pioneering venture capital funds with exposure to the Bitcoin ecosystem.

For Golden Visa investors who desire investment return, minimal requirements, and an effective Plan B, Portugal’s appeal extends far beyond its residency program. In this guide, you’ll learn eight compelling reasons why foreign investors increasingly apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa over other EU Golden Visa programs.

apply for portuguese golden visa

The Current State of Portuguese Immigration

Portuguese nationality and immigration law has undergone a seismic shift. Few expected upwards of 100,000 investors and families to participate in the Portugal Golden Visa when it was first introduced in 2012. Since then, immigration officials have modified the program. Here’s where it stands as of 2025:

In 2023 the popular real estate investment pathway was eliminated from the residency by investment program. Both the private and public sectors have worked together since then to introduce innovative new qualified investment structures that align with Portugal’s vision for the future, benefit the local people, and allow investors to gain residency in the country on the path to Portugal citizenship.

Diverse Investment Options

Under current Portuguese law, the Golden Visa program offers three major capital investment options:

  • The first involves regulated private equity and venture capital funds, where Bitizenship has established the world’s first Golden Visa-eligible fund of Web3 companies. Minimum investment starts at €500,000.
  • Second, investors can choose to dedicate that €500,000 to an existing local business and create ten or more jobs (eight or more jobs in a low-population density area).
  • Last, investors may donate €250,000 to arts and national cultural heritage productions or €500,000 to national scientific research activities.

Furthermore, the current Golden Visa structure allows for investors to include family members – like dependent parents and dependent children (more on this below) – in their application as well.

For prospective Golden Visa investors exploring their options, it’s crucial to understand that immigration officers now desire technological advancement and economic diversification in Portugal. This is the reason for the elimination of the property investment option and introduction of the lower threshold cultural heritage and science donation options.

In the most recent update from AIMA, the department in charge of Portugal immigration policy, the application process has been significantly streamlined for both old applicants and new investors. A digital platform will allow applicants to track their process from investment all the way through to permanent residency/citizenship eligibility.

Additionally, AIMA has indicated that the countdown to Portuguese nationality eligibility starts upon application submission, not application approval or providing biometric data.

This institutional framework ensures that applicants of the Golden Visa program are processed with transparency, clarity, and speed.

apply for portuguese citizenship

Eight Compelling Reasons to Choose Portugal

1. Streamlined Path to Portuguese Citizenship and EU Nationality

While Caribbean nations have direct citizenship by investment programs, non-EU nationals recognize that Portuguese citizenship offers something far more valuable – even if it’s not as direct or rapid: Citizenship in the European Union has many advantages.

The path to obtain Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa program is efficient. After maintaining your qualifying investment for at least five years and meeting other physical presence and Portuguese language requirements, you can apply for Portuguese nationality or permanent residency under the Portuguese nationality law.

This five-year timeline positions Portugal as the fastest EU Golden Visa program to citizenship, especially considering the minimal physical presence requirements. You must visit Portugal for at least seven days in year one, followed by fourteen days in each subsequent two-year period. That equates to just seven days a year on average. Then, investors can acquire citizenship under Portuguese citizenship law.

What sets Portuguese citizenship apart from Caribbean citizenship is the unparalleled access it provides. As a Portuguese citizen, you gain visa free travel to over 185 countries, including long-term access to all EU countries. The Portuguese passport is one of the strongest travel documents in the world. This effectively transforms your global mobility and investment portfolio, particularly for non-EU nationals with restricted travel privileges.

Portuguese citizens also enjoy the right to live, work, study, access healthcare, and travel visa-free in each of the 27 EU member states.

Moreover, Portuguese nationality law allows for dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your current citizenship while you acquire Portuguese citizenship. Upon becoming a resident through the Golden Visa program, you also immediately gain access to Portugal’s world-class healthcare system and educational institutions.

The strategic value of European citizenship cannot be overstated in today’s world. With more access and options come more opportunities for you and your family. If you obtain citizenship in Portugal, your family members will have generational access to the European continent and be able to pass down citizenship to their children as well. Even persons born abroad to Portuguese citizens are entitled to Portuguese nationality.

apply for portuguese passport

2. Economic and Political Stability

Over the last few years, seemingly traditional and stable geopolitical powers have faced bouts of volatility. Among European Union countries, Portugal stands as a beacon of economic stability. While other European nations grapple with political upheaval and economic uncertainty, Portugal maintains one of the continent’s most stable investment environments.

As a fully integrated member of the EU’s banking system, Portugal Golden Visa applicants gain access to the country’s financial infrastructure and a growing cryptocurrency hub. Opening a bank account in Portugal provides entry to the European financial network, with protections under EU banking regulations. And with Portuguese nationality, citizens gain even more banking and investment privileges across the region.

While other countries frequently suspend or dramatically alter their citizenship programs, the Portuguese Golden Visa investment program has evolved strategically since its introduction in 2012, maintaining its benefits while adapting to its population’s and economy’s needs. For investors interested in more innovative funds designed for these dual objectives, Bitizenship’s venture capital fund of local and international Web3 companies provides an additional layer of security.

The investment framework has remained relatively consistent, providing the certainty required for investors’ long-term plans.

Critical to this stability is Portugal’s due diligence process. The clean criminal record requirement serves a dual purpose: It maintains the program’s reputation while ensuring only law-abiding residents join the national community. This vetting process also includes background checks, source of funds verification, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

Strategic location of Lisbon, Portugal

3. Strategic Geographic Location

While many countries in the European Union can boast their strategic position in the settlement bloc and economy, Portugal offers a unique geographic advantage that investors have capitalized on. As the westernmost point of continental Europe, Portugal serves as a bridge between North America and Europe and its capital Lisbon an important business hub in several industries, including the traditional financial and cryptocurrency sectors.

Six-hour direct flights connect major Portuguese territory to travel hubs across the United States and Canada, making Portugal an ideal base for entrepreneurs maintaining trans-Atlantic business operations.

For those wanting to establish a European Union presence while maintaining strong ties with North America, Portugal’s strategic position has attracted many Golden Visa investors. And for residence permit holders who must visit the country for at least seven days per year (on average) to maintain the visa and qualify for citizenship, this ease of travel makes Portugal’s Golden Visa attractive.

Portugal’s accessibility and growing reputation as a business hub in Europe creates opportunities for Golden Visa investors looking to bridge multiple markets from a single, stable base.

4. Mediterranean Lifestyle & High Quality of Life

Several European Union countries offer Golden Visas and other residency programs. But Portugal’s Golden Visa delivers on a key factor that continues to appeal to investors: InterNations’ Expat Insider 2023 report ranked Portugal as having the world’s tenth highest quality of life.

The Portuguese territory combines Mediterranean charm with modern European lifestyle, creating an environment that rivals California’s celebrated lifestyle – at a fraction of the cost. Portugal’s climate speaks volumes:

  • 300 days of sunshine annually
  • Average temperatures from 15°C (59°F) in winter to 30°C (86°F), nearly identical to San Francisco’s climate profile

This environmental advantage has attracted a thriving Portuguese community of international entrepreneurs and remote workers, particularly in Madeira, Porto, and Lisbon.

Additionally, the country’s national cultural heritage is another advantage. Portugal ranks as Europe’s fourth-largest wine producer, with 31 protected wine regions across the Portuguese territory. Portugal’s gastronomy scene has earned international acclaim, with 28 Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2025 – a remarkable density for a nation of only 10 million.

For Golden Visa residence permit holders seeking more than a foothold in Europe, Portuguese citizenship, and expanded visa-free travel, the country’s rich culture offers incredible value – even if they don’t relocate. The government has actively preserved this heritage through Golden Visa-qualifying investments initiatives in artistic production and cultural heritage projects.

Cost of living in Portugal

5. Cost-Effective Living

While Golden Visa programs require significant investment in the country, Portugal offers a unique proposition – access to European quality of life up to 50% more affordable than other EU countries.

Numbeo’s 2024 Cost of Living Index reveals that Portugal ranks 58th of 140 countries in cost of living. In fact, daily expenses in Portugal are 47.7% more affordable than France’s, making the former a cost-effective choice for life abroad.

For Americans analyzing their investment options, the numbers are compelling: Portugal’s minimum investment requirements (€250,000 – €500,000) for the Golden Visa program remain among the most accessible in the EU.

The Portuguese territory still offers exceptional value for personal property acquisition even if real estate investment no longer qualifies for the Portugal Golden Visa program. According to Knight Frank’s 2024 Global Residential Cities Index, prime property in Lisbon averages €5,700 per square meter but has surged 5.6% in the last twelve months.

The Non-Habitual Resident special tax regime was eliminated in 2024. However, the Portuguese parliament is currently discussing a revised program to introduce significant tax benefits to new legal residents in the country, including a 20% flat tax on local employment for ten years and zero tax on foreign income such as dividends and royalties.

Here’s a rough overview of other worthwhile tax advantages in Portugal:

  • No wealth tax
  • No inheritance tax for direct family members
  • No capital gains tax on cryptocurrency held for more than one year

Portugal’s tax optimization opportunities and lower cost of living have compelled thousands of investors. For those interested in completing a Golden Visa application and potentially acquiring citizenship, Portugal offers significant chances for investors to preserve their capital over a long time period.

6. Family-Friendly Immigration Policies

While many investment migration programs limit family inclusion, the Portugal Golden Visa program stands out for its approach to family reunification. First, with the required documents and associated fees, those applying for the residence permit are able to include several family members in their application.

According to recent data, successful Golden Visa applicants can include:

  • Dependent children up to age 24 (if enrolled in educational institutions)
  • Dependent parents over 65 years old
  • Spouses or legal partners through civil union
  • Children with disabilities regardless of age

Dependent family members enjoy identical rights as the main applicant, including access to education, healthcare, and eventual Portuguese nationality in at least five years.

Once the residence permit is obtained, Portuguese law extends these benefits across generations. Portuguese citizenship law explicitly recognizes that those of Portuguese roots are eligible for Portuguese nationality and a second passport. That means that children born to Portuguese parents automatically qualify for Portuguese nationality, even if born abroad.

The Portuguese government’s approach ensures that your qualifying investment secures not just your future, but your family’s legacy within the EU for generations to come.

Welcoming culture in Lisbon

7. Safety and Welcoming Culture

Portugal ranks as the 7th safest country in the 2024 Global Peace Index, surpassing traditional safe havens like Denmark, Canada, Norway, and Japan. Safety and security are fundamental advantages for Golden Visa holders considering eventual permanent residence and Portuguese nationality.

The data supporting Portugal’s safety credentials is compelling:

  • Violent crime rates 70% below the EU average
  • One of the lowest homicide rates in Europe at 0.9 per 100,000 inhabitants

Beyond safety metrics, the Portuguese community’s welcoming nature sets it apart from other European countries. In the same Expat Survey mentioned above, Portugal ranks 17th in the world for its population’s welcoming attitudes to tourists and new residents alike. The Portuguese government has actively attracted foreign direct investment and immigration through:

  • Ease of applying for Portuguese residence permits and citizenship
  • Multilingual services in major immigration offices
  • Integration programs for new legal residents
  • Cultural exchange initiatives

Portugal also boasts one of Europe’s highest English proficiency rates outside the UK, ranking 8th in the continent. Major cities like Lisbon and Porto have thriving international expat communities where English is widely spoken. However, do learn some Portuguese because basic proficiency in the Portuguese language is required for those applying for Portuguese nationality after five years of residency.

8. Minimal Residency Requirements

Perhaps most significant of the advantages of the Portugal Golden Visa program is the minimal physical presence requirements. While nations like Greece demand six months of annual physical presence to naturalize in seven years, the Portuguese government has established Europe’s most flexible residency requirements:

  • First year: Just seven days in Portuguese territory
  • Subsequent two-years: 14 days in each period
  • Five-year total requirement: Only 35 days

Investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals generally appreciate this minimal residency period as it allows them to remain flexible and maintain their current lifestyle while working toward legal residence and Portuguese nationality in just five years. If a Golden Visa holder meets their residency requirements each year, that also means they do not relocate their tax residency and would not require a tax filing in Portugal either.

Compared to other European Golden Visa programs, these requirements are significantly less demanding.

According to a recent update from AIMA, the Portuguese nationality law has further streamlined the path to citizenship by counting your legal residence from the date of initial Golden Visa application, not approval. This means time spent during application processing counts toward your five-year requirement for obtaining Portuguese citizenship and extensive visa-free travel around the globe.

Portugal quality of life

The 2025 Investment Process

While many perceive the Golden Visa application as complex, the Portuguese government has established a clear, systematic pathway, especially in recent months. To reduce processing times for qualified investors, reforms have digitized a significant portion of the application process. The Portugal Golden Visa program in 2025 requires the following sequential steps:

Initial Capital Transfer Requirements:

  • €500,000 for private equity or venture capital funds (like Bitizenship’s fund)
  • €500,000 for local business investments that create 8+ new jobs
  • €500,000 for a contribution to national scientific research activities
  • €250,000 for a contribution to artistic and national cultural heritage projects

Other Required Documents for Golden Visa Applicants:

  • Valid passport
  • Clean criminal record from prior countries of residence
  • Portuguese tax identification number
  • Proof of qualifying investment completion
  • Birth certificate
  • Bank account statements showing investment source
  • Proof of local health insurance coverage

Biometric Data Collection:

  • In-person appointment at the immigration office
  • Digital fingerprint scanning
  • Current photograph collection
  • Signature verification

Eligibility for Portuguese Nationality

Assuming an investor has completed the Golden Visa investment process and become a temporary resident of Portugal, they must then accomplish the following in order to qualify of Portuguese citizenship:

  • Complete minimum physical presence requirements (outlined above)
  • Maintain their investment for the minimum period of five years
  • Demonstrate basic proficiency in the Portuguese language
  • Provide evidence of a clean criminal record
  • Complete biometric data collection
  • Hold a valid passport

The Portuguese immigration office typically processes complete initial Golden Visa documents within 12-24 months, with successful applicants receiving their residence permit retroactive to their application submission date. This institutional efficiency ensures that time spent during processing counts toward the minimum period required for obtaining Portugal citizenship.

EU member Portugal

Contact Bitizenship to Get Started on Your Portugal Golden Visa and Path to Portuguese Nationality

For investors, entrepreneurs, and families seeking an insurance policy and more options as geopolitics reshape the world, the Portugal Golden Visa program stands out as an option for both a residence permit and eventual Portuguese citizenship (in the EU).

Through qualifying investment in investment funds like Bitizenship’s initiative, investors can secure Portuguese nationality in just five years.

Portugal offers an unmatched value proposition. Contact Bitizenship today to explore how our institutional-grade investment solutions can align with your global mobility goals and help you obtain Portuguese citizenship through our pioneering fund structure.


Alessandro Palombo

Ale is the co-founder of Bitizenship. He cares about the craft of building quality products that make life better for people. He writes about these topics, as well as freedom, wealth, and global mobility, in a newsletter read by thousands of modern citizens.

FAQ

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Yes, we coordinate with trusted law firms and advisors to streamline the entire process for you.

Visit the official Unbound Fund website for detailed insights into Unbound Fund.

We focus exclusively on Portugal’s program, offering unmatched flexibility and strategic advantages.