Portugal Golden Visa in 2026: who it’s for, pros and cons, and comparison with alternatives
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Portugal Golden Visa in 2026: €500,000 fund investments, citizenship after 5 years. Pros, risks, alternatives, and required documents explained.
For many years, Portugal’s Golden Visa program was synonymous with a simple and comfortable path to EU residency. However, since 2023 the rules have become significantly stricter. In 2026, the Portugal Golden Visa is no longer a tool for quick relocation or seaside property purchases, but rather an investment-focused solution for strategically minded investors. Let’s break down who the program is suitable for today, how it works, and which alternatives exist within the EU.
Eligibility and key features in 2026
In 2026, the Portugal Golden Visa is available to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens over 18 years old, with a clean background and a verifiable source of funds. The main qualifying route is an investment of at least €500,000 into regulated investment funds approved by the Portuguese regulator (CMVM).
Key features:
Key features:
- Investment from €500,000 in funds
- Processing time: 12–18 months
- Minimum stay requirement: 7 days per year in Portugal
- Family members can be included
- Path to permanent residence and citizenship after 5 years
Required documents
- International passport of the applicant and family members
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of source of funds (bank statements, tax returns)
- Investment documents confirming fund participation
- Health insurance
- Application forms and photographs
Timelines and costs
- Investment: from €500,000
- Government fees: €5,300–€7,000 per person
- Legal support: €5,000–€15,000
- Additional expenses (insurance, translations, certificates): €2,000+
- Annual fund management fees: 1–2%
Who the Portugal golden visa is suitable for
Ideal candidates:
- Entrepreneurs and senior executives
- Passive investors with capital of €500,000+
- Families planning EU education for children
- Individuals seeking legal access to the Schengen Area without relocation
- Applicants with budgets below €250,000
- Those looking to relocate and work immediately
- Investors focused on residential real estate purchases
Pros and cons of the program
Advantages
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
- Family inclusion without additional investment
- Very low residence requirements
- Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years
- Investment in potentially income-generating funds
- High entry threshold (€500,000+)
- Residential real estate excluded
- Long processing timelines
- Mandatory visits to Portugal
- Enhanced source-of-funds checks
Key risks
- Potential increase in the minimum investment threshold
- Legislative changes in the future
- Market risks associated with investment funds
- Strict due diligence, especially for Russian applicants
Comparison with other residency options
Portugal Residence Options
- Golden Visa: €500,000+, no relocation required, citizenship after 5 years
- D7 Visa (Passive Income): €8,000–€10,000 annual income, physical residence required
- Startup Visa: active business involvement, higher operational risk
- Greece: from €250,000 in real estate, no residence requirement, citizenship after 7 years
- Hungary: from €250,000 in funds, no residence requirement, citizenship after 8+ years with language exam
- Spain: program closed
Final thoughts: who should seriously consider it
In 2026, Portugal’s Golden Visa is not a mass-market product, but a strategic solution for investors with a long-term outlook. If your goals include stability, legal access to the EU, and a path to citizenship without permanent residence, this remains one of the strongest programs available.
Contact Visa Dan for a personalized consultation. We will help you select the right fund, prepare documentation, and pass due diligence with minimal risk.
Contact Visa Dan for a personalized consultation. We will help you select the right fund, prepare documentation, and pass due diligence with minimal risk.
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.
The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!