Why Portugal’s Golden Visa Is Easier Compared to Other Programs

Portugal’s Golden Visa program has gained a reputation as one of the most attractive residency-by-investment options in the world, often cited for its accessibility and ease compared to similar programs in other countries. Launched in 2012 to boost foreign investment, the program has drawn thousands of applicants—4,455 in 2023 alone—making it the third-best program globally according to some rankings. But what exactly makes Portugal’s Golden Visa easier than its counterparts? Below, we explore the key reasons behind its appeal and simplicity.

Minimal Residency Requirements

One of the standout features of Portugal’s Golden Visa is its remarkably low physical presence requirement. Unlike many residency programs that demand significant time spent in the country—such as Spain’s Golden Visa, which requires 183 days per year to maintain tax residency status—Portugal asks for just seven days per year on average. This flexibility is a game-changer for investors who want European residency without uprooting their lives. Whether you’re a busy professional, a retiree, or someone planning a future move, this lenient stay requirement makes the process far less burdensome than programs with stricter residency rules.

Fast Track to Citizenship

Portugal offers a relatively swift path to citizenship, achievable in as little as five years, compared to other nations like Spain, where the wait is typically ten years (unless you’re from a former Spanish colony). After five years of holding the Golden Visa, investors can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, provided they meet basic requirements like a clean criminal record and minimal language proficiency (A2 level, which is beginner-friendly and achievable through basic study or online classes). This shorter timeline, combined with the lack of a mandatory relocation requirement, sets Portugal apart as an easier and faster route to a powerful EU passport, ranked among the world’s best for travel freedom.

Diverse and Accessible Investment Options

While some Golden Visa programs, like Spain’s, heavily emphasize high-cost real estate (starting at €500,000), Portugal provides a broader range of investment choices, some of which have lower entry points. Although the popular real estate option was phased out in 2023 due to housing market pressures, alternatives remain appealing:

• Cultural Donation: A €250,000 contribution to arts or heritage projects is the lowest financial threshold, ideal for those who prefer a straightforward donation over managing an investment.

• Fund Investment: A €500,000 investment in regulated venture capital or private equity funds offers a hands-off approach, avoiding the complexities of property management.

• Job Creation: Investing €500,000 in a business that creates jobs combines economic impact with residency benefits.

These options cater to different financial capacities and risk appetites, making the program more inclusive than those with a narrower focus. Additionally, the shift away from real estate has streamlined the process by reducing reliance on an overheated market, where finding “good deals” could be challenging.

Streamlined Processing Improvements

Historically, Portugal’s Golden Visa faced criticism for processing delays, with backlogs peaking at 400,000 cases during the post-COVID surge and the transition from SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade) in 2023. However, recent advancements have made the program easier to navigate. AIMA has slashed processing times—down from 12-18 months to faster turnarounds in 2024—thanks to increased capacity and a shift to a digital application system announced in early 2025. Funds like Pela Terra now offer in-house concierge services, guiding investors through every step, from obtaining a tax number (NIF) to selecting lawyers and banks, often at no extra cost. This support contrasts with programs in countries like Spain, where processing is faster (2-3 months) but lacks the same level of tailored assistance.

Affordable Lifestyle and Tax Benefits

Portugal’s lower cost of living compared to other Western European nations enhances the program’s appeal. Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost of London or Paris, making it easier for investors to maintain their residency without financial strain. Additionally, while the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime is phasing out for new applicants in 2025, Golden Visa holders spending less than 183 days per year avoid taxation on foreign income. For those who qualify under the transitional NHR rules (registered by March 31, 2025) or the new Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation, tax rates on certain income drop to 20%, far below standard rates elsewhere in Europe. This financial ease complements the program’s accessibility.

Stability and Global Recognition

Portugal’s program is OECD-compliant, meaning it’s not blacklisted like some other Golden Visa schemes, ensuring international legitimacy and investor confidence. The country’s political stability, safety (ranked 7th on the Global Peace Index 2024), and membership in the EU and Schengen Area further simplify the process by offering a secure, predictable environment and visa-free travel across 26 European countries. Compared to programs in less stable regions or those facing EU pressure to close (e.g., Spain’s ended in 2025), Portugal’s Golden Visa remains a reliable and straightforward option.

Family-Friendly and Flexible

The program’s inclusivity extends to family members—spouses, dependent children, and even parents can be added to the application—making it easier for entire families to benefit without additional investments. This contrasts with more restrictive programs that limit dependents or charge steep fees per person. Plus, the ability to liquidate investments after securing permanent residency or citizenship (unlike some programs requiring indefinite holding) adds flexibility, reducing long-term commitment pressures.

Why It Stands Out

Compared to alternatives like Greece (7-8 years to citizenship with stricter residency) or Malta (over €1 million for a faster track), Portugal strikes a balance of affordability, speed, and simplicity. Its minimal stay requirements, diverse investment paths, and ongoing improvements in processing efficiency make it less daunting than programs with higher financial bars, longer timelines, or complex bureaucratic hurdles. While no program is without challenges—Portugal’s backlog history and real estate exit are notable—these factors collectively position its Golden Visa as an easier, more approachable gateway to European residency and citizenship.

In 2025, with AIMA’s backlog expected to clear and the EU’s Golden Visa landscape shrinking, Portugal’s program shines as a practical choice for investors seeking a hassle-free path to a second home in Europe. Whether driven by lifestyle, mobility, or long-term security, the ease of Portugal’s Golden Visa continues to make it a global favorite.

Portugal’s Golden Visa program