Portugal Golden Visa 2026 | EU Residency & Citizenship Path | Avyanco | Avyanco Citizenship

Overview — Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal's Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento (ARI) — commonly known as the Golden Visa — was relaunched in 2024 with a revised set of qualifying investment categories. The real estate route for residential property has been removed, but investment funds, research activities, and cultural/artistic contributions remain eligible.

The programme remains one of the most sought-after EU residency pathways for UAE-based investors. The key advantages are exceptional: a minimum stay of just 7 days per year qualifies you to maintain residency, your entire family is included in one application, and after 10 years of legal residency you and your family can apply for Portuguese citizenship — the nationality law was revised in 2026, extending the previous 5-year timeline.

A Portuguese passport ranks among the world's top 10 most powerful, providing visa-free access to 188 countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, and all EU member states — and full EU citizenship rights.

Who qualifies

Non-EU/EEA nationals aged 18 or older
Ability to make a qualifying investment of €500,000 or more
Clean criminal record from country of residence and country of birth
No sanctions or EU entry bans
Spouse, dependent children (unmarried), and dependent parents may be included

Investment routes

Qualifying Investment Fund

EUR 500,000

Investment in a qualifying fund regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). The fund must be domiciled in Portugal, have a minimum 5-year lock-up, and invest primarily in Portugal-based companies or assets.

Most popular post-2024 route — clean process, no real estate transaction

Research & Development Activity

EUR 500,000

Investment in scientific research activities conducted by public or private R&D institutions in Portugal. Well-suited to investors with interests in biotech, tech, or academic sectors.

Arts / Cultural Heritage Donation

EUR 250,000

Donation to support arts production, restoration of national heritage, or cultural activities. The lowest investment threshold, but subject to government approval of the specific initiative.

Key benefits

Full EU residency — live, work, study across all 27 EU states
Schengen Area visa-free travel from day one
Only 7 days minimum stay per year required
Path to citizenship after 10 years (nationality law revised 2026)
Entire family included in one application

How we process your application

Investment Identification

We identify qualifying CMVM-regulated funds that match your risk profile and investment horizon. We conduct due diligence on the fund manager and investment mandate.

NIF & Bank Account

We obtain your Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a Portuguese bank account — both required before the investment can be made.

Investment Execution

Fund subscription is completed. Proof of investment is obtained from the fund manager for inclusion in the ARI application.

ARI Application Submission

Application submitted to AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo). Processing takes 12–18 months; an immediate residency appointment confirmation is issued.

Biometric Appointment

You attend a biometric appointment at AIMA in Portugal. Most clients combine this with a short trip to Portugal.

Residence Card Issued

Golden Visa residence card issued for 2 years, renewable for 2-year periods. After 10 years of legal residency, Portuguese citizenship can be applied for — the timeline was extended from 5 to 10 years by the 2026 nationality law.

Why apply with Avyanco

21+ yearsof advisory experience guiding global investors

End-to-endone dedicated case team from first call to approval

Bank-gradedue diligence on every file to minimise rejection

Fixed feesyour full cost quoted upfront — no surprises

Frequently asked questions

Can I still invest in Portuguese real estate for a Golden Visa?

Residential real estate investment was removed as a qualifying Golden Visa category in October 2023. Commercial real estate, rehabilitated properties in low-density areas, and other commercial property types may still qualify under specific conditions. However, investment funds are now the primary and most straightforward route we recommend.

How many days do I need to spend in Portugal each year?

Just 7 days in the first year, and 14 days in each subsequent two-year renewal period. This is the lowest minimum stay requirement of any EU residency programme — you can maintain your life in Dubai while qualifying for Portuguese residency and, eventually, citizenship.

When can I apply for Portuguese citizenship?

Portugal revised its nationality law in 2026 (signed 3 May 2026), extending the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years (7 years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking/CPLP countries). The residency clock runs from the issue of your residence permit. You must also meet the minimum-stay requirements, pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level), and have no relevant criminal record. Applications already pending when the law took effect remain protected under the previous 5-year rule.

Is my investment capital returned?

Investment fund capital is returned at the end of the fund's life — typically 8–12 years. The return depends on fund performance. Government contributions (arts/culture route) are non-refundable. Advisory and processing fees are non-refundable. We help you select funds with strong track records from established managers.

Reviewed by

Jashvantkumar Prajapati

Founder & CEO, Avyanco — 21+ years in global mobility advisory

Portugal Golden Visa