The Portuguese Golden Visa is famous for its flexibility and relatively short path to citizenship. But how exactly does the process unfold from the moment you make your investment until you finally hold a Portuguese passport?
In 2025, the complete journey takes about 6–7 years, with 5 years of residency required before you may apply for citizenship, followed by additional processing time. This article provides a clear, step-by-step timeline to help you understand every stage of the Golden Visa process.
Step 1: Investment and Application Submission (Months 0–3)
- Choose your qualifying investment option:
- €500,000 in venture capital or private equity funds.
- €250,000 cultural donation (€200,000 in low-density areas).
- €500,000 research donation.
- Job creation with 10 positions (8 in low-density).
- Obtain NIF and open Portuguese bank account.
- Transfer funds and collect proof of investment documents.
- Prepare and submit your Golden Visa application online via AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade).
Timeframe: 1–3 months.
Step 2: Pre-Approval and Biometrics (Months 4–12)
- AIMA reviews your application, documents, and investment.
- Once pre-approved, you are invited to schedule biometric appointments in Portugal (fingerprints, photos, signature).
- Legal checks conducted to verify your background, source of funds, and criminal record.
Timeframe: 6–12 months (delays possible if backlog is high).
Step 3: Initial Residence Card Issuance (Year 1)
- After biometrics and approval, you receive your first residence card.
- Valid for 2 years.
- During this period, you must spend at least 7 days per year in Portugal.
Milestone: Residency officially begins.
Step 4: First Renewal (Year 2)
- Residence card must be renewed at end of Year 2.
- Requirements:
- Proof of maintained investment.
- Updated criminal records.
- Proof of minimum stay (14 days across 2 years).
- Updated health insurance.
Residence card now extended another 2 years.
Step 5: Second Renewal (Year 4)
- Repeat renewal process.
- Investment must still be active.
- Proof of minimum stay (7 days/year).
- Card valid until end of Year 5.
Milestone: You are nearing citizenship eligibility.
Step 6: Citizenship Eligibility (Year 5)
After 5 years of Golden Visa residency, you can apply for:
- Permanent residency (valid 10 years, renewable).
- Portuguese citizenship (full EU rights and passport).
Citizenship requires:
- Proof of 5 consecutive years of legal residency.
- A2 level Portuguese language exam (CIPLE test).
- Clean criminal record.
Important: Your 5-year count starts from the date of your first residence permit, not the investment date.
Step 7: Citizenship Application Processing (Years 5–6.5)
- Submit application to Portugal’s Ministry of Justice.
- Authorities review language certificate, residency history, and documentation.
- Processing time: typically 12–18 months.
Outcome: Approval of naturalization as a Portuguese citizen.
Step 8: Passport Issuance (Around Year 6–7)
- After approval, you are entered into Portugal’s civil registry as a citizen.
- You then apply for:
- Portuguese Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão).
- Portuguese Passport.
Final Milestone: You officially hold one of the world’s strongest passports, granting:
- Visa-free travel to 190+ countries.
- EU freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the Union.
Full Golden Visa Timeline at a Glance
| Stage | Timeframe | Cumulative Years |
| Investment & Application | 0–3 months | 0 |
| AIMA Approval + Biometrics | 4–12 months | ~1 |
| Initial Residence Card | 2 years validity | Year 1–2 |
| First Renewal | 2 years validity | Year 2–4 |
| Second Renewal | 1 year validity | Year 4–5 |
| Citizenship Eligibility | Apply after 5 years | Year 5 |
| Citizenship Processing | 12–18 months | Year 6–6.5 |
| Passport Issuance | 1–2 months | Year 6–7 |
Conclusion
The Portuguese Golden Visa offers one of the fastest EU citizenship timelines — 5 years of residency followed by 12–18 months of application processing. Compared to countries like Spain (10 years) or Italy (10 years), Portugal provides extraordinary efficiency with minimal stay requirements.
For investors seeking both lifestyle and long-term security, this program offers a realistic path to EU citizenship within a 6–7-year horizon.
Next Step
Want to map out your personal Golden Visa timeline? Our experts guide you through every stage — from investment setup to final passport delivery. Contact us today for a personalized plan.