Investment route guide
Πορτογαλία golden visa from Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες
Americans using Portugal's golden visa now invest through funds, since the property route closed in 2023. What is different for US investors: most Portuguese funds can be treated as passive foreign investment companies for US tax, which changes how gains are taxed, and the minimum stay is only days per year.
Updated 1 Οκτωβρίου 2026
Quick answer
US citizens can get a Portuguese golden visa by investing €500,000 in qualifying Portuguese investment funds; there is no property route. The minimum stay is 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each later two-year period. Non-US funds are often PFICs for US tax, which can make gains costly unless a qualifying election is available, so take US tax advice before choosing a fund.
As of 1 Οκτωβρίου 2026
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Short visits | No visa needed for visits of up to 90 days in 180 (ETIAS will apply once it launches)Source · checked 2 Οκτωβρίου 2026 |
| Documents | Apostille accepted: your country is in the Hague Apostille ConventionSource · checked 2 Οκτωβρίου 2026 |
| Double tax treaty | A comprehensive income tax treaty is in forceSource · checked 2 Οκτωβρίου 2026 |
| Dual citizenship | We confirm this for your case |
| Minimum | €500,000 in qualifying investment funds (real estate removed in October 2023)Source |
What is different from Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες
PFIC rules
US taxpayers holding non-US funds may be subject to the passive foreign investment company rules (Form 8621). Some funds provide information for a qualified electing fund election; check this before you invest.
No property route
Since October 2023, real estate no longer qualifies for the Portuguese golden visa, including through capital transfers.
Light presence
You only need to spend 7 days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in each later two-year period, which suits people who keep living in the US.
Routes open to you
Figures are statutory minimums from official sources. Official fees are estimates and change; our own fees are quoted for your case.
Golden visa through investment funds
Investors subscribing to qualifying (non-real-estate) Portuguese funds. There is no property route.
- Minimum
- €500,000 in qualifying investment funds (real estate removed in October 2023)
- Path
- Minimum stay of 7 days in year one and 14 days in each later two-year period
Not sure which route fits?
An adviser checks your eligibility from Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες and replies within one working day.
Step by step from Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες
Choose a qualifying fund
Pick a CMVM-registered fund that meets the golden visa rules and suits your US tax position.
NIF and bank account
Get a Portuguese tax number and open a bank account.
Invest
Subscribe €500,000 and obtain the fund declaration.
Apply with AIMA
File online and attend biometrics in Portugal.
Renew
Keep the investment and meet the minimum stay to renew.
Documents and legalisation
Get public documents (birth and marriage certificates, police certificate, degrees) apostilled in Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες, then have them translated by a sworn translator where the destination asks for it.
You will usually need a police certificate from Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες and from every other country you have lived in recently.
Where to apply
Apply online with AIMA, then attend a biometrics appointment in Portugal.
Tax: what to check before you move
Double tax treaty: A comprehensive income tax treaty is in force Listed in AT CDT table 2023
General information, not tax advice. Tax points on this page are awaiting review by a tax specialist.
Sources and review
Last updated 1 Οκτωβρίου 2026
- AIMA (Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum)
- IRS: Form 8621 (passive foreign investment companies)
- IRS: US citizens and resident aliens abroad
- Portuguese Tax Authority: double taxation conventions
Parts of this page are awaiting review by our legal team; we confirm every point for your case before you apply.
Speak to a senior adviser
Not Sure Which Programme to Choose?
Book a one to one video consultation. We look at your goals, family and budget, then set out which programmes fit you, with the costs, timelines and next steps.
- Confidential, covered by an NDA
- Led by a senior adviser
- Final price shown before you book
Programme Review
You review your booking and pay securely on the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Can Americans still buy property for a Portuguese golden visa?
No. Property routes were removed in October 2023; funds are the main route.
Are Portuguese golden visa funds PFICs?
Many non-US funds are treated as PFICs for US tax. Some offer reporting for a QEF election; take US tax advice.
Do I need to live in Portugal?
No. The minimum stay is 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each later two-year period.
Can it lead to citizenship?
Under the nationality law in force since 19 May 2026, citizenship needs 10 years of legal residence (7 for EU and Portuguese-speaking CPLP nationals). We confirm how your residence periods count.
Which route suits me best?
It depends on your goal: living in the country, a second passport, tax planning or a base for your family. The routes on this page are ranked by fit for people moving from your country.
How long does it take to move?
Timelines depend on the route, the completeness of your file and government processing. Each programme page shows its published processing range.
Explore further
Programmes, guides, insights and tools related to this page.