Portugal Golden Visa Retirement Planning Guide 2026

Key Takeaways

• Portugal’s Golden Visa offers flexible residency for retirees who want a European base without relocating, with a minimum stay of 14 days in Portugal every two years.
• Current rules require at least €500,000 invested in a qualified fund, and Portugal’s strong tourism and hospitality market supports an asset-backed approach to retirement planning.
• Golden Visa holders can include a spouse or partner, eligible dependent children, and dependent parents in one application, which supports multi-generational planning.
• Most applicants now need 10 years of legal residence in Portugal before applying for citizenship, while enjoying visa-free travel across the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• VIDA Capital advises investors on accessing the VIDA Fund, an asset-backed hospitality fund that targets Golden Visa eligibility while prioritizing capital preservation. Contact VIDA Capital to discuss a Portugal Golden Visa retirement strategy.

Understanding Portugal’s Golden Visa for Retirement Planning

Portugal’s Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program for non-EU nationals who meet due diligence checks and minimum investment thresholds. Applicants must maintain a clean criminal record and qualify through an approved investment route.

The program suits retirees who want flexibility. Golden Visa holders only need to spend 14 days in Portugal in each two-year period, which allows them to keep their main home elsewhere while maintaining a long-term “Plan B” in Europe.

Golden Visa approval grants a temporary residence permit that is valid for 2 years. Holders then renew for two further 2-year periods, maintaining both the investment and the minimum stay requirement during the 5-year residence period. At that stage, they can apply for permanent residency. As the approval card issuance usually takes a year, you will most likely only need to do a single renewal instead of two in the 5-year period.

This residence status allows you to live, study, and work in Portugal, and to travel visa-free across the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Residency rights apply only in Portugal. Full rights to live, work, study, and access public healthcare and education across the European Union arise only after obtaining a Portuguese passport.

Portugal ranks among the safest countries in the world, with a 7th place rating in the Global Peace Index, which supports its appeal as a long-term retirement destination.

Explore how a Portugal Golden Visa can fit into your retirement plan with VIDA Capital’s advisory support.

Key Investment Requirements and Market Context

Regulations introduced in October 2023 removed direct personal property ownership as a qualifying route and set a minimum €500,000 investment into eligible funds. This framework directs Golden Visa capital into regulated vehicles and makes fund selection a central decision for investors.

Portugal’s hospitality sector offers a strong backdrop for asset-backed strategies. The country welcomed about 31 million visitors in 2024, generating €27 billion in tourism revenue. Non-residents accounted for 70.3 percent of overnight stays, with 56.4 million stays, a 4.8 percent rise on the previous year. Projections suggest travel and tourism could reach 22.6 percent of national GDP by 2035.

Portugal will also co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to add more than €800 million of economic impact and further support demand for hospitality assets. The current market still contains many individually owned hotels, which creates opportunities for consolidation and professional management.

Strategic Benefits for Retirement Planning

The Golden Visa can support both retirement needs and long-term family planning. Family inclusion rules allow you to add a spouse or common law partner, dependent children, and dependent parents. For partners, you can present either a marriage certificate or other proof of relationship. Dependent children must be full-time students, not working, and cannot marry at any time during the Golden Visa residency period until the Golden Visa application is complete.

Holders gain a stable status in Portugal, with the ability to live, study, and work there while keeping their main base elsewhere. Travel benefits include visa-free entry across the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This arrangement is useful for retirees who want frequent access to Europe without the obligation to move permanently.

Portugal remains one of the few European countries that still offers a path to citizenship without relocation. Greece requires at least 7 years of living in the country and paying taxes. Spain has closed its Golden Visa program, and both Greece and Spain require physical residence to maintain long-term status. Portugal’s 14-day requirement every two years, therefore, remains highly competitive for a Plan B strategy.

Portugal’s parliament adopted a new framework in October 2025 that extended the residence period needed before applying for citizenship. Most investors now need 10 years of legal residence in Portugal before submitting a citizenship application. Nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and EU citizens benefit from a reduced requirement of 7 years. The new law should apply to all Golden Visa applicants except those who had already submitted their citizenship application before the law was published.

Asset-Backed Investment Through Hospitality Funds

Fund-based Golden Visa routes allow investors to focus on asset-backed strategies that align with capital preservation and retirement income planning. Hospitality funds that own and operate hotels can provide exposure to tangible assets that retain underlying value and can be sold if needed.

VIDA Capital advises investors who wish to participate in the VIDA Fund, a hospitality-focused vehicle that acquires and transforms underperforming hospitality assets in Portugal. The fund buys existing hospitality businesses and gives them a second life through renovation, repositioning, and active management. The team has collectively managed more than €4 billion in assets and closed over 100 private equity deals, which supports a disciplined owner-operator approach.

The VIDA Fund has raised more than €20 million from over 50 investors, and over 100 Golden Visa applications have been submitted for investors and their family members. Historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns, but the fund’s 6.5-year lifecycle targets a doubling of invested capital while also qualifying for Golden Visa purposes.

Discuss asset-backed hospitality fund options with VIDA Capital for your Golden Visa strategy.

Comparing the Portugal Golden Visa and the D7 Retirement Visa

Retirees often compare the Golden Visa with the D7 Retirement Visa. The D7 requires at least €870 per month in passive income and suits individuals who intend to live primarily in Portugal.

D7 residence has stricter physical presence rules. Holders generally cannot be absent from Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 months in total during each permit period. The D7 provides residence in Portugal and is geared toward those who are ready to base their daily life there.

High-net-worth retirees who value flexibility and do not want to relocate often regard the Golden Visa as more suitable. The €500,000 fund investment can align with long-term capital growth and estate planning, while the 14-day presence rule keeps lifestyle options open.

Implementation Framework for Golden Visa Retirement Planning

Effective Golden Visa planning involves legal support, fund selection, and documentation. Selecting an experienced Portuguese lawyer at the outset is essential, since they coordinate applications, verify compliance, and act on your behalf with authorities.

The pre-application stage typically includes obtaining a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and opening a Portuguese bank account. Qualified lawyers can complete both steps remotely for most investors. VIDA Capital connects clients with specialized law firms that focus on Golden Visa cases.

Fund selection then becomes the central decision. Many retirees prioritize asset-backed funds that focus on capital preservation, transparent fee structures, and a clear exit strategy. The VIDA Fund’s model of acquiring and upgrading existing hospitality properties provides a defined asset base rather than purely financial instruments.

Government fees are usually around €13,000 per family member across the 10-year period, including initial applications, residence cards, renewals, and eventual citizenship filing costs. Legal fees often range between €16,000 and €20,000 per family, depending on complexity. Fund subscription fees vary. The VIDA Fund charges a 1 percent subscription fee on the invested amount.

From application submission through approval card issuance and the temporary residency renewals every two years, the Portugal Golden Visa process usually spans 12 to 18 months from initial investment to receiving the first residence card, although individual timelines can vary. As the approval card issuance usually takes a year, you will most likely only need to do a single renewal instead of two in the 5-year period.

Work with VIDA Capital to coordinate your fund investment and Golden Visa application.

Conclusion: Building a Flexible Portugal Retirement Plan

Portugal’s Golden Visa can be a powerful cornerstone of a global retirement strategy, combining residency security in a safe, attractive country with the flexibility to maintain your primary lifestyle elsewhere. With a minimum presence of just 14 days every two years, visa-free travel across the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and a clear—though now longer—pathway to citizenship, the program remains especially attractive to high-net-worth retirees seeking a robust Plan B for themselves and their families.

An asset-backed approach through regulated hospitality funds adds an extra layer of comfort, aligning long-term capital preservation with exposure to Portugal’s growing tourism market. By working with specialized Portuguese lawyers and an advisory firm such as VIDA Capital, you can navigate fund selection, documentation, and the full Golden Visa process with clarity and support.

VIDA Capital connects investors to the VIDA Fund’s owner-operator strategy in Portugal’s hospitality sector, offering a hands-on, transparent route to meeting Golden Visa requirements while focusing on capital protection. Historical returns are not a guarantee of future returns, but the fund’s structured lifecycle and asset-backed model are designed with long-term investors and retirees in mind.

Secure your EU residency and a path to EU citizenship with a Portugal Golden Visa, and speak with VIDA Capital about structuring your retirement-focused Golden Visa plan.

Portugal Golden Visa Retirement FAQs

Is Portugal’s Golden Visa still available for retirees?

Yes. As of 2025, the Portugal Golden Visa program remains open and active for non-EU investors who meet due diligence and investment requirements. Fund investments such as the VIDA Fund are a legal, approved route for those seeking to qualify through eligible funds.

How long does the Portugal Golden Visa process usually take?

While timelines can vary by case and workload at the authorities, the overall process from making your qualifying investment to receiving your first residence card usually spans 12 to 18 months. Your Portuguese lawyer will guide you through each stage and keep you updated on timing.

Do I need to move to Portugal full-time to keep my Golden Visa?

No. To maintain your Golden Visa residency, you only need to spend at least 14 days in Portugal during each two-year residency period. This makes the program attractive for retirees who want a European base and travel flexibility without relocating their primary home.

Which family members can I include in my Golden Visa application?

You can generally include your spouse or common law partner, eligible dependent children, and dependent parents in a single application. For partners, you can present either a marriage certificate or other acceptable proof of relationship. Children must be full-time students, not working, and cannot be married at any point during the residency program until the Golden Visa application is complete. Your lawyer will confirm the documentation required for each family member.

What rights do I have with a Golden Visa in terms of travel and residency?

The Golden Visa grants residency rights in Portugal only, allowing you and included family members to live, study, and work in Portugal. It also provides visa-free travel across the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Full rights to live, work, study, and access public healthcare and education across the European Union are available only after obtaining a Portuguese passport.

How does the Golden Visa compare with residency options in Greece and Spain?

Portugal is currently one of the only countries in Europe offering a path to citizenship through an investment-based residency without requiring you to relocate. Greece requires at least 7 years of living in the country and paying taxes to qualify for citizenship, and long-term residency there requires physical presence. Spain has closed its Golden Visa program and also requires physical residence to maintain long-term status. Portugal’s 14-day stay every two years remains highly competitive for retirees seeking a flexible Plan B.

What role does VIDA Capital play in my Golden Visa retirement plan?

VIDA Capital is an advisory firm that helps you align your Golden Visa strategy with your retirement and estate planning goals. The team advises on access to the VIDA Fund, connects you with experienced Portuguese law firms, coordinates with your legal counsel, and provides concierge-style support throughout the application and investment process.

Is the VIDA Fund regulated and audited?

The VIDA Fund is regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Authority (CMVM) and follows strict regulatory standards. It is also audited bi-annually by Deloitte, which supports transparency and robust governance for investors.

What costs should I expect beyond the €500,000 fund investment?

In addition to the minimum €500,000 investment into a qualifying fund, you should budget for government fees, legal fees, and fund subscription fees. Government fees over the full residency and citizenship journey are typically around €13,000 per family member, though official fee tables can change. Legal fees often range from €16,000 to €20,000 per family, depending on the complexity of your case. At the VIDA Fund, there is a 1 percent subscription fee on the amount invested.