The Golden Visa in Portugal has undergone significant changes, and the main one was the end of the possibility of obtaining the visa through real estate purchases.
This change has raised questions in the international market, especially among investors who saw the real estate sector as the main gateway to European residency.
In 2026, Investment Funds have emerged as the most solid, secure, and increasingly used route by high-net-worth investors, especially from the Middle East, who seek an efficient structure to access Europe.
What are Eligible Investment Funds?
Investment Funds eligible for the Golden Visa are regulated vehicles in Portugal, supervised by the CMVM (Portuguese Securities Market Commission).
These funds allocate capital to strategic sectors of the Portuguese economy, such as technology, energy, industry, and innovation.
To qualify for the Golden Visa, funds must meet specific requirements, including:
Not investing directly or indirectly in residential real estate
Being properly registered and regulated
Allocating investment to companies operating in Portugal
In practice, the investor participates in a professionally managed fund, without the need for direct involvement in operations.
To qualify for the Golden Visa through funds, the minimum investment amount is €500,000.
This amount must be invested in eligible funds during the period required by the program.
Unlike the previous real estate model, this structure offers greater diversification and professional management, making it especially attractive for investors seeking efficiency and less operational involvement.
Key Benefits:
Even with the changes, the Golden Visa remains one of the most advantageous programs in Europe.
Among the main benefits are:
- Minimum stay in Portugal of only 7 days per year
- Free movement within the Schengen Area
- Possibility to include family members
- Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years
This combination makes the program particularly attractive for investors who do not wish to relocate immediately but want to secure access to Europe in the medium and long term.
With the new rules, the Golden Visa requires more than available capital, it requires strategy.
Choosing the right fund, structuring the investment legally, and complying with legal requirements are decisive factors for the success of the process.
Anna Miranda International Lawyer provides comprehensive support, from fund selection to obtaining residency, ensuring legal security and alignment with the investor’s objectives.
In an ever-changing landscape, having specialized advisory is not just an advantage, it is essential to turn investment into international mobility.
Author: Anna Miranda – Immigration Lawyer in Portugal
Anna Miranda is an immigration lawyer specialized in Portuguese citizenship, residence permits and international mobility.