7 Days a Year for EU Citizenship? Portugal Says Yes!
Dreaming of living in Europe and holding a powerful EU passport—without uprooting your entire life?
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program is one of the most flexible, fastest, and low-commitment pathways to European Union citizenship.
Even better: you only need to spend 7 days a year in Portugal to maintain your residency!
Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, retiree, or global investor, this blog will show you step-by-step how to get Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa route—starting in 2025.
✨ Why Choose Portugal’s Golden Visa?
Portugal offers one of the most accessible and affordable residency-by-investment programs in Europe. Here’s why it’s so attractive:
| Feature | Portugal Golden Visa |
| Residency Required | Only 7 days/year |
| EU Citizenship | After 5 years |
| Real Estate Option | ❌ Removed (2025 update) |
| Other Investment Options | Yes, starting from €250,000 |
| Visa-Free Travel | Across Schengen Zone |
| Permanent Residency Option | Yes, after 5 years |
| Family Included | Yes (spouse + children + dependent parents) |
✅ Who Can Apply?
Anyone who meets the following criteria:
- 18 years or older
- Non-EU / EEA / Swiss citizen
- Clean criminal record
- Able to make a qualifying investment in Portugal
- Proof of legal income/funds
This makes it ideal for high-net-worth individuals, remote workers, global entrepreneurs, and even retirees.
💼 Investment Options (Choose One)
As of 2025, real estate investments are no longer accepted under Portugal’s Golden Visa. But here are the eligible investment pathways you can still use:
| Type of Investment | Minimum Required | Details |
| Venture Capital or Investment Funds | €500,000 | Must be registered in Portugal |
| Scientific or Tech Research | €500,000 | Support innovation and R&D |
| Portuguese Arts & Culture | €250,000 | Preserve national heritage |
| Job Creation | Create 10+ full-time jobs | Must be within a Portuguese business |
🧭 Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s how to start your journey to Portuguese citizenship:
- Get Your Portuguese NIF and Bank Account
- The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is your Portuguese tax ID.
- You’ll need it to open a local bank account, which is mandatory before any investment.
- Choose and Make Your Investment
- Select your preferred eligible investment option.
- Ensure the documentation proving your investment is ready (fund subscription agreement, cultural donation receipts, etc.).
- Submit Online Application to SEF
- SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) is Portugal’s immigration office.
- Upload your investment proof, ID documents, background check, and application form.
- Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
- Once your pre-approval comes in (usually 4–6 months), you must visit Portugal to complete biometric verification.
📆 Residency Timeline & Requirements
Here’s what the Golden Visa timeline looks like:
| Year | Minimum Stay in Portugal |
| Year 1 | 7 days |
| Year 2–3 | 14 days |
| Year 4–5 | 14 days |
| After 5 Years | Eligible for citizenship or PR |
🥳 What Happens After 5 Years?
At the 5-year mark, you can apply for:
To become a Portuguese citizen, you’ll need:
- A basic command of Portuguese language (A2 level)
- Continued proof of legal residence and clean background
- Successful approval of your application by Portuguese authorities
Once approved, you’ll gain access to one of the world’s most powerful passports—granting visa-free travel to 190+ countries.
🌍 Benefits of Portuguese Citizenship
| Perk | Details |
| EU Passport | Live and work anywhere in the EU |
| Visa-Free Travel | Schengen countries, U.S., Canada, Japan & more |
| Family Rights | Family reunification and inheritance rights |
| Healthcare & Education | Access to Portugal’s excellent public services |
| Tax Incentives | Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) benefits for expats |
💡 Who Benefits Most from the Golden Visa?
Portugal’s Golden Visa is ideal for:
- ✅ Investors looking to diversify wealth into stable European markets.
- ✅ Families seeking access to EU education and healthcare.
- ✅ Remote workers who want EU residency without relocating full-time.
- ✅ Business professionals wanting EU travel flexibility.
- ✅ High-net-worth individuals seeking second citizenship or a Plan B.
🔍 FAQ – Portugal Golden Visa
- Can I include my family in my Golden Visa application?
Yes. Your spouse, dependent children, and even dependent parents can be included under a single family application.
- Can I Include My Family?
Yes! Portugal’s Golden Visa allows you to bring:
- Your spouse or legal partner
- Children under 18
- Dependent adult children who are students
- Dependent parents (of you or your spouse)
Each dependent can apply under the same investment, and all receive residency permits.
- Is Portugal’s Golden Visa still open in 2025?
Yes, but real estate is no longer a valid investment. The government has shifted the program’s focus to innovation, job creation, and cultural preservation.
- Can I work in Portugal with the Golden Visa?
Yes. While the Golden Visa is not tied to employment, it allows you to live and work freely in Portugal if you choose to.
- What if I don’t want citizenship?
You can apply for Permanent Residency instead, which also grants indefinite right to live in Portugal.
📅 Application Timeline: What to Expect
| Stage | Estimated Timeframe |
| Get NIF + Open Bank Account | 1–2 weeks |
| Make Investment | 2–3 weeks |
| Submit Application to SEF | 1–2 weeks |
| Pre-approval | 6–10 months |
| Biometrics Appointment | 1–2 months later |
| Residence Card Issuance | 2–4 weeks |
✈️ Ready to Make Portugal Your Gateway to the EU?
Portugal’s Golden Visa is perfect for investors, entrepreneurs, and globally minded families who want an EU passport with minimal relocation.
Book a Free Consultation Today and take your first step toward becoming an EU citizen.
🌐 Visit us at: https://tensorinternational.com/
📞 Call: 7877951237
📧 Email: ceotensor@gmail.com