For a long time, it’s been the most talked-about residency options in Europe. But with so many programmes changing or disappearing altogether, it’s fair to ask:

Is Portugal’s Golden Visa still one of the best options out there in 2026?

What the Golden Visa looks like today

Portugal’s Golden Visa isn’t what it was ten years ago, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Most people applying now do so through investment funds, as property routes have largely been phased out. The focus is much more on regulated, long-term investment.

In practical terms, applicants usually need to:

  • make a qualifying investment (commonly €500,000 in an approved fund)
  • hold that investment for the required period
  • renew residency permits along the way
  • meet basic legal requirements, such as clean criminal records

It’s not a fast-track passport though citizenship can be obtained in 5 years. It’s a residency structure that gives you options over time.

Why flexibility still matters

One of the biggest reasons people continue to choose Portugal is flexibility.

With the Golden Visa, you don’t need to move to Portugal full-time to maintain residency. The minimum stay requirement is low, which makes a huge difference if you’re running a business elsewhere, have children in school abroad, or simply aren’t ready to relocate yet.

In contrast, the majority of other European Golden Visa’s will expect you to move full-time and for many families, it’s about keeping your options open and having a ‘Plan B’.

How Portugal compares to the rest of Europe

Portugal isn’t the only country that has offered residency through investment, but the landscape has changed a lot.

Spain, which was often compared directly with Portugal, closed its Golden Visa programme in 2025 and no longer accepts new applications.

Greece still attracts interest, but investment thresholds have been increasing, and the path from residency to citizenship is longer and far less defined.

Malta operates a different model altogether. Its permanent residence programme involves higher upfront costs, government contributions, and property commitments. It works for some families, but it’s a much more expensive and structured route.

Italy’s investor visa tends to suit people who plan to genuinely relocate, as the long-term process usually expects deeper physical presence.

Portugal sits somewhere in the middle. It’s regulated and credible, but still flexible enough for people who want EU residency without needing to uproot their lives immediately.

What about citizenship?

There’s been a lot of discussion recently about Portugal’s citizenship rules, especially around the idea of extending the eligibility period from five years to ten.

Under the current rules, most legal residents can apply for citizenship after five years, provided they meet certain requirements.

Even if the timeline were extended in the future, Portugal would simply be keeping with rest of Europe. For example, Spain and Italy already have a 10-year timeline in place.

What still sets Portugal apart is that flexibility during the residency phase. The ability to only be present in the country for two weeks every two years throughout the process is seen as the most significant benefit. That, and the fact that Portugal allows for Dual Citizenship where some countries like Spain do not.

Thinking beyond just one generation

For many people, the Golden Visa isn’t just about themselves.

A clear, defined pathway to residency, and potentially citizenship, can mean EU rights not just for you, but for the next generation as well.

That kind of planning is hard to put a price on, especially in a world that feels less predictable than it used to.

So, is Portugal still worth considering?

If you’re looking for the cheapest option, Portugal probably isn’t it.

But if you’re looking for a stable, flexible, and well-structured way to build a future in Europe, Portugal’s Golden Visa still stands out above the crowd.

For anyone wanting the clearest and most up-to-date picture, our approved partner Jason Swan is hosting a free webinar on the 12th of February at 5:00pm Lisbon time to walk through the latest Golden Visa changes and what comes next.

Secure your place here: Register Now