Portugal´s Golden Visa: still the best program in Europe
Portugal's Golden Visa program stands out as one of Europe's most attractive residence-by-investment options, offering a strategic gateway to the European Union with minimal time commitment and significant return potential.
With significant changes unfolding across Europe’s residency and citizenship-by-investment landscape, many countries are scaling back or completely withdrawing their programs. Spain has recently announced the discontinuation of its Golden Visa scheme, and the European Commission continues to express strong opposition to citizenship-by-investment initiatives in Malta.
In this shifting environment, Portugal remains one of the few — and arguably the strongest — options for international investors seeking a clear and credible path to European citizenship. Offering relatively low residency requirements, a transparent legal framework, and the possibility of acquiring an EU passport after just five years, Portugal continues to attract attention from investors worldwide.
The investment fund route: benefits compared to real estate
While real estate was traditionally the most common pathway to Portugal's Golden Visa, regulatory changes have shifted the focus toward investment funds. This option requires a minimum €500,000 investment into qualified Portuguese funds, offering a more sophisticated and potentially more lucrative approach.
When compared to purchasing real estate, investment funds offer several advantages: the process is faster, involves lower taxes and fees, allows diversification across various sectors, and offers a hassle-free experience.
Investment funds provide professional portfolio management and the potential for stronger returns compared to direct property investments, making them particularly appealing to overseas investors.
"The Golden Visa isn't just about securing residence rights anymore - it's about positioning oneself and one's family for whatever changes the future might bring. Working with established fund managers who understand both investment and lifestyle considerations becomes increasingly crucial in this evolving landscape", highlights Hakan Kodal, Chairman of OptylonKrea.
How can one invest in property through a non-real estate fund?
Under the new regulations, direct real estate investment is no longer allowed and, equally, funds that invest directly or indirectly in real estate are not eligible either. The key distinction is what the funds are investing in as every business operates with some sort of real estate footprint.
Are these funds regulated?
Eligible funds are regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) to ensure compliance and protection for investors. Each fund has a fund manager whose responsibility is to ensure that the fund complies with all the necessary requirements.
Besides, when you partner with
Who is choosing the fund route?
Portugal’s Golden Visa via funds is attracting a diverse group of global investors. Let’s meet some of the people we’ve encountered while guiding worldwide investors through the program:
● Michael, 58, Financial Executive from Connecticut, USA – the portfolio diversifier.
Michael sought to diversify his investment portfolio while gaining a foothold in Europe. He invested €500,000 in OptylonKrea's Ando Europe Fund, a regulated Golden Visa fund. The fund’s short term rental management focus aligned with his interests and provided him the flexibility to maintain his U.S.-based lifestyle.
● The Reids: Emily (42), David (45), and children (14, 12) – the European dream chasers: They used a regulated venture capital fund advised by OptylonKrea to secure residency. Now spending 2–3 months annually in Portugal, they value the country’s safety, family-focused culture, and high-quality healthcare. David continues to manage his business remotely.
● Linda and Robert, both 61, Healthcare Professionals from California – the pre-retirees. They invested in Ando Europe Fund, a regulated Golden Visa fund, to secure their future retirement in Portugal while providing exposure to Europe's growing hospitality sector. Drawn by the country’s high-quality healthcare system and lower cost of living, they now visit Portugal for 2–3 weeks annually, and also invested in an Ando Living apartment, with plans to extend their stays post-retirement.
What is the minimum investment for a Golden Visa fund?
The minimum entry level for Golden Visa fund investments in Portugal is €500,000. This entrance allows investors to participate in the program by investing in qualified investment funds, which can include venture capital funds or private equity funds focusing on different sectors.
How long does it take to obtain EU citizenship?
The typical timeframe to obtain citizenship through the Golden Visa program is around six years, provided that all residency requirements are met. This allows you to become a permanent resident or citizen of Portugal, but you do not have to live in the country.
Beyond residency – plenty of strategic benefits
Portugal's Golden Visa offers far more than just residency. It unlocks a European lifestyle enhanced by safety, connectivity, and quality of life.
● Access to the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free travel across 26 European countries.
● A path to Portuguese citizenship after five years (with minimal language requirements).
● High quality of life in a politically stable EU member state.
● High safety ratings (consistently in the top 10 globally since 2016, according to the Global Peace Index).
● Excellent healthcare and educational systems.
● Potential tax advantages through the Non-Habitual Resident program (NHR 2.0).
● From Portugal’s main international airports (Lisbon, Porto, and Faro) you’re a 2-hour flight away from most major European capitals.
Since 2018, OptylonKrea has established itself as the undisputed leader in Portugal's Golden Visa program through investment funds. Advising more than 2,000 investors from over 40 countries, the firm has built a reputation for excellence, transparency, and proven results in navigating the potential complexities of the Portuguese investment migration landscape.
Whether you're considering the Golden Visa's investment pathway or exploring other options, our team is committed to supporting your holistic approach to making Portugal your European hub – addressing your emotional needs alongside your legal and financial requirements.
The Ando Europe Fund, advised by OptylonKrea, offers a valuable opportunity: you will invest in the hospitality business with a special focus on the management of short-term stay apartments, based on the successful business and proven track record of Ando Living Group:
● Ando Living serves prime or up and coming locations including but not limited to hotels, apart-hotels, serviced-apartments, food and entertainment businesses.
● Geographical focus on Portugal, mainly Lisbon, as well as the most vibrant cities of Europe such as Madrid, Paris, London and Athens with excellent tourism potential.
● Investments in Fit-out, Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment and Operating Supplies & Equipment secured by long-term management contracts and operating companies with proven track records.
As the landscape of global mobility evolves, Portugal’s Golden Visa fund route offers a well-regulated, professionally managed, and strategically sound path to European residency. It balances financial return with lifestyle benefits, allowing investors to secure both personal freedom and long-term opportunity.
For personalized guidance on making Portugal your new base visit www.optylonkrea.com or contact our team sales@andoliving.com to discuss how we can support your journey to flexible European living.
by Safak Nervo, Chief Commercial Officer Ando Living Group
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