Back to News

Europe, News feed Date: 29 January, 2025

Portugal Golden Visa Program: Faster Path to Citizenship with New Updates

Portugal Golden Visa Program: Faster Path to Citizenship with New Updates

The Portugal Golden Visa Program has recently undergone significant updates, offering major advantages to new applicants. The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has confirmed that the five-year eligibility period for citizenship begins from the date you submit your application online. This means time spent waiting for your approval and biometric appointment will count toward your citizenship timeline, removing a significant barrier for investors who want to get started immediately.

Why Now Is the Time to Apply

  1. Start Your Citizenship Countdown Immediately
    The five-year timeline starts when you submit your online application rather than when approvals or biometrics are completed. This clarification was recently confirmed during AIMA consultations, so there is no more uncertainty about when the clock begins.
  2. Rapidly Clearing Backlogs
    A new fast-track system aims to clear the existing backlog in 2025, significantly reducing delays for fresh submissions.
  3. Wide Range of PE and VC Funds
    You can choose from various private equity and venture capital funds tailored to different risk appetites, making it easier to find an investment that aligns with your financial goals.
  4. Option to Use a Foundation Contribution
    Some applicants may make their contribution through a foundation, which can be attractive but has specific U.S. tax implications. If you plan to do this, be sure to consult with a tax advisor.
  5. Opportunity to Leverage 401(k) & IRA
    It is also possible to use your 401(k) or IRA for the investment, though this option may involve additional costs and careful planning to ensure compliance.
  6. Minimal Time Requirement in Portugal
    This remains one of the only EU programs where you can make a qualifying investment and spend minimal time in-country while still becoming eligible for citizenship. For many investors, this flexibility is a key selling point.

Next Steps

  1. Contact a Latitude Representative
    • Initiate the initial due diligence process and confirm you meet the eligibility requirements.
  2. Gather Required Documents
    • Criminal records (issued within three months).
    • Tax numbers.
    • All documents are legalized and translated into Portuguese or English if necessary.
  3. Submitting Your Application Online
    • The Latitude legal team will submit updated documents to the AIMA platform to file your application.
    • The submission date is day one of your five-year timeline for citizenship eligibility.
  4. Prepare for Biometric Appointments
    • Biometric appointments are mandatory to complete your application.
    • Ensure you can travel to Portugal in the months following submission.

Act Now to Secure Your Future

By submitting your application now, you turn waiting time into progress. Portugal’s Golden Visa Program is not only more efficient but also more flexible, with clarified rules that favor new applicants. The result? A faster path to citizenship with less uncertainty.

Visit Latitude for guidance on navigating this updated process with ease. We’re here to help you every step of the way as you begin your journey to a brighter future in Portugal.

Portugal Golden Visa Program: Faster Path to Citizenship with New Updates

Date: 29 January, 2025

Posted in: Europe, News feed