While Portuguese citizenship through real estate is no longer valid, Portugal still offers a path to citizenship by investment in 2025.
Portugal Golden Visa 2025
Portugal remains an attractive destination for most investors worldwide. The country offers opportunities beyond leisure and tourism, as it is renowned for its affordable cost of living, high quality of life, welcoming environment, favorable tax regimes, and excellent healthcare. A popular route to Portugal for investors and entrepreneurs is the Portugal citizenship by investment program, which allows them to purchase properties in Portugal and provides a pathway to permanent residency in the country, ultimately leading to citizenship.
However, the Portuguese citizenship by investment program, accessed through the Golden Visa route, has changed in recent years. As such, investors and entrepreneurs considering the Portugal Golden Visa luxury property pathway must be aware of the changed regulations, eligibility criteria, and potential challenges. This article explains Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa, including whether individuals can still obtain Portuguese citizenship by buying property in 2025, the application process for obtaining Portuguese citizenship by investment, and other relevant details.
Understanding Portuguese Citizenship through the Golden Visa
Portugal offers non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens a structured pathway to obtain residency and eventually citizenship. The most popular route has long been the Golden Visa launched in 2012, which allows investors to secure residence permits in exchange for qualifying investments. The visa is valid for 5 years. To maintain your residency status on the visa, you only need to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal.
The Portugal Golden Visa doesn't immediately grant you Portuguese citizenship due to your investment in Portugal; rather, it provides a pathway to become a Portuguese citizen.
To transition from a Portugal Golden Visa to citizenship, you must hold your initial residency permit for at least 5 years, maintain a minimum level of residency by spending at least 7 days annually in Portugal, and demonstrate basic Portuguese language skills and knowledge of Portuguese culture. After meeting all requirements, you may apply for Portugal citizenship through the naturalization route.
However, the program has faced several changes since its introduction. In October 2023, real estate investments were restricted, and the program shifted its focus to interior regions and economic development contributions. For investors, this means carefully selecting investments that meet both immigration and financial goals.
Can You Still Get Portuguese Citizenship by Buying Property in 2025?
As of 2025, it is no longer possible to obtain Portuguese residence or citizenship directly by buying luxury property. Due to increasing property values resulting from Golden Visa real estate investments, the Portuguese government removed real estate-related pathways in October 2023.
However, if you already secured a Golden Visa through real estate before these changes, your residency is protected under previous rules.
As of 2025, the following no longer qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa:
- Purchase of real estate properties
- Direct or indirect investments in funds linked to real estate
- Capital transfers of €1,500,000 or more (e.g., large bank deposits)
Portugal Citizenship by Investment 2025
While citizenship through real estate is no longer valid, Portugal still offers a path to citizenship through investment in 2025. This route leads to residency first, followed by citizenship after meeting the requirements.
Eligible investment options in 2025 include:
- Investment funds: Minimum €500,000 into a qualifying non–real-estate Portuguese fund
- Business investment:
- €500,000+ into a Portuguese company and creation of at least 5 jobs, OR
- Creation of 10 new full-time jobs
- Cultural heritage donation: €250,000 (or €200,000 in low-density areas)
- Scientific research contribution: €500,000+ to approved institutions
Step-by-Step Guide to Citizenship Through the Portugal Golden Visa
If you're seeking to secure a Portugal Golden Visa in 2025, follow this step-by-step process:
- Choose from the approved investment options.
- Secure a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
- Open a Portuguese bank account.
- Transfer the investment funds and obtain proof of compliance.
- Apply for the Golden Visa through AIMA (formerly SEF).
- Receive your initial residence permit (valid for 2 years).
- Renew your residence permit every 2 years while maintaining your investment and spending an average of 7 days per year in Portugal.
- Maintain your investment for at least 5 years.
- Apply for Portuguese citizenship after fulfilling all requirements.
Proposed Changes to the Portugal Golden Visa in 2025
In mid-2025, a proposed nationality law may:
- Increase residency requirements for naturalization from 5 to 7 years for CPLP countries
- Increase from 5 to 10 years for non-CPLP nationals
- Introduce a civic knowledge test in addition to the language exam
These changes would affect Golden Visa holders as well as D7 and Digital Nomad Visa residents.
Additionally, the government is modernizing AIMA to speed up processing and reduce backlogs.
Conclusion
Your dream of Portugal citizenship is still very much feasible, but the roadmap has changed. The direct link between buying luxury property and obtaining a Portuguese passport has been removed. Citizenship in 2025 requires compliance with the revised Golden Visa investment options, while luxury real estate can still be purchased as a lifestyle choice-not as a qualifying route to residency.
Due to the complexities and evolving regulations, seeking professional legal and immigration guidance is highly recommended. Experts can help you navigate the updated pathways, ensure proper investment structuring, and align your real estate goals with your broader long-term European lifestyle and citizenship aspirations.
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