Residency requirements for maintaining a Portugal Golden Visa?

Residency Requirements for Maintaining Portugal’s Golden Visa in 2025

Residency Requirements for Maintaining the Golden Visa

• Minimum Stay in Portugal:
  • First Two-Year Period: Spend at least 7 days in Portugal during the initial two-year residence permit.
  • Subsequent Two-Year Periods: Spend at least 14 days in Portugal over each subsequent two-year renewal period (an average of 7 days per year).
  • Cumulative Tracking: The days do not need to be consecutive and can be spread across multiple visits within the two-year period.
• Key Points:
  • The requirement applies to the main applicant and each included family member (e.g., spouse, dependent children, parents) holding a residence card.
  • Days spent in Portugal are tracked via entry and exit records, so maintaining accurate travel documentation is essential.
  • The requirement is notably lenient compared to other residency programs, allowing flexibility for those living abroad.

Additional Requirements for Maintaining the Visa

• Investment Maintenance: The qualifying investment (e.g., €500,000 in a fund, €250,000 cultural donation) must be held for the duration of the residency, typically at least five years to qualify for permanent residency or citizenship. For example:
  • Investment funds must remain active with no withdrawals.
  • Business investments must sustain the required jobs (e.g., five jobs for three years if €500,000 invested).
• Renewal Compliance: Residence permits are issued for two years and must be renewed. Renewal requires:
  • Proof of maintained investment (e.g., fund statements, business records).
  • Evidence of meeting residency days (via passport stamps or travel records).
  • Updated documents (e.g., valid passport, health insurance).
  • Payment of renewal fees (approximately €8,000 per person, subject to change).
• Clean Criminal Record: Applicants and family members over 16 must maintain a clean criminal record, verified during renewals.
• Health Insurance: Valid private health insurance covering Portugal must be maintained for all family members.

Residency Requirements for Permanent Residency or Citizenship

• Total Residency: An average of 7 days per year (approximately 35 days over five years) is sufficient to qualify for permanent residency or citizenship.
• Permanent Residency: After five years, applicants can apply for a permanent residence permit, which removes the investment maintenance requirement but still requires a connection to Portugal (e.g., occasional visits).
• Citizenship: After five years, applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided they:
  • Pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level, conversational proficiency).
  • Maintain a clean criminal record and demonstrate ties to Portugal (met through the Golden Visa residency).
  • Citizenship grants an EU passport with visa-free access to over 170 countries.

Key Considerations

• Flexibility for Global Citizens: The low residency requirement (7 days/year) suits investors who primarily reside elsewhere, such as in the UAE, U.S., or Asia, while maintaining a foothold in Europe.
• Tracking Residency: Applicants should keep detailed travel records (e.g., boarding passes, passport stamps) to prove compliance during renewals or citizenship applications. AIMA may request this evidence.
• Family Compliance: Each family member must meet the residency days, which can complicate logistics for large families living apart. Children studying abroad or elderly parents may need special planning for visits.
• Investment Risks: Failure to maintain the investment (e.g., withdrawing funds early, business closure) can jeopardize residency status, even if residency days are met.
• Tax Implications: Spending more than 183 days per year in Portugal may trigger tax residency, subjecting worldwide income to Portuguese taxes (unless under the Non-Habitual Resident regime). Consult a tax advisor to optimize stays.
• Administrative Delays: Renewal processing can take 1–3 months, so plan renewals well before the permit expires to avoid status lapses.

Updates as of April 2025

• No Changes to Residency Rules: The 7-day-per-year requirement has remained consistent since the program’s inception, unaffected by the 2023 real estate phase-out.
• AIMA Efficiency: The Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (AIMA) has improved processing since transitioning from SEF in 2023, ensuring renewals are handled within 1–3 months, barring complications.
• Stable Program: No planned reforms to residency requirements are reported, maintaining the program’s appeal for low-commitment residency.

Tips for Meeting Residency Requirements

1. Plan Short Visits: Schedule brief trips (e.g., a week every year or two) to Portugal, combining business, leisure, or family time. Popular destinations like Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve make this enjoyable.
2. Document Travel: Retain proof of entry/exit (e.g., flight tickets, hotel receipts) to present during renewals or citizenship applications.
3. Coordinate Family Visits: Ensure all family members meet their days, possibly aligning visits to simplify logistics.
4. Work with a Lawyer: Engage an immigration specialist to track compliance, prepare renewal documents, and address AIMA queries.
5. Monitor Investment: Regularly verify that your investment (e.g., fund performance, business jobs) meets program criteria to avoid status issues.

Conclusion