Portugal said “yes” 4,987 times: new Golden Visa statistics
Portugal Golden Visa reaches new heights: 4,987 applications approved in 2024. The figure surpasses the previous peak recorded in 2017, making 2024 the most successful year for the country.
Learn what is behind this boom and why so many people are rushing to apply.
Head of the Portuguese office
Portugal said “yes” 4,987 times: new Golden Visa statistics
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Portugal approved a record number of Golden Visa applications in 2024, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Around 45,000 applications are still awaiting review. The Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum plans to process the remaining applications by the end of 2025.
Unlike Spain, Portugal has no intention of closing or tightening the conditions of its Golden Visa. According to Portuguese media, the government intends to “enhance the efficiency of Golden Visas” to attract more international investors.
Portugal is planning to introduce new tax incentives for foreign residents. This was announced by António Leitão Amaro, Minister for the Presidency. However, full details of the initiative have not yet been disclosed.
The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime operated in Portugal until 2024. It allowed new residents to pay income tax at a flat rate of 20% for 10 years. A new tax program is now available to qualified professionals, including scientists, doctors, and academics.
Why should investors apply without delay?
Portuguese lawmakers have proposed extending the naturalisation period from 5 to 10 years. The draft bill was submitted by the Chega party on 11 June 2025.
Under the proposed changes, only citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries — such as Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste — would be eligible for citizenship after 6 years of residence.
A petition has already appeared on the Portuguese Parliament’s website, calling for a transitional period for foreigners who are legally resident in the country when the new law comes into effect. If the petition gathers 7,500 signatures, it will be considered at a plenary session of Parliament.
The proposed changes also include:
Granting citizenship to children born in Portugal only if at least one parent has lived in the country for 10 years. Currently, 1 year is sufficient.
Removing the right for children of foreign nationals born in Portugal to acquire citizenship after 1 year.
Developing a new test for integration and citizenship, including questions on Portuguese history, culture, and values.
Refusing citizenship to individuals who have repeatedly shown disrespect for the nation’s dignity and its symbols.
Restricting family reunification applications submitted by immigrants with valid residence permits.
The bill is currently under parliamentary review. The government is expected to provide further details on the proposed changes in the coming days.
Currently, Golden Visa holders need to spend only 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain eligibility for naturalisation.
How to obtain a residence permit in Portugal by investment?
The minimum investment required for a Portugal Golden Visa is €250,000. Based on the experience of legal experts at Immigrant Invest, the process typically takes at least 12 months.
Portugal offers five investment options:
Support for arts and culture — €250,000+.
Purchase of investment fund units — €500,000+.
Investments in research activities — €500,000+.
Business investment — €500,000+.
Opening a company that creates at least 10 jobs.
Family members can be included in the application. This includes a spouse, children under 26, and financially dependent parents.
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