The Portugal Golden Visa program remains a strong option for high-net-worth individuals seeking EU residency and a path to citizenship.
This guide covers the qualifying investments available in 2025, focusing on investment funds as the most practical choice. It also highlights asset-backed opportunities in Portugal’s hospitality sector through the VIDA Fund, a secure route for investors.
Understanding the Portugal Golden Visa Program in 2025
Overview of the Golden Visa Program
The Portugal Golden Visa provides a residency-by-investment option for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. With this program, you receive a temporary residency permit valid for two years. You must renew it for two additional two-year periods, maintaining your investment and residency requirements over five years. After this period, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal.
This program stands out due to its low physical presence requirement of just 14 days every two years. This flexibility makes it a practical Plan B for investors and families who prefer not to relocate. It also allows visa-free travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, setting the stage for eventual EU citizenship.
Important Updates for 2025
Recent changes to the Portugal Golden Visa program have narrowed the types of qualifying investments. Certain categories are no longer eligible, shifting focus to alternative options like investment funds.
The timeline for citizenship has also lengthened. As of October 2025, Portugal’s Parliament set a new requirement of 10 years of residency before applying for citizenship. Nationals of Portuguese-language countries (CPLP) and EU citizens qualify after seven years. This rule applies to all new Golden Visa applicants, except those who submitted their citizenship application before the law’s publication.
With these updates, investment funds have become the main pathway. A minimum of €500,000 in private equity or venture capital funds now serves as a primary route for applicants.
Investment Funds: The Main Route for 2025
What Defines a Qualifying Fund?
Investment funds are a strategic choice for Portugal Golden Visa applicants in 2025. The minimum investment stands at €500,000 in a qualifying alternative fund. You can spread this amount across multiple funds if needed.
For a fund to qualify, it must meet strict standards set by CMVM, Portugal’s securities regulator. It must operate transparently, and at least 60% of its capital must support companies based in Portugal. This ensures the investment benefits the local economy.
Eligible funds often include private equity, venture capital, or hybrid options that blend various strategies while meeting Golden Visa rules.
Benefits of Choosing Investment Funds
Investment funds bring several advantages for Golden Visa applicants. They are managed by professionals who handle portfolios, perform due diligence, and seek value growth, tasks that can be challenging for individual investors.
These funds also spread investments across different companies and sectors, lowering the risk tied to a single asset. The five-year holding period matches the timeline for permanent residency, aligning your investment with immigration goals.
How to Pick the Right Fund
Choosing a suitable Golden Visa fund involves careful review. Focus on funds with asset-backed strategies for better capital protection, as they are tied to tangible value. Such funds offer more stability than those chasing high-risk ventures.
Ensure the fund complies with CMVM regulations, a critical factor for Golden Visa eligibility. Check for proper registration and clear reporting practices.
Look at the management team’s experience and sector focus. Funds led by experts with deep industry knowledge often secure better opportunities and results.
Why Partner with VIDA Capital for Hospitality Investments?
Growth in Portugal’s Hospitality Sector
Portugal’s status as a top global destination fuels investment potential in hospitality. Ranked the 7th safest country in the 2025 Global Peace Index, it draws millions for leisure and business. In 2024, the country welcomed 31 million visitors, generating €27 billion, with non-residents making up 70.3% of overnight stays.
Tourism growth is set to continue. Portugal will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, an event expected to bring over €800 million in economic impact. The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that travel and tourism will account for 22.6% of Portugal’s GDP by 2035, underscoring its economic importance.
Yet, the hospitality market shows room for improvement, with many independent hotels under fragmented ownership. This creates a need for structured investment options that leverage sector growth while meeting Golden Visa criteria.
VIDA Fund: A Reliable Golden Visa Option
Advised by VIDA Capital, the VIDA Fund offers a focused approach to Golden Visa qualification through asset-backed hospitality investments. With a €500,000 minimum investment, it meets CMVM regulations and targets Portugal’s hospitality sector.
The VIDA Fund’s strategy, “Giving Hotels a Second Life,” involves buying underperforming hospitality assets and revitalizing them. The process includes light renovations, modern design upgrades, and operational enhancements to create high-value businesses.
This approach ties investments to tangible assets, adding a layer of protection for investors. Operating on a 6.5-year cycle, the fund aims for strong returns, though historical returns do not guarantee future results. VIDA Fund I raised over €20 million from more than 50 investors, leading to over 100 Golden Visa applications. Its management team, with experience handling €4 billion in assets and completing over 100 private equity deals, brings proven expertise.
Media outlets like Bloomberg, El Economista, and Público have recognized the VIDA Fund’s approach to wealth protection and EU citizenship pathways. Strict audits ensure compliance with Portuguese regulations, safeguarding investors.
Secure your Golden Visa with VIDA Capital’s expertise in asset-backed hospitality investments.
How Portugal’s Golden Visa Stands Out in Europe
What Makes Portugal Different?
Portugal’s Golden Visa offers distinct advantages compared to other European residency programs. It remains one of the few in Europe providing a citizenship path without requiring full relocation.
With a minimal stay of 14 days every two years, investors can maintain their current lifestyle while gaining EU residency. This flexibility suits busy professionals and business owners with global commitments.
Even with the new 10-year citizenship timeline, or seven years for CPLP nationals, Portugal offers a clear path to EU citizenship. This contrasts with programs that provide only residency without a citizenship option.
Comparison with Other European Options
Europe’s residency-by-investment landscape has shrunk recently. Spain discontinued its Golden Visa program as of April 2025, closing that route for new applicants. Greece still offers a program with investment starting from €250,000. It provides a citizenship path after seven years, then with residency obligations.
Few European programs match Portugal’s blend of a citizenship pathway, low residency demands, and regulated fund investments.
|
Feature |
Portugal (Fund Investment) |
Spain |
Greece (Current Program) |
|
Minimum Investment |
€500,000 |
Program Discontinued |
€250,000+ |
|
Path to Citizenship |
Yes (10 years) |
Not Available |
Yes (7 years) |
|
Relocation Requirement |
No (14 days/2 years) |
Not Available |
No (Minimal visits required) |
|
Investment Focus |
Funds |
Not Available |
Various Options |
Common Questions About Golden Visa Investments
What Is the Minimum Investment Amount?
For Portugal’s Golden Visa, the minimum investment in qualifying funds is €500,000. These funds must be CMVM-regulated and invest at least 60% of their capital in Portuguese companies to meet program requirements.
Do All Funds Qualify for the Program?
Not every fund meets Golden Visa standards. Only private equity or venture capital funds registered with CMVM are eligible. They must focus on Portuguese businesses, allocating at least 60% of capital locally, and follow strict transparency and regulatory guidelines.
How Long Must I Hold My Investment?
You need to maintain your Golden Visa investment for the full five-year temporary residency period to qualify for permanent residency. Withdrawing early risks losing your residency status. After permanent residency, consult legal advisors before altering your investment.
What Happens After Five Years?
After five years of maintaining your investment and residency requirements, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal. This status offers stability without the need for frequent renewals. Under the current rules, citizenship becomes an option after 10 years of legal residency, or seven for CPLP nationals, granting full EU rights to live, work, and study across the European Union.
Final Thoughts on Securing EU Residency
With a focus on investment funds, the Portugal Golden Visa remains a top choice for EU residency and citizenship. Understanding qualifying investments, especially asset-backed funds, helps investors make informed decisions for mobility and security.
These program updates prioritize investments that support Portugal’s economy. For investors, this opens doors to contribute to growth while gaining residency with little lifestyle change.
VIDA Capital’s knowledge of Portugal’s hospitality sector and the VIDA Fund’s asset-backed focus provide a dependable path to Golden Visa qualification. The fund targets undervalued hospitality assets for revitalization, aligning with tourism growth and offering investment stability.
Portugal’s minimal residency requirement, defined citizenship path, and regulated fund options make it a competitive program. As other European options fade or tighten rules, Portugal stands out for investors seeking a reliable Plan B.
Expert guidance is vital for navigating the Golden Visa process. From choosing the right investment to handling paperwork and legal steps, professional support ensures success and strong outcomes.
