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Portugal Homes
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Portugal continues to rank among Europe’s most attractive destinations for foreigners seeking residency, investment opportunities, and long-term stability.
For many years, was one of the most popular routes to Portuguese residency. While Portugal remains open to foreign investors and offers several residency visa options, property investment is no longer a qualifying route for the Golden Visa.
Understanding how Portuguese residency works today, which visa routes remain available, and how property investment fits into the new framework is essential for anyone considering relocation or investment in Portugal.
Why Real Estate No Longer Qualifies for the Golden Visa
In February 2023, the Portuguese government introduced the Housing Bill, aimed at addressing rising rents, housing shortages, and real estate speculation in high-demand areas such as Lisbon and Porto. The legislation became law in October 2023 and officially removed real estate investment from the list of qualifying Golden Visa options.
As of that date, purchasing property in Portugal no longer grants residency under the Golden Visa programme. This marked a major policy shift, given that property investment had been central to the programme since its launch.
The reform was intended to cool the housing market. However, nearly three years later, the data suggests otherwise. By early 2026, median property prices in Portugal reached €2,065 per square metre, representing a 29% increase compared to 2023.
