Moving to Portugal

I Looked at 9 Pros & 7 Cons of Portugal’s Golden Visa – Here’s My Opinion

investor looking at charts and using a calculator

Portugal’s Golden Visa is in a very different place than it was a few years ago. It’s still one of the last serious residency-by-investment options in the EU, and still incredibly flexible if you don’t want to move to Portugal full-time. But the routes you can invest through and the political mood have all shifted. So is it still worth it? Or do the cons outweigh the pros. This guide looks at: This is just one person’s opinion and not …

A hand in a green sweater is extended against a light blue background. Floating above the palm are three large, yellow question marks.

Thinking about moving to Portugal but worried your minor criminal record might be a problem? Concerned about the clean criminal record requirement for visas like the D7, Digital Nomad Visa, and golden visa? You’re not alone, and this is a common question that comes up in Portugalist webinars. The good news is that Portugal might be more welcoming than you think. Let’s break down some expert advice from Lisbon-based lawyer Sandra Gomes Pinto in a way that’s easy to understand …

The AIMA appointment usually takes place after you have moved to Portugal on your 120-day visa. In theory, it should happen within those 120 days. In practice, that does not always happen, and many people end up staying in Portugal beyond the validity of the initial visa while waiting for the appointment. Compared to the consular stage—usually the VFS appointment in your home country—this part of the process is supposed to be more of a formality. The main decision has …

man shrugging his shoulders against yellow background

A few years ago, this was a much easier question to answer. Portugal’s Golden Visa was one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe. You could buy a property, spend very little time in Portugal, and still work toward citizenship after five years. Now, that equation looks very different. The big issue is citizenship. Portugal’s government announced plans to increase the residency period for naturalization from five years to 10 years for most foreigners. This means more renewals, more …

A group of professionals in business attire sitting around a table, holding and discussing documents with various charts and graphs. A laptop, cup of coffee, and more papers are on the table. Only the hands and partial torsos of the individuals are visible.

Portugal does offer residency by investment through the Portugal Golden Visa. But here’s the key thing to understand: Most people looking to live in Portugal don’t actually need it. It’s a common assumption that moving to Portugal means investing a large sum of money or buying property. In reality, investing is just one route—and for many people, not the best one. Also, another thing to note: you can no longer qualify for the Golden Visa by buying property. So while …

Most people think Portugal’s Golden Visa is simple: invest €500,000 (or donate €250,000), visit Portugal for around seven days a year (on average), and that’s it. This isn’t wrong. But it’s also not the full story. Behind those simple requirements is a long list of documents, timing constraints, administrative steps, and “unwritten” rules that can delay your application by months — or derail it entirely if you get them wrong. For example: In this article, we’ll break down every common …

If you’re moving to Portugal, you’ll need a Portuguese bank account — for your visa application, to receive income, pay rent, set up utilities, and access Multibanco (the payment network that runs Portugal). The problem? As a non-resident, opening an account isn’t straightforward. You can’t just sign up online like you would back home, and walking into a branch often ends in rejection — sometimes at multiple banks. The good news: specialist services can open your account remotely, often in 2–4 weeks and for as little …

An older couple sits at a table, smiling and looking at a laptop screen. Both wear glasses; the woman is in a white polka-dot blouse, and the man is in a grey checked shirt. They seem to be working together, with papers and a notebook on the table.

A NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is a 9-digit tax number issued by the Portuguese Tax Authority. You’ll need one before you can open a bank account, sign a lease, apply for a visa, or do almost anything official in Portugal. If you’re not in Portugal yet, you can get one online — often in as little as 2 days and for as little as €64. But prices, delivery times, and what’s included vary a lot between providers. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Use …

If you’re trying to decide whether to get your Portuguese NIF in person or online, the answer mostly comes down to where you live now. For some people, getting it in Portugal makes perfect sense. For most, particularly Americans, Brits, and Canadians, it is usually a waste of time, money, or both. The short answer You should usually get your NIF: Tip: Get your NIF through Portugalist for just €64. If you live outside the EU/EEA, getting Your NIF in …

On October 28, 2025, Portugal’s Parliament dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the global investment migration community. In a single vote, they approved legislation that would double the residency requirement for citizenship from five to ten years—affecting not just Golden Visa holders, but every foreign resident hoping to become Portuguese. The change isn’t law yet. It still awaits the President’s signature, and there’s a real possibility it could be sent to the Constitutional Court for review. But the message …

I Looked at 9 Pros & 7 Cons of Portugal’s Golden Visa – Here’s My Opinion

Can I Move to Portugal If I Have a Criminal Record?

Which Documents Do You Need for Your AIMA Appointment?

Is Portugal’s Golden Visa Still Worth It?

Does Portugal Offer Residency By Investment? Yes, But Do You Really Need It.

A Complete Guide to Portugal’s Golden Visa Requirements (It Isn’t Just About Investing €500k)

Open a Portuguese Bank Account Online From €290

Get A Portuguese NIF Number Online For Only €64

Should You Get Your NIF in Portugal or Online?

Has Portugal Effectively Ended Its Golden Visa Program?