What is Portugal's Golden Visa?
Portugal's Golden Visa is a residence permit granted in return for a qualifying investment. Since October 2023, buying real estate no longer qualifies; the remaining routes include investment funds, research or cultural contributions and job-creating businesses.
Last updated · Buying & ownership glossary
About Golden Visa (Portugal)
The real-estate route, once the most popular way to obtain the permit, was removed by the 2023 Mais Habitação housing law. Buying a surf home in Portugal is still open to foreigners — it simply no longer leads to residence on its own.
Investment thresholds and qualifying routes have changed several times. Confirm the current rules with Portugal's immigration agency (AIMA) or a licensed Portuguese lawyer before relying on them.
- Also called
- Portugal Golden Visa, residence by investment
- Where it applies
- Portugal
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with a licensed local attorney before you buy.
Related terms
- NIF (Portugal)
- The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is Portugal's tax identification number. Anyone buying property in Portugal, resident or not, needs one before signing the purchase contract.
- CPCV (promissory contract)
- A CPCV (contrato-promessa de compra e venda) is the promissory contract signed in Portugal before the final deed, fixing the price and completion date. The buyer pays a deposit (sinal) when signing it.