An IMGW News Report
Despite the elimination of real estate-linked options under Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme, Lisbon has no intention of scrapping the programme altogether. On the contrary, the government is seeking to revitalise it as a magnet for international capital and talent.
“Figures show a 72% surge in approvals last year, with 4,987 Golden Visas granted in 2024 (…)Yet Some 45,000 applications remain pending”
In remarks to Bloomberg, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro confirmed that the Golden Visa remains firmly on the agenda. “There is no plan to end it,” he insisted, noting instead that reforms are under way to render the system more efficient and equitable, with a sharper focus on economic utility.
Since its overhaul in late 2023, Portugal’s programme no longer includes residential property as a qualifying asset. Instead, eligible non-EU investors must commit at least €500,000 to approved investment funds. Despite these curbs, the scheme continues to attract robust interest – particularly from American, Chinese and Brazilian applicants.
Figures from the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) show a 72% surge in approvals last year, with 4,987 Golden Visas granted in 2024 – an all-time high. Demand is likely buoyed by the scheme’s minimal residency requirement: just seven days per year. In a geopolitical environment where alternative programmes in Spain, Malta, Ireland and Greece have faced restrictions or outright closure, Portugal’s measured stance stands out.
Yet challenges remain. Some 45,000 applications remain pending, placing pressure on AIMA to accelerate processing. The government hopes to resolve most of this backlog by year-end.
Portugal’s continued embrace of investment migration contrasts with a broader European cooling. While critics argue such programmes risk regulatory arbitrage, Lisbon sees them as tools for economic growth – particularly when coupled with rigorous due diligence and targeted sectoral investment.
In a competitive global landscape, Portugal appears to be positioning itself not only as a sun-soaked haven, but as a stable platform for globally mobile wealth.
