The Portuguese Golden Visa is a top choice for investors seeking European residency, thanks to its flexibility, family benefits, and short path to citizenship. Over the years, however, the minimum investment options have evolved. Since 2022, real estate purchases no longer qualify, pushing investors toward other strategic routes aligned with Portugal’s economic and cultural goals.
If you are considering residency by investment this year, it’s vital to understand the minimum investment thresholds for 2025 and how each option aligns with your immigration and financial objectives. This guide will provide a breakdown of all available investment categories, costs, benefits, and suitability for different types of investors.
Why Were the Investment Rules Changed?
Prior to 2022, buying property was the most common way to secure the Golden Visa. However, the Portuguese government restructured the program to ease housing pressure in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. The new model focuses on:
- Channeling funds into businesses and innovation.
- Supporting scientific research.
- Boosting culture and national heritage preservation.
- Driving job creation in Portugal.
As a result, today’s Golden Visa options are designed less for property speculation and more for sustainable development.
Overview of Minimum Investment Options in 2025
Here are the four primary routes available under the modern program:
- Fund Investment: €500,000 minimum.
- Cultural Donation: €250,000 minimum (reduced to €200,000 in specific regions).
- Scientific or Technological Donation: €500,000 minimum.
- Job Creation: Creation of 10 jobs (8 in low-density regions).
Fund Investment Route – €500,000 Minimum
The fund investment option has become the most popular path since the removal of real estate.
- Minimum investment: €500,000 in regulated Portuguese funds.
- Eligible funds: Private equity or venture capital funds supervised by the Portuguese CMVM (Securities Market Commission).
- Investment focus: SMEs, green energy, innovation, hospitality, or infrastructure projects.
- Advantages: Potential ROI in addition to securing residency.
- Risks: Market fluctuations and fund performance uncertainties.
This route attracts global investors who want both EU residency and real financial returns. Many funds align with ESG goals (environmental, social, governance), allowing investors to support sustainable projects.
Cultural Donation Route – €250,000 Minimum
The cultural donation program is the lowest cost entry point into the Golden Visa.
- Minimum investment: €250,000 donation (reduced to €200,000 in low-density regions).
- Eligible projects: Restoration of cultural heritage sites, preservation of historical buildings, arts sponsorship.
- Return on investment: None – this is a one-way donation.
- Advantages: Lower entry cost and strong support for Portugal’s cultural heritage.
- Best for: Investors seeking the cheapest path to EU residency without concern for financial returns.
This option has surged in popularity among families wanting to secure residency at the lowest possible upfront cost.
Scientific or Technological Research Donation – €500,000 Minimum
Investors focused on advancing innovation and social good may prefer this route.
- Minimum investment: €500,000.
- Eligible projects: Partnerships with Portuguese universities, scientific research facilities, technology innovation hubs, or medical studies.
- Return on investment: None – this is a donation, though it may provide reputational benefits.
- Advantages: Direct impact on advancing Portugal’s global competitiveness.
- Best for: Investors or philanthropists passionate about science and research.
This route is favored by high-net-worth individuals looking to connect their residency application with a legacy contribution.
Job Creation Route – Minimum of 10 Jobs
For entrepreneurial applicants, job creation is another way to qualify.
- Requirement: Creation and maintenance of at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
- Reduced requirement: 8 jobs if established in a low-density region.
- How it works: By starting a business or registering a company in Portugal.
- Advantages: Supports Portuguese economy directly and positions the investor as a business leader.
- Challenges: Requires active management, higher risk, and compliance with Portuguese employment law.
This path suits hands-on investors who want to relocate and build a business presence in Europe.
Low-Density Area Reductions
Some investment options offer reduced minimum thresholds when carried out in low-density municipalities (defined as areas with fewer than 100 inhabitants per km² or below 75% of the national GDP per capita).
- Cultural donation minimum can drop from €250,000 to €200,000.
- Job creation minimum can drop from 10 jobs to 8 jobs.
This structure encourages economic activity outside Portugal’s large cities and helps balance regional growth.
Comparing the Options
| Investment Route | Minimum Investment | ROI Potential | Best For |
| Fund Investment | €500,000 | Yes | Investors seeking financial returns and EU residency. |
| Cultural Donation | €250,000 (€200k LD) | No | Budget-conscious applicants seeking quick entry. |
| Research Donation | €500,000 | No | Philanthropists and innovation-focused applicants. |
| Job Creation | 10 jobs (8 LD) | Business ROI | Entrepreneurs wanting to establish long-term business presence. |
Key Considerations Before Choosing
When selecting the right investment route, applicants should ask:
- What is my budget? (€250k vs €500k vs business creation).
- Am I seeking financial returns or a donation-only model?
- Do I want to relocate immediately or maintain flexibility with 7 days/year stays?
- Do I prefer an active or passive investment structure?
- Do I want to use this route for eventual citizenship and EU passport access?
How to Maintain Eligibility
Remember, eligibility does not stop once the initial investment is made. To maintain residency, you must:
- Keep the investment for five years.
- Renew your visa every 2 years.
- Meet the minimum stay requirement.
- Maintain health insurance.
- Remain compliant with all background checks.
Conclusion
The Portuguese Golden Visa minimum investment options in 2025 are tailored to support business growth, cultural heritage, and scientific research. Whether you opt for the affordable €250,000 cultural donation, the €500,000 fund or research route, or the entrepreneurial job creation option, each provides a viable path to Portugal’s residency and eventual EU citizenship.
Next Step
Ready to explore the best Golden Visa investment option for your goals? Our expert consultants help investors choose the right path, handle due diligence, and prepare all legal requirements. Contact us today for a personalized strategy and take the first step towards Portuguese residency and an EU passport.