Residency and citizenship by investment programs around the world offer individuals and their families the opportunity to secure a second residency or citizenship in exchange for making a substantial investment in the host country’s economy. These programs are particularly appealing for their potential to provide greater travel freedom, improved lifestyle, and increased business opportunities.

What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) provides a route for foreign investors and their families to acquire citizenship in a different country, similar to Residency by Investment (RBI) programs, through a qualifying financial contribution. 

CBI programs feature a range of investment opportunities, such as purchasing real estate, investing in government bonds, engaging in business projects, or making donations to charity, allowing investors to choose the option that best aligns with their goals and values.

passport in hand

What is Residency by Investment?

Residency by Investment (RBI) schemes offer a pathway for foreign nationals and their families to obtain residency in a new country through a qualifying capital investment. While investing in real estate is a common method, various programs provide alternative investment options to achieve residency status. Often referred to as investor visas or Golden Visas, these programs typically confer the rights to live, work, and study in the host country, opening up new opportunities for investors and their families.

People walking on the street

Does Portugal offer a Residency by Investment program?

Yes, Portugal offers Residency by Investment, not direct Citizenship by Investment. As of October 2023, real estate investment no longer qualifies for the Golden Visa. Non-EU nationals can still apply for the Portugal Golden Visa by investing in areas such as:

  • Investment Funds – Minimum of €500,000 in regulated Portuguese funds
  • Scientific Research – €500,000+ into research and development institutions
  • Cultural Support – €250,000+ donation to cultural preservation or arts
  • Job Creation – Creating a business with at least 10 full-time jobs in Portugal

This visa grants temporary residency, renewable over 5 years, with only 7 days of physical presence per year required.

Investment in Portugal for Citizenship

Portugal does not offer Citizenship by Investment directly. However, investment can lead to citizenship over time, through the Golden Visa or other residency routes.

Here’s how it works:

  • Obtain legal residency via an eligible investment (e.g., Golden Visa)
  • Maintain residency for 5 years (renewing your permit as required)
  • Meet minimum stay requirements (e.g., 7 days/year with the Golden Visa)
  • Demonstrate basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level)
  • Apply for citizenship through naturalization after 5 years

So, while Portugal doesn’t sell citizenship outright, it offers a clear, stable path to citizenship through long-term residency based on investment.

In short, Portugal gives you a solid path to EU citizenship, but it takes time and commitment. It’s ideal for those who want a base in Europe and eventual citizenship — not a “passport in hand” right away like in true Citizenship by Investment programs.

Lisbon

Portugal Citizenship Requirements

Portugal offers several legal pathways to citizenship, whether you’re living in the country, married to a Portuguese national, have Portuguese ancestry, or were born there. The process is known for being transparent and accessible, especially when compared to other EU countries. Below, we break down the main routes and requirements so you can understand which option might fit your situation best.

Citizenship by Investment: List of Countries

Below you can find the most popular citizenship by investment (CBI) programs.

Residency by Investment: List of Countries

Below you can find the most popular residency by investment (RBI) programs.

The Portugal Golden Visa Program

For more videos about investing or moving to Portugal, explore our YouTube channel here: YouTube Channel Portugal Residency Advisors.

How Portugal Residency Advisors can help?

At Portugal Residency Advisors, we provide expert guidance to individuals seeking to secure residency through the Golden Visa program. We carefully evaluate each client’s unique situation to recommend the most suitable investment path and ensure that all legal and financial requirements are meticulously met for a seamless application process. 

Our proficiency in managing documentation and adhering to compliance standards significantly increases the likelihood of a successful residency application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Residency and Citizenship by Investment

CBI is a process by which an individual can obtain a second citizenship and passport by investing in the economy of the host country.

RBI allows an individual to obtain legal residency status in a country through investment. This can eventually lead to citizenship, subject to the country’s immigration laws.

Yes, Portugal allows dual citizenship. This means you can become a Portuguese citizen without having to renounce your original citizenship, allowing you to hold multiple passports.

You can obtain Portuguese citizenship through several routes:

  • Naturalization: After 5-6 years of legal residency in Portugal, you can apply for citizenship.
  • Descent: If you have a Portuguese parent or grandparent, you can apply for citizenship.
  • Marriage: If you have been married to a Portuguese citizen for at least 3 years, you may be eligible for citizenship.
  • Adoption: Minor children adopted by Portuguese citizens are eligible for citizenship.
  • Sephardic Jewish Ancestry: Descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Portugal in the 15th century can apply for citizenship under a special law.

To become a Portuguese citizen, you must meet the eligibility requirements under one of the available routes (such as naturalization, descent, marriage, or special programs) and submit your application to the Portuguese government, typically through the Civil Registry Office (“Conservatória dos Registos Centrais”). You must provide all required documentation and meet language proficiency requirements, if applicable.

Yes, but with specific conditions. Portugal grants citizenship by birth to children born in Portugal if at least one of the parents has lived legally in Portugal for a minimum of one year. If neither parent meets this criterion, the child will not automatically receive Portuguese citizenship.

You can get Portuguese citizenship by residing in Portugal for 5-6 years, having Portuguese ancestry, marrying a Portuguese citizen, or through special programs like the Sephardic Jewish ancestry route. Each path has specific requirements and steps, so it’s important to choose the one that fits your situation best.

The time it takes to obtain Portuguese citizenship varies depending on the route:

  • Naturalization: Typically 5-6 years of legal residency.
  • Marriage: Minimum of 3 years of marriage to a Portuguese citizen.
  • Descent: The application process can take several months to a year, depending on the complexity and completeness of the documents.
    Once the application is submitted, processing can take 6-24 months, depending on the case and the backlog at the authorities.

Yes, Portugal allows multiple citizenships, including triple citizenship. There are no restrictions on the number of citizenships a Portuguese citizen can hold.

The typical residency requirement to apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization is 5-6 years. Other routes, such as marriage or descent, may have different time frames.

To obtain dual citizenship, you must first meet the requirements for Portuguese citizenship (such as residency, descent, or marriage). Once granted Portuguese citizenship, you are not required to renounce your original citizenship, allowing you to hold dual or multiple nationalities.

Portugal does not offer direct citizenship by investment. However, the Golden Visa program provides a pathway to residency through investment, which can lead to citizenship after 5 years. Investment options start at €200,000 for cultural donation projects in low-density areas, €500,000 for investments funds, or €500,000 for investment in Portuguese companies. After maintaining the investment and meeting residency requirements for 5 years, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship.