How does permanent residency work with Portugal's Golden Visa?

Golden Visa holders can apply for permanent residency after five years of legal residence, subject to meeting the requirements at that point. Once permanent residency is granted, there is no longer a need to keep the qualifying investment.

By Advertiser, in Golden Visa · 23 Oct 2026, 15:24 · 0 Comments

Nationality follows a separate timeline. Under the amended nationality law, which applies from 19 May 2026, the residence requirement has moved from five to ten years for most applicants. Investors can therefore apply for permanent residency at the five-year stage, then consider an application for Portuguese nationality once they reach ten years.

Understanding how these two stages fit together is important for anyone planning a long-term move to Portugal, as the timelines for residency and nationality are no longer the same.

Arrange a free discovery call with Portugal Pathways to see if Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme fits your plans.

About Portugal Pathways

‍‍Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on estate planning, wealth management, Golden Visa and tax optimisation, including post-NHR / IFICI tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation and luxury real estate solutions to enhance life and investment in Portugal

This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Individual circumstances vary, and readers should seek advice from a qualified, regulated adviser before making financial decisions.