Portugal could end its popular Golden Visa program — here’s how to get it before it’s gone
Editors note: This post has been updated with new information.
There's a win this week for anyone hoping to become a European Union citizen through Portugal's popular Golden Visa program. Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa vetoed the proposed change to legislation and sent it back to the Parliament for additional changes. This means potential applicants still have time to qualify under the current program rules.
The legislation is expected to be reintroduced in September or October, according to Jason Morgan, director of sales and marketing of the Mercan Group — an investment immigration consulting company.
Morgan told TPG: "The President´s veto can go a long way on ensuring the Portuguese Golden Visa program some very relevant last weeks. Having the President voice out the concerns that the vast majority of the political and economic stakeholders made public validates the cooperative position that our group has adopted throughout this process.
In regard to timelines, a realistic scenario is that the government calls upon the first session of Parliament after the summer break — September 15th, as the date to reapprove the bill, after which it is resent to the President for approval and publishing. Even if this date — September 15th — is indeed the chosen date, under current processual proceedings, it is doubtful that the bill will come into force before the end of September or, most likely, the beginning of October."
He also added: "Currently, with our partners, the average timing to process a file is around one week, which allows for more than enough time to still invest and participate in the Portuguese investment program before the increase in the entry price point kicks in."
What is a Golden Visa
You can currently become an EU citizen through real estate investment in a handful of countries with programs commonly referred to as Golden Visas.
For example, you can establish residency in Portugal with an investment starting at 280,000 euros (about $296,317). Requirements include spending up to 14 days in the country annually. However, over the five-year investment period, that requirement varies.
Back in February, Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced that the government intended to review the Golden Visa program — specifically the real estate investment option — and issued a preliminary proposal for changes. Factors prompting the review include foreign investment driving up the price of real estate and potential security risks of money laundering within transactions, according to Costa.
The program was launched in 2012 as a way to attract tourism and investment in Portugal. Over the last 10 years, the program has brought 6.5 billion euros (about $6.8 billion) in investments and issued more than 11,000 residence permits.
As TPG founder Brian Kelly outlined in his journey to EU citizenship, a Golden Visa from Portugal can be very lucrative if you are looking for ways to live, work or study in the EU.
The benefits also extend to your immediate family, and you could eventually hold dual citizenship with a Portuguese passport. This would allow you to visit 187 countries without an additional visa. A Portuguese passport was ranked sixth (the U.S. is seventh) in the list of the world's most powerful passports according to the 2023 Henley Passport Index.
What happens next
The proposal was forwarded to the president, whose veto this week means it could be changed and evaluated again before it gets reintroduced in the fall.
Changes were made to the program in 2022, but this new announcement could mean that the program (or parts of it) could still go away forever.
Several steps must be taken before the law changes, some of which have already happened. The monthlong comment period expired on March 16, 2023, and it was followed by a meeting to draft the final proposal. This was then presented to Parliament for a vote.
Any changes to the current program could affect new applicants but not current applicants. So, if you've been thinking about pursuing dual citizenship, now is the time to get started.
Brian shared details of his own experience with the program and the Mercan Group, which connects investors to real estate development projects in Portugal.
You can find out more information on its website and register your interest to receive more information. It is currently offering a discounted fee of 4,000 euros ($4,343) rather than 5,000 euros ($5,428). Only 500 euros (about $529) are due upon signing.
TPG will continue to follow this story and report on developments.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.