Portugal Golden Visa 2026: routes, costs and the new 10-year citizenship rule
- The Golden Visa is still open in 2026 through five non-real-estate routes, from €250,000.
- Real estate stopped qualifying in October 2023. Citizenship now generally takes 10 years (7 for EU and CPLP nationals).
- AIMA has a large backlog: about 46,000 Golden Visa files were pending on 7 October 2026.
Which Golden Visa route fits you?
Answer four questions to see the routes that fit your budget and goals, ranked. This is an orientation tool, not legal advice.
1. What is your investment budget?
2. Do you need your capital to be recoverable?
3. Do you want to run a business or hire staff in Portugal?
4. Would you invest in a low-density area?
Your ranked routes will appear here.
Golden Visa investment routes in 2026
Qualifying routes under art. 90.º-A of Lei 23/2007. Real estate and capital transfers no longer qualify for new applications.
| Route | Minimum | Low-density areas | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment funds | €500,000 | None | Funds with a 5+ year maturity and at least 60% invested in Portuguese companies. |
| Scientific research | €500,000 | €400,000 | Research activity with an eligible institution. |
| Artistic or cultural heritage | €250,000 | €200,000 | Non-repayable contribution, declared through GEPAC. |
| Company creation | €500,000 | None | New company or capital increase, with 5 new jobs (or keeping 10) for 3 years. |
| Job creation | 10 jobs | 8 jobs | Create 10 jobs, or 8 in low-density areas. |
Source: AIMA, Lei 23/2007. Verified 2 Nov 2026. The low-density municipality list is being confirmed against the current official version.
What changed for the Golden Visa in 2026
The programme itself is unchanged in 2026. What moved is citizenship, the AIMA fee table and how fast files are processed.
Real estate no longer qualifies
Property and capital transfers stopped qualifying for new applications in October 2023 (Lei 56/2023).
Golden Visa overview →Citizenship takes 10 years
Lei Orgânica 1/2026 (in force 19 May 2026) needs 10 years of legal residence, or 7 for EU and CPLP nationals. Applications filed by 18 May 2026 keep the 5-year rule.
Citizenship guide →New AIMA fee table
In force from 1 March 2026. Renewals moved to AIMA's online portal on 16 February 2026.
Costs and fees →Permanent residence after 5 years is unchanged. Sources: Lei Orgânica 1/2026 (Diário da República), AIMA fee table, Portal ARI.
How the Golden Visa process works
Six stages from your first decision to citizenship. Planning estimate for new files: 18 to 24 months from submission to biometrics.
- Choose your routeCheck eligibility, budget and risk before you invest.
- Prepare documentsGet your Portuguese tax number (NIF), apostilles and translations.
- Make the investmentKeep the proof that AIMA requires for your route.
- Submit to AIMAApplication through the AIMA channels, with the government fee for each person.
- Biometrics and cardAppointment, then your first ARI card.
- Renew, then settleRenewals, permanent residence at 5 years, citizenship at 7 or 10.
Source: AIMA ARI FAQ. The 18 to 24 month figure is a planning estimate, not an AIMA deadline. Full timeline →
Is AIMA taking too long to decide your file?
The legal decision deadline is 90 days
Many applicants now go to the administrative court with an intimação. Lei 62/2026 (11 September 2026) sets 90 days, extendable by 30. Lawyers read it as also covering ARI files, but there is no official statement yet. A lawyer should review your case before you file anything.
- ≈6,000 of about 46,000 pending files processed (7 Oct 2026)
- ≈30,000 biometric appointments scheduled
- 2,685 investor permits granted in 2025, up 29%
Sources: Minister of the Presidency, in Parliament, 7 Oct 2026; AIMA Migration and Asylum Report 2025.
A Portuguese lawyer reviews every page and every case
Clara Silva da Costa
Lawyer at CSC Advogada in Lisbon, advising investors and families on residence, citizenship and AIMA procedures. This site is written and reviewed by a practising lawyer, and every figure shows its source and the date we last checked it.
Office: Avenida António Augusto de Aguiar, 183, 1.º Esq., 1050-014 Lisboa.
Portugal Golden Visa 2026: frequently asked questions
Is the Portugal Golden Visa still available in 2026?
Yes. The residence-by-investment programme (ARI, art. 90.º-A of Lei 23/2007) is open in 2026 through five non-real-estate routes. Real estate and capital transfers stopped qualifying for new applications in October 2023.
How much do you need to invest for the Golden Visa?
The usual minimum is €500,000 for investment funds, scientific research, or company creation. The cultural route starts at €250,000, and low-density areas reduce several thresholds (for example €200,000 cultural and €400,000 research).
Can I still buy property to qualify?
No. Property purchases and capital transfers stopped qualifying for new applications in October 2023 (Lei 56/2023). Holders can still buy a home in Portugal, but it no longer counts as the qualifying investment.
How long until I can apply for Portuguese citizenship?
Under Lei Orgânica 1/2026, in force since 19 May 2026, naturalisation generally needs 10 years of legal residence (7 for EU and CPLP nationals), counted from the first residence card. Applications filed by 18 May 2026 keep the old 5-year rule.
When can I get permanent residence?
Permanent residence after 5 years of Golden Visa residence is unchanged. It is a separate step from citizenship.
How much are the AIMA fees in 2026?
From 1 March 2026 the first ARI card is €8,418.90 per person, or €6,314.20 through the digital channel. Renewal is €4,210.30 (€3,157.80 digital). Always confirm the amounts against AIMA's published table before paying.
How long does a Golden Visa take in 2026?
Planning estimates for new files are 18 to 24 months from submission to biometrics. On 7 October 2026 AIMA had processed about 6,000 of 46,000 pending Golden Visa files, so timing varies a lot between cases.
What if AIMA does not decide my application?
The legal decision deadline is 90 days, and many applicants go to the administrative court with an intimação. Lei 62/2026 sets 90 days extendable by 30; lawyers' reading is that it also applies to ARI files, but there is no official statement yet. Ask a lawyer to review your case.
How many days must a Golden Visa holder spend in Portugal?
AIMA's ARI FAQ sets 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each later two-year period.
Can my family be included?
Yes. Family members can apply with the investor, and each one pays the AIMA card fee. Eligibility for dependent parents and children over 18 depends on the circumstances, so we check it case by case.
Do I need a lawyer to apply?
It is not mandatory, but the route, documents, investment structure and any later AIMA delay are legal questions. We can review your plan before you invest.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 2 November 2026. Fees are quoted from AIMA's table and should be confirmed before you pay.
Talk to a lawyer about your Golden Visa
Tell us your route, budget and timeline. We usually reply within one working day. Your picker answers are added to your message.
