Golden Visa Portugal Timeline — Step-by-Step from Application to Citizenship
Investment Guides
Table of Contents
Subscribe to Our News & Articles
Understand every stage of Portugal’s Golden Visa process — from fund investment to citizenship. Learn timelines, stay requirements, and how GVFP helps you choose the best fund.
Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains one of Europe’s most stable and rewarding investment residency routes — but how long does it really take to move from application to citizenship?
In this guide, we break down the full timeline, from initial investment to securing your Portuguese passport, highlighting how to keep your process efficient and compliant.
At Golden Visa Funds Portugal (GVFP), we help investors identify the best-performing, regulated investment funds and file strategically to stay ahead of legislative changes.
Explore the full Golden Visa knowledge base in our Golden Visa Funds Hub - your central guide to routes, timelines, and fund strategies.
Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
Program Status | Active and accepting new applications (2025) |
Main Route | Investment Fund (Real Estate route closed) |
Minimum Investment | €500,000 (qualifying regulated fund) |
Stay Requirements | 7 days in Year 1, then 14 days every 2 years |
Citizenship Eligibility | After 5 years (proposal for 10 years not yet law) |
Processing Body | AIMA (Agency for Migration and Asylum) |
Common Pitfall | Incomplete documentation and non-regulated funds |
The process typically spans 5–6 months from start to approval, and 5 years to citizenship eligibility so it's best to get started as soon as possible. Below is the typical path investors follow in 2025:
Step 1: Choose an Investment Fund (1–4 Weeks)
The program’s main qualifying route is now capital transfer into a regulated investment fund, typically a private equity or venture capital fund managed under Portuguese CMVM oversight.
GVFP curates a shortlist of pre-vetted, high-performing Golden Visa funds — helping investors compare strategies, risk, and redemption timelines quickly.
📎 Explore available funds in our Fund Explorer.
Step 2: Open a Bank Account & Obtain NIF (1–2 Weeks)
Every applicant must have a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and bank account before investing.
Law firms and banks working with GVFP can complete this process remotely for most investors.
Step 3: Make the Investment & Gather Documentation (2–4 Weeks)
Once you’ve selected your fund, you’ll:
Transfer the €500,000 subscription to the fund’s account
Obtain proof of investment from the fund manager
Collect documents (passport, criminal record, address proof, etc.) for the AIMA submission
Step 4: Submit Golden Visa Application (Online via AIMA)
Applications are now handled digitally, with biometric appointments following conditional approval.
The average review time in 2025 is 3–6 months, depending on region and application volume.
Step 5: Residence Card Issued (Valid 2 Years)
Once approved, you’ll receive your residence permit valid for two years.
Renewals occur twice (Year 2 and Year 4) until you reach 5 years of legal residency.
Residency obligations are minimal:
7 days in the first year
14 days every two subsequent years
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship (After 5 Years)
After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship.
You’ll need proof of basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level).
Your investment must have remained compliant throughout the period.
⚠️ A 2025 proposal suggests extending the timeline to 10 years — but this is not yet law. Investors who apply under current rules remain eligible for the 5-year route.
Since real estate investments were removed as a qualifying path, fund-based Golden Visa applications have become the preferred route — offering:
✅ Full compliance with Portugal’s updated laws
✅ Potential financial returns through fund performance
✅ Lower overhead and no property management issues
✅ Simpler exit strategy after the 5-year minimum period
Funds must be CMVM-regulated, have Portuguese assets, and maintain an investment period aligned with residency requirements.
GVFP’s selection process focuses on transparency, governance, and performance history — helping investors avoid unregulated or high-risk options.
For a full breakdown of all investment options, visit our Portugal Golden Visa Complete Guide
To compare Portugal with other EU programs, see our Residency & Citizenship Comparison: Portugal vs Spain, Malta & Greece
FAQs
Q1: Is Portugal’s Golden Visa program still active?
A: Yes. As of 2025, the Golden Visa is active through the fund investment route. Real estate routes were phased out in 2023.
Q2: What’s the minimum investment for the fund route?
A: €500,000 into a qualifying, regulated Portuguese investment fund.
Q3: How long until citizenship?
A: Investors can apply after 5 years of legal residency. Proposals for a 10-year wait are not yet law.
Q4: How long does application approval take?
A: Typically 3–6 months from submission to residence card issuance.
Q5: What are the ongoing stay requirements?
A: 7 days in the first year, then 14 days every two years thereafter.
Q6: What are the main costs?
A: Expect €500,000 for the fund investment, plus legal, processing, and renewal fees (typically €10,000–€15,000 in total over 5 years).
⏳ The Golden Visa remains one of the fastest and most secure pathways to EU citizenship — but timelines are tightening as reforms advance.
👉 Contact GVFP today to:
Receive a tailored shortlist of top-performing funds
Get comparative analysis of returns and structures
Email: hello@goldenvisafundsportugal.com
Tariq El-Asad
Founder at goldenvisafundsportugal.com
Tariq El-Asad has worked with the Golden Visa program since 2014 and launched GoldennVisaFundsPortugal.com in 2021.
Subscribe fast to our news & articles and gain access to a Golden Visa investment options .
