Portugal Golden Visa
Still open, still low-presence — but no longer a property route, and no longer a fast track to a passport.
Portugal’s residence-by-investment programme remains active and retains its signature advantage: a residence requirement of roughly seven days per year, among the lowest in Europe. Two changes must be understood plainly. Real estate ceased to qualify in October 2023, and in 2026 Portugal extended its ordinary naturalisation period from five to ten years — so the citizenship that once made the programme famous is now a far longer horizon.
The strategic case. For clients whose objective is EU residence, Schengen access, family security and a foothold in Europe with minimal physical presence, Portugal still works well. For those whose sole objective was a Portuguese passport in five years, the calculus has changed materially, and we will say so.
Qualifying routes (indicative, 2026).
- Qualifying investment fund — from €500,000 in an eligible Portuguese fund.
- Cultural or heritage contribution — from approximately €200,000.
- Research or job-creation routes at defined thresholds.
Residence requirement. Approximately seven days per year — its enduring attraction.
Path to citizenship. Now approximately ten years of residence before naturalisation, before processing delays; the clock generally starts on issuance of the residence card.
Moore Law’s role. We assess whether Portugal still serves your objective after the 2026 changes, select the appropriate fund or contribution route, and advise on the realistic citizenship timeline rather than a marketed one.