Blog Article
Is Portugal stopping the Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa has not ended—it has been transformed. Since 2024, real estate and capital transfers are no longer eligible. Instead, the program now focuses on strategic investments that align with Portugal’s economic and social goals, especially investment funds.
Main Insights
Venture capital funds now lead, offering diversification, higher return potential, and hands-off management.
These funds are professionally managed, letting investors benefit from expert strategies without property administration.
Portugal provides tax incentives, including dividend exemptions for non-habitual residents.
The VIDA Fund is a prime example, targeting a 10% IRR through sustainable hospitality projects—fully eligible for the Golden Visa.
The Origins of Portugal’s Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa was launched in October 2012 to attract foreign capital during a time of economic crisis.
- Portugal, like Spain, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus, introduced residency-by-investment programs to stimulate growth.
- Its goal was to channel investment into real estate, underdeveloped regions, and strategic sectors such as innovation and technology.
- Since its creation, the program has approved 12,700+ investors and 20,000+ family members, mainly from China, Brazil, South Africa, and Turkey.
The visa provides residency permits with renewals leading to Portuguese citizenship after five years, making it the easiest pathway for non-EU families to become European citizens.
Which Golden Visa Portugal Investments Have Ended?
As of the 2024 reforms, the following routes are no longer eligible:
- Residential and retirement property purchases (€500,000 / €300,000 in low-density areas).
- Capital transfers of €1.5 million into Portuguese banks or government bonds.
What About Existing Real Estate Investors?
Current investors who already obtained the Golden Visa through real estate purchases are not affected by the new rules.
- Their residence permits remain valid.
- They can renew under the same conditions.
- They keep the right to apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years, as long as the original requirements are maintained.
Which Golden Visa Portugal Investments Are Still Valid in 2025?
Five eligible routes remain active:
- Investment Funds (Venture Capital): €500,000 in regulated funds (most popular).
- Business investment: €500,000 in a Portuguese company creating/maintaining 5 jobs for 3 years.
- Scientific research: €500,000 in accredited R&D projects.
- Culture & heritage: €250,000 in cultural or artistic projects.
- Job creation: 10 jobs (8 in low-density regions).
Have questions or ready to take the first step? Let's Chat.
Send a message directly to your personal consultant, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the Golden Visa process.
Advantages of investing in venture capital funds instead of buying real estate for the Golden Visa?
- Portfolio diversification: Exposure to multiple sectors (hospitality, infrastructure, services).
- Higher returns: Funds often target double-digit IRRs.
- Professional management: Experienced teams handle strategy and compliance.
- Convenience: No property management, tenants, or maintenance issues.
- Tax efficiency: NHR regime exempts dividends from taxation in Portugal.
Example of a Venture Capital Fund: VIDA Fund
The VIDA Fund is a CMVM-regulated venture capital fund designed to combine strong financial returns with full eligibility for the Portugal Golden Visa. Its strategy focuses on hospitality transformation, targeting undervalued hotels and repositioning them as profitable, sustainable assets.
Fund Profile
- Fundraising target: €50 million
- Fund lifecycle: 7 years (with possible extension)
- Minimum investment: €500,000 (Golden Visa compliant)
- Target IRR: 10% per year
- Asset class: Sustainable hospitality (hotels, resorts, serviced apartments)
Strategic Approach
- Value acquisition: Identify distressed or underperforming hotel assets below market value.
- Sustainable repositioning: Implement eco-friendly upgrades, integrate local craftsmanship, and improve operational efficiency.
- Operational excellence: Managed by seasoned hospitality professionals to maximize occupancy, ADR, and guest satisfaction.
- Exit strategy: Structured to ensure investor liquidity at fund maturity with strong capital appreciation.
Key Advantages for Investors
- Golden Visa eligibility: Investment qualifies fully for the Portugal Golden Visa and EU citizenship after 5 years.
- Diversified exposure: Participation in a professionally managed portfolio across multiple hospitality assets.
- Sustainability-driven: Focus on projects that meet strict environmental and social standards, aligned with global ESG trends.
- Experienced management: Led by a team with decades of expertise in real estate, hospitality, and private equity.
Contact us at rita@vida-cap.com or message us on WhatsApp +351 914 368 116 to learn how VIDA Capital can help you achieve your goals.
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Have questions?
Send a message directly to your personal consultant, we’re here to guide you through the entire process.
Alternatively you can also Whatsapp Maggie here.
Or send an email: ir@vida-cap.com
