Portugal's Golden Visa 2026 offers European residency through investment starting at €250,000. Real estate is no longer eligible — here's what qualifies today, who can apply, and what you'll gain.
For investors looking for European residency, the Portugal Golden Visa continues to attract attention. For eligible non-EU nationals, the programme provides a pathway to Portuguese residency through a qualifying investment — without requiring the investor to relocate to Portugal full-time.
For Pakistani investors and families in particular, the Portugal Golden Visa can be an attractive option for gaining greater mobility in Europe, accessing Portugal as a base for business and lifestyle, and potentially pursuing permanent residence or citizenship in the future, subject to applicable legal requirements.
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment programme administered by Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). It allows qualifying nationals of countries outside the EU, EEA, Andorra and Switzerland to obtain a temporary residence permit by making an eligible investment in Portugal.
No. Buying property in Portugal is no longer a qualifying route for new Golden Visa applications. Investors need to consider the investment categories that remain available under the current programme.
Under the current framework, qualifying options include:
The programme provides eligible investors with a Portuguese temporary residence permit. The initial authorisation is generally valid for two years, subject to the applicable renewal rules.
For investors who do not want to move permanently to Europe, the relatively low minimum stay requirement is an important advantage. Rather than requiring continuous residence in Portugal, qualifying holders who maintain their investment can retain residence status while spending limited periods in the country.
Golden Visa holders can travel within the Schengen Area without requiring a separate visa for each Schengen country, subject to the applicable travel and immigration rules.
The programme extends benefits to eligible family members through family reunification, making the Golden Visa particularly relevant for investors planning a long-term European option for their family.
The Portugal Golden Visa is designed for qualifying non-EU nationals who make an eligible investment and satisfy the programme's legal and documentation requirements.
Applicants should expect to demonstrate the legitimacy and source of their funds, provide valid identity and supporting documents, satisfy criminal-record requirements and complete the required application and biometric procedures.
Portugal's Golden Visa programme has evolved significantly in recent years. The most notable change is the removal of property acquisition as a qualifying investment route. Older advice about purchasing a €500,000 apartment in Lisbon or Porto should not be relied upon for a new application. Today's programme is focused on qualifying investment funds, research, culture, job creation and business investment.
Portugal isn't the only European residence-by-investment programme available. If you're still weighing property versus fund investment, the Greece Golden Visa remains a real-estate-driven option starting from €250,000 for qualifying properties. Our full list of European residency programmes also covers Malta, Hungary and Latvia for comparison.
The Portugal Golden Visa may be suitable for investors who want a European residency option without committing to full-time relocation. Your choice may depend on available capital, investment risk profile, family circumstances, business objectives and long-term plans for Portugal and Europe. Before making an investment, applicants should obtain independent legal, tax and investment advice and verify current requirements with the relevant Portuguese authorities.
MW Immigration helps prospective applicants understand the available options, assess their circumstances and plan the documentation and application process. Speak with an advisor to discuss whether the Portugal Golden Visa fits your family and investment objectives.
Start planning your European residency journey today.
