An IMGW News Report
Portugal’s Cultural Heritage Golden Visa saw a notable uptick in interest in 2024, with investments reaching nearly €12 million, a 165% increase compared to the previous year’s €4.5 million. This surge follows the termination of the real estate investment route within the Golden Visa programme, which had been a popular option for foreign investors until its removal.
“Since its inception in 2012, THE PROGRAMME HAS attracted over €7 billion in investments”
Since the introduction of the Cultural Heritage pathway in 2020, Portugal has attracted approximately €22.15 million in investments, with the funds directed towards preserving the nation’s cultural assets. According to data from Centro Português de Fundações (CPF), the first quarter of 2025 alone accounted for €850,100 in investments, funding 38 cultural projects across the country.
This option allows foreign nationals to contribute financially to the conservation of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage, making it an increasingly attractive alternative to the previously popular real estate investment route. Industry experts maintain that the abolition of the real estate option has been a key driver of the programme’s recent growth, with culture and investment in green-related funds, such as those offered by Pela Terra, becoming increasingly popular.
Alongside this, the Portuguese government is accelerating the processing of Golden Visa applications. In February 2025, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) announced plans to digitalise its application system, cutting waiting times significantly. The move is expected to enable biometric appointments within 30 to 90 days of online submission. Moreover, AIMA will accept documents in languages such as Spanish, French, and English, streamlining the process for international investors.
Despite the removal of real estate investments, Portugal’s Golden Visa programme remains one of Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment schemes. Since its inception in 2012, it has attracted over €7 billion in investments, contributing to the country’s economic growth while offering a pathway to residency for foreign nationals.
