For high-net-worth individuals and investors aiming for EU residency and citizenship, knowing the physical presence rules of programs like the Portugal Golden Visa is crucial.
This guide breaks down the minimal stay requirements, showing why this program offers unique flexibility for maintaining a global lifestyle without full relocation.
What Makes the Portugal Golden Visa a Flexible Choice for EU Residency?
The Portugal Golden Visa stands out as one of Europe’s most accessible residency-by-investment options for non-EU individuals seeking global mobility. It attracts foreign capital to support Portugal’s economy while providing a structured path through temporary residency, permanent residency, and eventually citizenship.
This program understands the need for flexibility among today’s investors. Unlike many immigration routes that require immediate relocation, the Golden Visa serves as a practical backup plan, offering security and future opportunities without changing your current way of life or business focus.
Another key benefit is family inclusion. Spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents or in-laws can join the same application, making it a valuable option for those planning for multiple generations amid global uncertainties.
Why the Minimal Stay Requirement Is a Major Benefit
The standout feature of the Portugal Golden Visa is its low physical presence rule. During the first five years of temporary residency, you only need to spend 14 days in Portugal every two years to keep your status active.
This requirement is far less demanding compared to other European programs, offering a clear edge:
- Portugal Golden Visa: 14 days every two years to maintain residency.
- Spain Golden Visa: No longer available as of April 3, 2025.
- Greece Golden Visa: Requires 7 years of continuous living and tax residency for citizenship eligibility.
Such a light commitment suits investors who can’t or don’t want to relocate right away. Whether you’re handling businesses in different countries, staying connected to family back home, or keeping your options open, Portugal’s program fits the needs of a mobile, modern lifestyle.
First Five Years: Retain Your Global Freedom
In the initial five-year temporary residency phase, the 14-day rule every two years offers unmatched freedom. This could mean some short weekend trips or a one-week-long visit every year.
This setup works well for those who wish to keep tax residency elsewhere. The Golden Visa doesn’t impose Portuguese tax obligations unless you spend over 183 days in the country in a tax year, giving you control over your tax status.
You also have flexibility in how to meet the stay requirement. Spread the 14 days across multiple trips or use one longer stay, aligning your visits with personal or professional schedules.
Moving from Temporary to Permanent Residency After 5 Years
After five years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency. This process remains investor-friendly, requiring proof that you’ve kept your investment active and met the minimal stay rules during the initial period.
The permanent residency application includes updated documents like criminal background checks, evidence of your investment, and confirmation of stay compliance. Portuguese immigration authorities review applications based on sustained investment and residency adherence.
The minimal stay rule typically continues into permanent residency. You don’t need to live in Portugal full-time to maintain this status, as long as you meet legal conditions and keep your investment in place.
Permanent residency offers greater stability and acts as a bridge to citizenship. Unlike the temporary phase with renewals every two years, this status provides long-term assurance while preserving the flexibility that defines Portugal’s program.
Citizenship Path: Understanding the Post-October 2025 Rules
In October 2025, Portugal’s Parliament updated citizenship timelines for Golden Visa holders. Now, applicants must hold legal residency in Portugal for 10 years before applying for citizenship. Nationals of Portuguese-language countries and EU citizens qualify after seven years.
This rule affects new applicants and those who haven’t applied for citizenship before the law’s publication. While the timeline aims to foster stronger ties with the country, it still offers more flexibility than most European alternatives.
For citizenship purposes, “reside” means maintaining legal residency and minimal stay requirements, not living in Portugal continuously. This keeps the program’s core appeal intact, allowing EU citizenship without full relocation. Portugal is among the few countries in Europe with such a flexible route to citizenship.
Even with the extended 10-year timeline, the program holds significant value. Many EU nations demand substantial physical presence, language skills, or cultural integration, which Portugal’s Golden Visa path does not require.
How VIDA Capital Supports Your Golden Visa with Asset-Backed Solutions
Since October 2023, the Portugal Golden Visa requires a minimum €500,000 investment through eligible funds, as direct ownership of personal properties is no longer an option. This change has driven interest in specialized funds that meet program rules while offering solid investment potential.
VIDA Capital, as an advisory firm, connects investors to asset-backed opportunities in Portugal’s booming hospitality sector. Through guidance to the VIDA Fund, the focus is on buying and revitalizing underperforming hospitality assets, tapping into Portugal’s strong tourism growth.
The tourism industry in Portugal shows robust potential. By 2035, travel and tourism are expected to contribute 22.6% to Portugal’s GDP, according to projections. This is reinforced by Portugal ranking as the 7th safest country in the 2025 Global Peace Index.
In 2024, Portugal saw a record 31 million visitors, recovering faster than other European nations. Non-residents made up 70.3% of overnight stays, contributing €27 billion in revenue. Hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside other nations is expected to bring an economic boost of over €800 million.
The VIDA Fund’s strategy involves transforming undervalued hospitality assets, giving them a “second life” with upgrades and better operations. This approach meets rising demand and offers investors the security of tangible assets, which hold inherent value compared to purely income-based investments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Portugal Golden Visa
The application process for the Portugal Golden Visa is structured but detailed. VIDA Capital simplifies it with expert advice and connections to skilled legal professionals.
Step 1: Preparation and Investment Setup
A strong start involves securing legal support. Hiring a specialized Portuguese immigration lawyer is vital, as they handle interactions with authorities on your behalf throughout the process.
Your lawyer helps obtain a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) and set up a local bank account, both doable remotely. These steps prepare you to make your qualifying investment.
For those working with VIDA Capital, this includes placing your €500,000 investment into the VIDA Fund, ensuring it meets Golden Visa criteria while targeting growth in Portugal’s hospitality sector.
Step 2: Submitting Your Application and Biometrics
With your investment and documents ready, your lawyer submits the application online via AIMA (Portuguese Immigration and Asylum Agency) for you and any family members included.
Once approved, an in-person biometrics appointment in Portugal is required for all applicants. This marks your first necessary trip to Portugal during the Golden Visa process.
Step 3: Receiving Your Residency Card and Managing Renewals
Your initial temporary residency card lasts two years, allowing visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. As the approval card issuance usually takes a year, you’ll most likely only need one renewal instead of two during the 5-year period.
The renewal around year three requires proof of your ongoing investment, meeting the 14-day stay rule over the past two years, updated biometrics, and new criminal background checks. This step confirms your continued eligibility.
Step 4: Transition to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
After five years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency, gaining more security while keeping the program’s flexibility.
Under the October 2025 update, citizenship eligibility comes after 10 years of legal residency. Though a longer wait, it remains one of Europe’s most adaptable paths to EU citizenship without full relocation.
Overview of Golden Visa Costs
Knowing the fee structure helps with planning your Golden Visa journey:
|
Expense Type |
Amount |
Payment Timing |
|
Government Fees (Initial) |
€618.60 per family member |
During application submission |
|
Government Fees (Issuance) |
€6,179.40 per family member |
At biometrics appointment |
|
Government Fees (Renewal) |
€3,023.20 per family member |
Every two years after issuance |
|
Government Fees (Citizenship) |
€250 per family member |
With citizenship application after 10 years |
|
Legal Fees |
€16,000 to €20,000 total |
Depends on firm |
|
Fund Subscription Fees |
1% of investment |
With initial investment into the VIDA Fund |
Why Pick Portugal and VIDA Capital for Your Golden Visa?
What Sets Portugal Apart for Investors?
Portugal blends a high quality of life with political stability and economic growth, making it an ideal spot for Golden Visa investors. Ranked as the 7th safest country in the 2025 Global Peace Index, it offers a secure base for those seeking a reliable backup plan.
Its tourism sector shows strong growth. In 2024, Portugal hosted 31 million visitors, with non-resident overnight stays up 4.8% from the prior year at 56.4 million. This strength supports hospitality investments and highlights Portugal’s economic health.
Located with easy access to the EU, Portugal grants visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for residency holders. Citizenship unlocks full EU rights, including living, working, and studying in any EU or Schengen country.
Above all, Portugal’s minimal stay rule of 14 days every two years remains highly competitive. While other nations tighten rules or end programs, Portugal continues to prioritize flexibility for investors.
How VIDA Capital Adds Value to Your Journey
VIDA Capital, as an advisory firm, stands out with focused expertise, clear communication, and customized support for Golden Visa investors.
Asset-Backed Security: The VIDA Fund targets tangible hospitality assets for better capital protection than income-only investments. While historical returns are not a guarantee of future results, physical assets provide a solid foundation.
Personalized Support: Every client gets dedicated guidance from VIDA Capital’s team, ensuring clear updates and tailored advice, unlike typical commission-focused intermediaries.
Deep Knowledge and Honesty: With a firm grasp of Portuguese rules, VIDA Capital offers advice
Transparent Advice: VIDA Capital provides honest recommendations, even suggesting other visa options if the Golden Visa isn’t the right fit for an investor’s goals.
The VIDA Fund benefits from experienced management in the hospitality field, backed by coverage in outlets like Bloomberg, El Economista, and Público, building trust and credibility.
Common Questions About Portugal Golden Visa Residency Rules
Do minimal stay rules apply to permanent residency too?
Yes, the minimal stay principle generally extends to permanent residency. You’re not required to live in Portugal full-time to keep this status, as long as you meet other legal conditions, including maintaining your investment.
How does residency differ from citizenship in terms of living in Portugal?
During residency phases, you can legally live in Portugal with minimal stays and travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Citizenship grants full EU rights, including living, working, and studying anywhere in the EU or Schengen Area, plus access to public healthcare and education.
Can my family also follow the minimal stay rules?
Yes, family members included in the application, such as spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents or in-laws, benefit from the same 14-day every two-year stay rule. Each gets a residency card with identical rights and duties.
Does the new 10-year citizenship timeline change stay requirements?
The 10-year timeline applies to the duration of legal residency before citizenship eligibility. It doesn’t alter the 14-day every two-year stay rule for maintaining temporary or permanent residency. You’ll follow this minimal requirement for a longer period before citizenship.
Will living in Portugal full-time affect my taxes?
Tax obligations in Portugal usually kick in only if you become a tax resident by spending over 183 days there in a tax year or making it your primary home. The Golden Visa itself doesn’t trigger tax residency, so sticking to the minimal stay keeps your current tax setup intact while securing EU residency.
Wrapping Up: A Flexible Route to a European Future
The Portugal Golden Visa offers a rare opportunity for high-net-worth individuals to gain EU residency and a citizenship path with very low stay requirements. This flexibility makes Portugal a top choice for a backup plan without needing to relocate immediately.
Even with the citizenship timeline now at 10 years, Portugal stands out as one of the few European countries offering this path without mandatory relocation. The 14-day every two-year rule supports a global lifestyle while securing mobility and future options for you and your family.
Portugal’s stable politics, growing economy, and strong tourism industry, paired with investor-friendly residency rules, create a unique opportunity. Asset-backed investments in the thriving hospitality sector align residency goals with capital security.
VIDA Capital’s focused expertise, clear guidance, and custom support ensure a smooth Golden Visa process from start to citizenship. The VIDA Fund’s emphasis on tangible hospitality assets delivers the security discerning investors need.
Ready to gain EU residency and a flexible path to citizenship through secure investments? Team up with VIDA Capital for expert support. Start your EU residency and citizenship journey with the Portugal Golden Visa. VIDA Capital offers tailored guidance for investments in Portugal’s hospitality sector.
