High-net-worth individuals, together with investors, have been flocking to Portugal for residency through investment to secure access to the European Union, visa-free travel, and a favorable quality of life. Portugal Golden Visa program established in 2012 draws foreign investors who want to obtain citizenship because Portugal offers political and economic stability, high quality of life, and strategic positioning. However, several common misconceptions about Portuguese citizenship and residency programs can confuse potential applicants.
In this article, we will address the common misconceptions related to Portuguese citizenship and provide the real facts.
Eligibility and Application Process
Misconception 1: Obtaining citizenship by acquiring a real estate property
Some people believe they can easily get a Portugal Golden Visa by buying a property in the country, but this is no longer true. According to the new regulations, real estate investment is no longer a way to obtain a Golden Visa, even the funds that invest in real estate are not allowed. However, the hospitality-focused funds are eligible for a Golden Visa. Instead, applicants can apply by contributing to the approved investment funds or supporting the restoration of cultural heritage. In addition, the Golden Visa does not automatically provide citizenship, because the latter requires holding the residency for at least five years, as well as staying on an average 7 days per year, passing a Portuguese language test and fulfilling other legal requirements.
Misconception 2: Investors can apply without a local lawyer or representative
Many potential applicants assume they can apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa without local legal support, but this can lead to significant delays or complications. Although it is theoretically possible to apply on their own, the process is quite complicated and involves legal, bureaucratic, and language issues. An advisor or authorized representative will ensure that all Portuguese regulations are met, help with document preparation, and will be able to communicate directly with immigration authorities. Their advice is important to prevent expensive errors and to expedite the approval process.
Misconception 3: Investment won’t be refunded if an investor’s application is rejected
Contrary to the belief, citizenship by investment programs are not suspicious or informal schemes but rather legal and governed by the laws of the respective countries. An application for a Portuguese passport can be refused if the investor has a criminal record and has attempted to hide this information during the due diligence process or cannot verify the source of funds used for the investment. Investment funds are refundable in accordance with the fund law. The only costs the applicant may bear in this case are the administrative application fees only
Residency Requirements
Misconception 4: Investors must live in Portugal full-time to maintain their visa
It is a common misconception that investors must live in Portugal to maintain the visa, but in fact, the Portugal Golden Visa requires investors to spend only 7 days in the country during their first year and 14 days every two years thereafter. The program draws international investors who seek EU access without moving to Portugal permanently.
Misconception 5: The 7/14 days must be consecutive
Many people believe that Portugal’s Golden Visa requires investors to spend 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period consecutively. However, this is not the case; the regulations allow these days to be accumulated over the respective periods, which gives investors much more flexibility. Golden Visa holders can split their visits throughout the year or across months as long as they meet the total number of days. This flexibility makes the Golden Visa especially appealing to those who want EU residency without having to relocate or disrupt their global lifestyle.
Misconception 6: The residency card is valid for 5 years straight away
Some investors have the incorrect impression that the Golden Visa residency card remains valid for five years. The first residency card issued to applicants has a standard two-year validity period, after that, it must be renewed for an additional 2 years until the holder reaches five years or more of residency. The applicant becomes eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship only after completing the five years and fulfilling all requirements.
Citizenship Pathway
Misconception 7: The Golden Visa leads to automatic citizenship
It’s a common misconception that Portugal’s Golden Visa automatically leads to citizenship. In fact, the Golden Visa program provides a residency pathway but does not grant automatic citizenship. Investors can apply for citizenship after five years of holding a Golden Visa in Portugal. They should obtain an A2 level language certification in Portuguese, have clean criminal records from Portugal and their home country, and pay all their outstanding taxes in Portugal. The process is subject to approval by Portuguese authorities, and citizenship is granted only after meeting all legal criteria.
Misconception 8: Buying a Portuguese citizenship directly
This misconception is related to the misunderstandings of the residency-by-investment programs. An investor is not able to buy Portugal’s citizenship directly. Instead, they can apply for a residence permit, which must be kept for 5 years. During this period, the investor must either invest €500,000 in a fund and keep the investment for 5 years or donate €250,000 towards supporting arts or restoring cultural heritage. Furthermore, holders of the Golden Visa are only required to live in Portugal for 7 days per year. After acquiring citizenship, there are no further investment requirements.
The new citizenship law of 2024 enables the total counted time to be started from the day of applying for the residency at year zero instead of from the time of getting the final residence card. This is because it reduces the total time taken to get the passport. These requirements ensure that new citizens can participate effectively in Portuguese life and support the values of the country.
Misconception 9: Language and cultural integration are not required
A common misconception about Portuguese citizenship is that it can be acquired without any need for knowing the Portuguese language or culture. However, language and cultural integration are essential conditions. Applicants must be able to pass an A2-level Portuguese language test that includes written and oral examinations. To prove language proficiency , applicants need to pass a language exam at the CIPLE A2 level to check their ability to use basic vocabulary and grammar structures in daily life.
Family Inclusion and Rights
Misconception 10: All family members are automatically included
Some investors believe that the Golden Visa program automatically includes all family members of the main applicant. The reality is that each family member, including spouses, dependent children, or parents, must be specifically added and meet certain eligibility criteria. Each family member must provide their documentation, pass background checks, and pay extra government fees.
Misconception 11: A passport obtained by investment is different from an ordinary Portuguese passport
It is a misconception that after gaining citizenship by investment, the investor has to meet certain conditions, which makes the person believe that his rights as a citizen are limited. However, the Portuguese passport obtained through investment is similar to any other normal EU passport.
As Portugal is an EU member state, Portuguese passport holders can freely travel within the Schengen area, live, work, or conduct business, and enroll their children in public kindergartens and schools in any EU member state. The only demands that Portugal makes in exchange for citizenship are keeping the investment for five years and visiting the country at least seven days each year.
Legal Stability and Dual Nationality
Misconception 12: It’s just a travel visa, not an actual residency
It is a widespread misunderstanding that the Golden Visa functions only as a travel document, providing limited advantages. In truth, The Golden Visa is an official residency permit that allows holders to reside in Portugal and simultaneously permits them to work and study. The main advantage of this visa is its ability to grant legal residency, which eventually leads to permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. The Golden Visa provides more than travel freedom because it is a pathway to establishing a life in Portugal with complete legal rights and access to various opportunities.
Misconception 13: Portugal citizenship can be withdrawn anytime
It is a common misconception that Portuguese citizenship, which can be bought through investment, can be easily withdrawn at any time. Though, this is not true. Portuguese citizenship, once granted, is considered permanent and similar to the citizenship obtained by birth or other means. It is protected by laws and the constitution, providing individuals the same rights as Portuguese citizens. The main exceptions that lead to revoking citizenship include fraud, such as giving wrong information or ignoring some vital details in the application process, and in rare cases, involving acts of treason or threats to national security.
Misconception 14: Portugal allows dual citizenship without restrictions
Another common misconception is that having Portuguese citizenship means being able to hold dual citizenship with no issues. As a general rule, Portugal allows dual citizenship, but your home country may not share this view. Many countries do not recognize dual citizenship, and you may be required to renounce your original citizenship when you proceed to acquire a new one. Therefore, It is advisable to check on the dual citizenship laws of your home country before applying for Portuguese citizenship to avoid breaking any laws and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
Basic rights provided by Portugal’s citizenship
Portugal passport holders can move freely across the EU territory and the Schengen area, with the ability to enter without a visa to more than 170 countries, including the UK. They can also live with a family in Portugal, as well as work and run a business, with major access to the healthcare system. Passport holders can also pass the citizenship to children born in Portugal.
For more information about Portugal’s Golden Visa program, the benefits, and requirements, please contact us here.