I heard there were long delays with the Portugal Golden Visa. Has that changed?

Processing times are improving. Recent cases show biometric appointments around 6 months after submission and first residence cards issued roughly 2–3 months after biometrics (about 9 months total). While performance may vary as the system stabilizes, this is a clear improvement over prior ~2-year waits.

How does the online application process work, and does it speed things up?

All required documentation is submitted online before scheduling biometrics. AIMA then notifies applicants of a biometric appointment (typically with 30–90 days’ notice). Because files are pre-reviewed, the residence card is generally issued shortly after biometrics, which streamlines the overall timeline.

When does the residence clock for citizenship start for Golden Visa holders?

Under the nationality law approved in October 2025 (awaiting entry into force), the residence count starts on the date the first residence card is issued. The path follows a 5 + 5 model: five years under the Golden Visa plus five years of Permanent Residency.

How long does it take to receive the first Golden Visa residence card?

Based on current experience, a realistic timeframe is about 9 months from application to card: biometrics around month 6 and card issuance 2–3 months later. Timelines can vary and are subject to administrative capacity.

What is the minimum physical-presence requirement for the Golden Visa?

Golden Visa holders must spend at least 14 days in Portugal during each two-year residence-card period. After five years, those moving to Investor Permanent Residency have no minimum stay requirement.

What changes with Permanent Residency after 5 years?

After five years under the Golden Visa, applicants can transition to Permanent Residency. There are two categories: Investor Permanent Residency (no minimum stay; investment can be sold after transition) and Standard Permanent Residency (average six months’ residence per year).

Do I need to keep my investment for the full 10 years?

You must maintain the qualifying investment during the initial five years under the Golden Visa. After transitioning to Investor Permanent Residency, you may liquidate the investment while maintaining residency.

When can Golden Visa holders apply for Portuguese citizenship and what are the requirements?

Eligibility to apply arises after 10 years of legal residence (5 years Golden Visa + 5 years Permanent Residency). Requirements include A2 Portuguese language proficiency (also required at the PR stage), a Portuguese culture/civic knowledge test (citizenship only), and a clean criminal record. Applications are assessed under the law in force at the time of eligibility.

How long does it take to receive a Portuguese passport after applying for citizenship?

Processing times vary by case. A typical range is 2–3 years from submission of a complete citizenship application to passport issuance.

Is real estate investment still eligible for the Golden Visa?

No. Since October 2023, real estate purchases and pure capital-transfer options are no longer eligible. Current routes include regulated investment funds, job creation, and company capitalization with job requirements.

What investment routes are available in 2025?

Eligible routes include: (1) a minimum of €500,000 in regulated investment or venture capital funds; (2) €500,000 to incorporate or capitalize a Portuguese company plus creating or maintaining five jobs; or (3) direct creation of at least ten jobs.

Can my family be included in my Golden Visa application?

Yes. Spouses/partners, dependent children, and dependent parents can be included. Children over 18 must remain financially dependent—single, enrolled in full-time education, and not employed—only until applying for Permanent Residency (after five years).

Portugal Golden Visa Process: Timelines and Milestones | Golden Visa

Timeline for Portugal Golden Visa and Permanent Residency

Updated Timeline for the Portugal Golden Visa as of October 2025

Below is the updated guide to obtaining Portuguese residency through the Golden Visa program, reflecting the new nationality law approved in October 2025 (still awaiting to enter into force after Presidential promulgation). These updates incorporate the most recent data from AIMA and the Portuguese Parliament, including faster card issuance and the introduction of a Permanent Residency phase before citizenship eligibility.

Timeline of the Portugal Golden Visa process, showing application, renewals, transition to permanent residency, and eventual citizenship eligibility

Key Recent Changes

Processing Times Back to Normal
Under the new government measures, we have recently received biometric appointments within 6 months of application and expect the first residence card within 9 months — a sharp improvement from the 2-year delays experienced previously. While this may not yet represent the permanent standard, it signals a return to pre-pandemic efficiency.
10-Year Path to Citizenship (5 + 5 Model)
Citizenship eligibility now requires 10 years of legal residence — composed of 5 years under the Golden Visa followed by 5 years of Permanent Residency. This aligns Portugal with most European countries while maintaining its unique flexibility.
Start of Residence Count
The residence period now begins only upon issuance of the first residence card, not at application.
New Permanent Residency Phase
After completing 5 years under the Golden Visa, investors may transition to Permanent Residency. There are two categories:
- Investor Permanent Residency — No minimum stay requirement; investment can be sold.
- Standard Permanent Residency — Requires an average 6-month stay per year.
  Golden Visa holders are eligible for the Investor category, which offers greater flexibility but carries higher government fees.
Children must remain single and studying only until applying for Permanent Residency (Year 5).
Integration Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate A2 Portuguese language proficiency for Permanent Residency and an additional cultural and civic knowledge test for citizenship.

Updated Year-by-Year Timeline

Below is a practical overview of the timeline if you submit your Golden Visa application in 2025, based on current government performance and legal framework.

2025: Initial Golden Visa Application

Select and Subscribe Investment
Choose a qualifying investment fund and complete the required capital transfer. We maintain a curated database of eligible funds and can assist you throughout the selection and onboarding process.
Submit Application and Await Biometrics
The residence period now starts once your first Golden Visa card is issued, typically 9 months after submission. Biometric appointments are being scheduled within 6 months on average.

2026: First Residence Card Issued (Valid for 2 Years)

First Residence Card
You will receive your first 2-year residence card, which grants full Schengen travel rights.
- Minimum Stay Requirement: 14 days every two years.
- Investment: Must be maintained during the first 5 years.

2028: Second Residence Card (Renewal #1)

Verification and Renewal
AIMA will confirm your investment remains active. You will renew your Golden Visa for another 2 years.
- Stay Requirement: Again, 14 days every two years.

2030: Third Residence Card (Renewal #2)

Final 2-Year Golden Visa Renewal
This card completes your 5 years under the Golden Visa scheme.
- You now qualify to apply for Permanent Residency.
- Children must remain single and studying until this point only.

2031–2036: Permanent Residency Phase

Transition to Permanent Residency
You can choose between:
- Investor Permanent Residency: No minimum stay; investment can be sold after transition.
- Standard Permanent Residency: Average 6-month residence per year.
  Both options require an A2 Portuguese language certificate.
Stability Advantage
Permanent Residency allows you to maintain your status indefinitely without full-time residence or ongoing investment.

2036: Citizenship Application (Optional)

Eligibility
After 10 years of total residence (5 + 5), you may apply for citizenship. Requirements include:
- A2 Portuguese language certificate
- Cultural knowledge test
- Clean criminal record
Timeline
Citizenship approval and passport issuance may take an additional 2–3 years after submission.

Key Takeaways

10-year track (5 + 5 years) — Portugal aligns with EU standards but remains the only country offering a path to citizenship without physical permanent residence.
Faster first card issuance — 6–9 months expected now (still monitoring).
Investment liquidity — You may sell after the first 5 years once you obtain Permanent Residency.
Minimal stay — Only 14 days per 2 years during the Golden Visa phase; none thereafter.
Children’s eligibility — Required remain single and studying only until Permanent Residency (5 years).

Final remark

We recently received biometric appointments for applications submitted in June 2025, scheduled for January–February 2026, with an estimated additional 2–3 months for card issuance.
This places the total timeframe at approximately 9 months from application to first card — a major improvement from recent years.

While we cannot yet confirm this as the new official standard due to the ongoing transition, it’s a strong indication that processing times are accelerating once again.

We’ll continue to monitor AIMA’s performance closely, but for now, there is clear reason for optimism that the system is finally stabilizing.

If you’d like to see how this timeline translates into practice and estimate all associated government and application costs, consult our Golden Visa Cost Simulator.