Looking to obtain Portuguese citizenship through investment? While Portugal officially ended real estate investment options under the Golden Visa, there are still legal pathways to citizenship that begin with strategic investments.
At Borderless Lawyers, we help high-net-worth individuals navigate updated investment residency options that lead to EU citizenship—even in today’s legal climate.
🛑 Has Citizenship by Investment Ended in Portugal?
No—but it has changed.
Portugal no longer grants residency or citizenship through real estate or capital transfers under the traditional Golden Visa. However, you can still gain residency through active investment routes, which can lead to citizenship after 5 years.
🛤️ Legal Path to Citizenship by Investment (2024 and Beyond)
To become a citizen, investors must:
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Secure Portuguese residency through an eligible visa (e.g., Golden Visa or D7/D8/D2)
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Maintain residency for 5+ years
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Fulfill physical presence, language, and clean criminal record requirements
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Apply for permanent residency or citizenship
💼 Golden Visa: Still Active via Certain Investments
Although real estate is no longer allowed, the Golden Visa remains open through active investment categories:
1. 📈 Venture Capital / Private Equity Funds
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Invest €500,000+ in regulated Portuguese investment funds
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Funds must be focused on Portuguese startups or companies
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No day-to-day involvement required
2. 🧠 R&D Contribution
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Invest €500,000+ in research and development (science, tech, innovation)
3. 🎭 Cultural Heritage or Arts
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Donate €250,000+ to support Portuguese cultural projects or arts foundations
💡 Borderless Lawyers vets investment funds and assists with all compliance steps.
📅 Timeline to Citizenship
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Investment & GV application | 1–3 months |
| Golden Visa approval | 6–10 months |
| 5-year legal residency period | Min. 7 days/year |
| Citizenship application | After 5+ years |
| Approval & Passport | 6–12 months |
📜 Citizenship Requirements After 5 Years
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✅ 5 years of legal residency (Golden Visa qualifies)
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✅ Minimum 7 days/year physical presence under GV
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✅ A2-level Portuguese language certificate
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✅ No serious criminal record
📝 No need to give up your current citizenship—Portugal allows dual nationality.
🌍 Who Is This For?
This option is ideal for:
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🇺🇸 American, 🇨🇳 Chinese, 🇷🇺 Russian, 🇧🇷 Brazilian, 🇮🇳 Indian investors
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🌐 Entrepreneurs seeking EU access
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💼 Retirees or HNWIs looking for low-stay residency
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👨👩👧 Families planning for EU education and mobility
🔍 Comparing Investment Routes
| Route | Minimum Investment | Stay Requirement | Citizenship Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venture Fund | €500,000 | 7 days/year | ✅ Yes after 5 yrs |
| R&D | €500,000 | 7 days/year | ✅ Yes after 5 yrs |
| Arts Donation | €250,000 | 7 days/year | ✅ Yes after 5 yrs |
| Real Estate | ❌ Closed | – | ❌ Not valid |
📌 Required Documents
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Valid passport
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Clean criminal background check
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Proof of funds & origin of wealth
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Investment contract & fund documentation
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NIF (Portuguese tax number)
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Portuguese bank account
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Language certificate (for citizenship phase)
🛡️ Why Work with Borderless Lawyers?
We provide trusted legal support from start to citizenship:
✅ Investment fund due diligence
✅ Legal residency application
✅ NIF + bank account setup
✅ Annual renewals & compliance
✅ Language test registration
✅ Citizenship application support
We work with approved funds and tax partners across Portugal to protect your investment and residency journey.
🧳 Can Family Members Apply Too?
Yes—under the Golden Visa, you can include:
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Spouse or long-term partner
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Dependent children (under 26, if studying)
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Dependent parents (over 65 or financially dependent)
Each family member receives individual residency cards, renewable every 2 years.
📩 Ready to Start Your Citizenship by Investment Journey?
Contact Borderless Lawyers to receive a tailored investment residency plan that meets Portugal’s current legal framework and gets you on the path to EU citizenship.