Thinking about a second passport in Europe? Portugal offers one of the most accessible and attractive pathways to citizenship through investment. 

Whether you’re looking to diversify your assets, relocate, or simply enjoy the benefits of EU mobility, Portugal’s residency-by-investment programs—like the Golden Visa—can help you achieve that goal. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to invest in Portugal, the types of qualifying investments, the steps toward residency, and how you can eventually become a Portuguese citizen.

Why Portugal is Attractive for Foreign Investors?

Portugal continues to attract foreign investors thanks to its political stability, EU membership, skilled workforce, and welcoming regulatory environment. But the real standout is the real estate sector, which remains the most popular and profitable investment avenue.

In 2023 alone, foreign investment in Portuguese real estate exceeded €3 billion, with cities like Lisbon, Porto, and parts of the Algarve seeing consistent growth in demand. Despite global uncertainty, Portugal’s property market remains resilient, supported by tourism, digital nomads, and a growing expat population.

Beyond real estate, other high-potential sectors include:

  • Tourism & Hospitality: Contributes over 15% to GDP, with Portugal named one of Europe’s top travel destinations.

  • Renewable Energy: Over 60% of electricity comes from renewable sources, making it a key sector for green investment.

  • Tech & Startups: Lisbon and Porto are growing innovation hubs, supported by government grants and international incubators.

With solid infrastructure, tax-friendly policies like the NHR regime, and access to the entire EU market, Portugal offers a unique mix of security, profitability, and lifestyle — ideal for long-term foreign investment.

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Benefits of Investing in Portugal

Pathway to EU Residency & Citizenship: Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most attractive in Europe. With a qualifying investment (starting from €250,000), foreign investors can obtain legal residency and apply for citizenship after 5 years—without needing to live full-time in the country. Portugal also allows dual citizenship, a major advantage for global mobility.

Access to the European Union Market: Portugal provides full access to the EU’s single market of over 450 million people, allowing businesses to operate and expand throughout Europe with no internal trade barriers.

Strong and Resilient Real Estate Market: Real estate remains the most popular investment route.

  • In 2023, foreign investment in property reached over €3 billion, with consistent demand in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
  • Despite global challenges, property prices in Portugal rose by 7.8% year-on-year (INE data), showing the market’s resilience.
  • The tourism boom continues to support short-term rental yields as high as 6–8% in key cities.

Favorable Tax Environment: Portugal offers highly attractive tax advantages for new foreign such as no wealth tax, inheritance tax, or gift tax on immediate family

Political and Economic Stability: Portugal ranks as one of the most peaceful countries in the world — #7 on the Global Peace Index 2023. It also has a stable democratic government, low corruption, and strong legal protections for property and investors.

Portugal’s Investment Pathway to Citizenship

The Portugal Golden Visa program has become one of the most popular residency-by-investment schemes in Europe, attracting investors from around the world. One of the key reasons for its success is the variety of investment routes available, offering flexibility to suit different profiles—whether you’re focused on business, innovation, culture, or long-term growth.

Unlike many other programs that rely solely on real estate, Portugal allows investors to contribute to the country’s economy in diverse and meaningful ways. From supporting local job creation to investing in scientific research or cultural heritage, each option plays a role in strengthening Portugal’s future—and can lead to residency, and eventually, EU citizenship.

Below are the main qualifying investment options currently available under the Portugal Golden Visa program:

  • Investment funds: Contribution of €500,000 or higher, for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital fund of funds under the Portuguese. 
  • Business Investment: Minimum investment of €500,000 for constitution of a company in Portugal, combined with the creation of five permanent working jobs.
  • Scientific research: Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €500,000 for investing in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions.
  • Cultural heritage contribution: Known as the Cultural Golden Visa, donation of a minimum of €250,000 for investing in artistic output or supporting the arts, for reconstruction or refurbishment of the national heritage.
  • Job Creation: Incorporating a company and creation of at least, ten jobs positions. 

In the last three options mentioned above, if the investment is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20 percent discount applies.

golden visa funds portugal residency advisors

How to Gain Portuguese Citizenship by Investment: Application Process

Portuguese Citizenship Requirements

To apply for Portuguese citizenship—whether through the Golden Visa, D7 visa, or another residency route—you’ll need to meet several key requirements:

  • Minimum Legal Residency
    You must have legally resided in Portugal for at least five years. This residency period doesn’t need to be continuous, but it must be legal and documented. Time spent in Portugal under a qualifying residence permit (like the Golden Visa) counts toward this.
  • Basic Knowledge of Portuguese
    You’ll need to demonstrate basic proficiency in the Portuguese language by passing the CIPLE A2-level exam. This shows that you can handle simple conversations and understand basic written Portuguese.
  • Clean Criminal Record
    Applicants must not have any serious criminal convictions, either in Portugal or in their home country. A clean background is essential for approval.
  • Proof of Integration
    You should show reasonable ties to Portugal—this could include tax residency, local address registration, and some degree of integration into Portuguese life and culture.

When applying, you’ll need to provide several official documents, such as your passport, proof of legal residency, birth certificate, language certificate, and background checks.

Once all conditions are met, you can apply for citizenship through IRN (Instituto dos Registos e Notariado). Approval typically takes between 6 and 29 months, depending on the complexity of your case.

For more videos about investing or moving to Portugal, explore our YouTube channel here: YouTube Channel Portugal Residency Advisors.

Why choose Portugal Residency Advisors for Investing in Portugal

Local Expertise

We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information. 

Holistic Approach

One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle. 

Transparent Service

We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.

Simple Process

Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to invest in Portugal and get citizenship

Yes. Through Portugal’s Golden Visa program, foreign investors can obtain residency, and after 5 years, apply for citizenship, provided all requirements are met.

Popular routes include:

  • €500,000 in investment funds

  • €500,000 in scientific research

  • €250,000 donation to cultural heritage

  • Business creation with 5–10 job positions

No. Golden Visa holders only need to spend 7 days per year in Portugal during the 5-year residency period.

You can apply for citizenship after 5 years of legal residency, assuming you meet all other requirements, like language proficiency and clean criminal records.

As of recent updates, residential and commercial real estate are no longer eligible. 

Currently, the €500,000 investment in regulated Portuguese investment funds is the most popular and flexible route for Golden Visa applicants.

Not automatically. You’re only considered a tax resident if you spend 183+ days per year in Portugal. 

Yes. Before applying for citizenship, you must pass the CIPLE A2 Portuguese language exam, which shows basic understanding.

Yes. Your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents can be included and receive residency rights through the main applicant’s investment.

Once you become a Portuguese citizen, you gain full EU citizenship rights—including the ability to live, work, and travel freely across the EU, and apply for a Portuguese passport.