Specific options for citizenship investment grant a means for EU citizenship through the Golden Visa, meant for non-EU investors interested in contributing to the EU’s economy and development. Visas have been offering residency to individuals with a powerful passport, in demand for individuals seeking flexibility and stability in their pursuit of global mobility, since 2012. In 2025, these visas will still be a viable option for those desiring a safe future in Europe.
Some visas have lower residency requirements, and family options like the Portuguese Golden Visa that appeal to investors who appreciate flexibility and the potential to grow their opportunities. This guide will outline how smart investments can be used towards citizenship through the investor program, leveraging Portugal’s favorable policies, culture, and economic growth, with a comprehensive map of victories for 2023.
Overview of the Portuguese Visa
The Visa serves as the cornerstone of portuguese citizenship investment, facilitating residency that evolves into naturalization. Since 2012, it has attracted billions in foreign capital, supporting Portugal’s recovery and development. The program’s allowance for dual citizenship adds to its allure, enabling investors to retain their original nationality.
Starting in 2023, the program changed from real estate to sustainable investments that catered to a long-term strategy for economic benefit. By 2025, the Agency for Integration and Migration increased the efficiency of the system, resulting in decreased wait times. In doing so, some have suggested changes to the timeline of various processes to support more gradual effects of integration; notwithstanding, the five-year path to citizenship remained unchanged for investors who are already in the country.
Eligibility for Portuguese Citizenship Investment
To pursue Portuguese citizenship investment, applicants must hold non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizenship and be at least 18 years old. A clean criminal record, verified by official certificates from all countries of residence, is mandatory. Investments must be maintained for five years, with light stay obligations of seven days initially and 14 days every two years.
No language skills are required for residency, but citizenship demands A2-level Portuguese proficiency and a proposed civic test to ensure cultural connection. This balanced approach supports global investors while encouraging integration over time.
Investment Pathways for 2025
The Portuguese Golden Visa offers a range of investment routes to support Portugal’s growth:
- Funds: Invest a minimum of 500,000 euros in equity or venture capital, such as Mercan Group’s hospitality funds, which have guaranteed returns and redemption privileges.
- Cultural Projects: Put some euros towards the protection of cultural heritage, such as the renovations of a place of artistic importance or funding a cultural event.
- Research: Invest or donate some money to registered scientific or technological research agencies.
- Business: An individual can create a business that produces 10 jobs and sustains a minimum of 5 permanent jobs.
All investments must remain in their chosen status for at least 5 years. All investments must have a sustainable impact on the local economy and community of Portugal.
Path to Citizenship
The path to achieving Portuguese citizenship investment requires the following steps:
- Setting Up Residency: You would need to obtain a Portuguese tax identification number, open a bank account, and complete the chosen investment.
- Application: Submit required proof of status (including passport and evidence of investment) and required documents through the AIMA portal.
- Biometrics: Complete the required steps of fingerprinting and photography in person in Portugal.
- Maintaining Residency: You are required to keep the residency permit updated every 2 years while maintaining the minimum ties to Portugal.
- Citizenship Application: You can apply for citizenship with proof of proficiency in Portuguese (citizenship requires a minimum of A2) as well as proof of maintaining the investments for 5 years.
The process can take 12 to 25 months for residency, and after five years of maintaining residency, you can file for citizenship. However, proposals in 2025 may cause some delays. Once an applicant presents identity documents for citizenship, the application and citizenship could take an additional 7 years for new applicants.
Family Inclusion Benefits
Spouses, dependent children, and parents can join the Portuguese Golden Visa without additional costs, gaining residency and eligibility for citizenship. This inclusion provides access to Portugal’s top-tier education system, including free public schools, and its excellent healthcare services.
Children benefit from affordable university options, while healthcare coverage extends to all family members, offering comprehensive support. This family-centric design, for example, makes Portuguese citizenship investment a holistic choice for investors.
Financial and Tax Considerations
Expect over €13,000 in government fees per person over five years (e.g., €618 processing, €6,179 issuance, €3,090 renewals), plus €7,000 or more for legal services and document preparation. Travel costs for biometrics and renewals should also be factored in.
Non-residents staying under 183 days annually avoid taxes on foreign income, with the IFICI regime offering a 20%.
Why Portugal? Lifestyle and Beyond
Citizenship offers the ability to work anywhere in the EU (European Union), travel to over 175 countries without a visa, and live in extremely safe, relatively inexpensive cities in Portugal, like Lisbon and Porto. Together, Portugal’s mild climate, exquisite coastal setting, and cultural mosaic of Fado music & architecture add to its investment allure.
Portugal is also ranked among the safest countries worldwide and offers a high standard of living for significantly less than almost every Western European country. The combination of safety and purchasing power is particularly appealing for an investor and their family.
2025 Program Developments
Starting in 2025, AIMA’s digital tools will streamline the Portuguese Golden Visa program, creating a faster pathway to residency approval. The expedited process, along with proposed policies for extending the citizenship timeline to seven or ten years, aims to support integration while maintaining a “grandfathering” approach for current investors, who remain eligible for the five-year citizenship pathway.
Additional updates on policy changes, reforms, and macroeconomic considerations will continue to be provided as the program evolves, ensuring it aligns with both investor expectations and Portugal’s long-term objectives.
Expert Support for Success
Options similar to Mercan Group offer personalized investment funds and full assistance, easily paving your way through the migration process of getting citizenship. Their portfolios include hospitality, which gives you the dual benefit of portfolio income and visa security. Mercan provides more in-depth assistance through legal help and offers VIP perks like free accommodation in their properties, ensuring that the process is hassle-free for you, the investor, while pursuing the portuguese golden visa via Mercan.
Investing in Portuguese citizenship via the Portuguese Golden Visa offers a unique opportunity with lifestyle and safety all rolled into one. With the ability to meet the flexible terms of the investment, benefits for families, and access to the EU, it provides a top investment/citizenship opportunity for 2025. The program offers the added security of a future in Europe while helping you realize your dream and the unique lifestyle and economy that Portugal has to offer.
FAQ
What is Portuguese citizenship investment?
Economic contributions leading to residency and EU citizenship.
How does the Portuguese Golden Visa work?
Residency for five years, then citizenship with tests.
Can families gain citizenship?
Yes, included at no extra investment.
Are there tax perks?
Non-residents avoid foreign income taxes.
Is the program secure in 2025?
Yes, with ongoing improvements.