The Portuguese Golden Visa is widely known for its fast track to citizenship after only five years of residency. But not every investor wants citizenship right away. For many, obtaining permanent residency (PR) is the ideal goal — granting long-term security, EU residency rights in Portugal, and family protection, without the requirement of passing a language test for citizenship.
This article explains how Golden Visa holders can transition to permanent residency after 5 years, and compares the benefits of permanent residency versus citizenship in 2025.
Permanent Residency Eligibility After a Golden Visa
To apply for Portuguese permanent residency, Golden Visa holders must:
- Maintain 5 Years of Legal Residency
- Golden Visa residence permits (2+2+1 years) count toward this timeline.
- Residency requirement: minimum 7 days/year stay.
- Maintain Clean Criminal Record
- Updated certificates from Portugal and home country required.
- Maintain Investment
- Investment must remain in place until permanent residency is granted.
- Proof of Integration
- Unlike citizenship, there is no mandatory language exam for PR.
- However, applicants should show ties to Portugal, such as a tax number (NIF), bank account, or occasional time spent in-country.
Benefits of Permanent Residency
- Indefinite Residence Rights
- No need to keep renewing temporary residence every 2 years.
- PR cards valid for 10 years, renewable thereafter.
- Family Inclusion
- Spouse, children, and dependent parents included in the same status.
- Schengen Mobility
- Travel freely within the Schengen Area for 90 days/180.
- Healthcare & Education
- Right to access public healthcare (SNS) and free public education.
- No Mandatory Citizenship Tests
- PR does not require passing the A2 Portuguese language exam.
Limitations of Permanent Residency
While permanent residency is very secure, it is not the same as citizenship.
- EU Mobility Rights: PR allows free travel in Schengen but not the right to live/work freely in other EU countries (only Portugal).
- Passport: PR holders continue to use their original nationality passports.
- Generational Benefits: PR does not automatically pass to children; citizenship would.
- Voting Rights: PR holders cannot vote in Portuguese national or EU elections (only local elections).
Permanent Residency vs Citizenship
| Feature | Permanent Residency | Citizenship |
| Timeline | 5 years | 5 years |
| Language Requirement | None | A2 Portuguese exam |
| Validity | 10 years, renewable | Permanent (passport renewal 5–10 years) |
| EU Mobility | Schengen only | Full EU rights (live, work, study anywhere) |
| Inheritance & Generations | Not automatic | Children inherit EU citizenship |
| Voting Rights | Local only | National + EU elections |
Who Should Choose Permanent Residency?
Permanent residency is often ideal for Golden Visa holders who:
- Prefer not to take the Portuguese language exam.
- Wish to keep their current citizenship without additional passports.
- Want indefinite stability for themselves and family in Portugal.
- Value healthcare, education, and Schengen access but don’t need full EU mobility.
Citizenship vs PR: Example Scenarios
- Investor A (Global Entrepreneur): Chooses PR to retain non-EU nationality but maintain Portuguese residency benefits without renouncing ties abroad.
- Retired Couple: Opt for citizenship after 5 years to ensure their children and grandchildren inherit EU rights.
- Family with Teen Children: Seek citizenship to give children access to EU university opportunities at domestic rates.
Conclusion
For Golden Visa holders, the path to permanent residency in Portugal is clear and accessible after 5 years of legal residence. It is perfect for families and investors seeking long-term stability in Portugal without additional citizenship obligations.
However, those seeking full EU-wide rights and global mobility may find citizenship the better long-term strategy. The Portuguese Golden Visa offers the advantage of choice — permanent residency or citizenship — within just five years, far faster than most EU programs.
Next Step
Considering permanent residency instead of citizenship? Our experts guide you through the residency-to-PR transition, ensuring all requirements are met smoothly. Contact us today to secure your long-term status in Portugal.