Portugal Golden Visa 2025: New Citizenship Rules, Eligibility, & What’s Changing
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Major changes to Portugal’s Golden Visa: real‑estate routes removed, citizenship wait times proposed to double, updated AIMA rules. What investors need to know in 2025.
If you’ve been eyeing Portugal’s Golden Visa, the next 6‑12 months could be a turning point. Between drafts to lengthen citizenship time, tightened investment routes, and Spain’s similar reforms, deciding when and how to apply may make all the difference. This post breaks down the latest changes—so you can act while the rules are favorable and avoid costly surprises.
The Proposed Draft Law
The current draft law (June 2025) aims to double the residency requirement for most foreigners from 5 years to 10 years. CPLP nationals (Portuguese‑speaking countries) may see a shorter path — about 7 years.
Important: nothing has been finalized yet. The proposals are under debate and subject to amendment.
What It Means for Existing & Prospective Golden Visa Holders
If you already hold a Golden Visa or invested under legacy routes, your citizenship eligibility under currently active laws (5 years) remains. But future renewals or applications post‑legislation may follow new requirements. <br>
Prospective investors should evaluate whether to accelerate applications, ensuring you satisfy all other criteria (language, ties, residency days) under current law before any changes come into force.
Real estate investment (buying property) is no longer accepted for brand‑new Golden Visa applications.
Renovations, urban rehabilitation property routes and older property exemption routes removed.
Capital transfers above certain thresholds disqualified.
What’s Eligible Now?
Investment in approved funds.
Job or business creation routes.
Cultural, scientific, innovation‑focused investment projects.
Note: the government is also debating stricter eligibility or potential residency minimums
AIMA has improved internal guidance, aiming for more consistent treatment between renewals and new or concession‑type applications.
For renewals or concessions, new rules suggest that criminal record certificates won’t be automatically needed unless flagged in a review. Less red tape for many holders.
Processing times remain a concern; backlog issues persist (as with many immigration systems). Investors should plan for possible delays.
With Spain ending its real‑estate Golden Visa route (April 2025), many investors are re‑routing interest to Portugal or Greece.
Greece remains appealing due to lower thresholds (depending on region), available real estate options, and similar benefits like EU/Schengen access. But high demand has led to rising thresholds in premium locations.
If Portugal finalizes longer citizenship timelines, Greece may now narrow the gap in terms of “time to passport,” depending on one's origin and eligibility.
Thinking of applying soon? Get in touch with GVFP today to lock in your eligibility under current rules before citizenship timelines or investment rules tighten. Our advisory team helps you choose the right fund or route and fast‑track your application.
Will the proposed changes to residency / citizenship timelines definitely pass?
No. They are still draft laws under debate. Stakeholders are watching public comments and parliamentary motions. Changes may be amended or delayed.
Do existing Golden Visa holders lose anything if rules change?
No. Generally, rights acquired under the old rules are preserved: renewals, pending applications, and family reunification under legacy routes remain valid.Can I still use real estate to apply now or renew?
Real estate is no longer valid for new applications. Earlier investments in real‑estate under legacy rules are preserved for renewals, but future route options require compliance with the new eligible investment types.When should I apply?
As soon as possible under current rules, especially if you are eligible now (using current investment routes, meeting documentation). Changes could make eligibility stricter.
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.
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