10 Portugal Golden Visa Challenges Faced By Applicants

The Portugal Golden Visa has become an increasingly popular route for those seeking residency in a vibrant European country. 

Also Read – Portugal Golden Visa Requirements, Process & Eligibility [2025]

However, despite its numerous benefits, the journey towards securing a Golden Visa is not without its hurdles. 

Applicants may encounter a variety of challenges, from changes in investment regulations to navigating complex bureaucratic procedures.

 This article aims to explore the common difficulties faced by those applying for the Portugal Golden Visa, helping potential applicants better understand the landscape and prepare themselves effectively.

When starting the journey for a Portugal Golden Visa, applicants may face a range of challenges. Here are the most common issues:

1. Changes in Investment Rules

Portugal has updated the Golden Visa program, phasing out real estate as a qualifying investment option. This change forces applicants to explore other investment routes such as venture capital funds or scientific research, which may not be as familiar or straightforward as real estate​.

2. Understanding and Choosing Investment Options

The program offers multiple investment options (venture capital, scientific research, job creation), each with different eligibility requirements and financial implications. Navigating through these choices can be overwhelming, particularly for those unfamiliar with Portugal’s financial or legal systems​.

3. Source of Funds Documentation

Applicants must prove the legal source of their investment funds as part of the anti-money laundering regulations. This can be a complex and lengthy process, especially for those with multiple income sources or funds originating from countries with stringent financial regulations​.

4. Language Requirements for Citizenship

While there is no language requirement for obtaining the Golden Visa itself, Portuguese citizenship requires passing an A2-level Portuguese language test after five years. This requirement can be daunting for individuals with no prior experience with the language 

5. Minimal Residency Requirement and Ties to Portugal

Although the Golden Visa requires only seven days per year of physical presence in Portugal, for those seeking citizenship, showing sufficient ties to Portugal can be more challenging. Lawyers recommend demonstrating community ties beyond just meeting the residency requirement​.

6. Legal and Bureaucratic Complexities

Navigating the bureaucracy of the Portuguese immigration system, including obtaining the necessary legal documents, preparing applications, and meeting deadlines, can be time-consuming. Even with the streamlined online system, processing delays and complications in submitting documentation can arise​.

7. Renewal of the Golden Visa

The Golden Visa requires periodic renewals every two years, and each renewal necessitates re-submitting documents and proving that you continue to meet the program’s requirements. This can be burdensome, especially if there are changes in personal circumstances or investment performance​.

8. Tax Implications and Residency

Understanding the tax implications of the Golden Visa can be challenging, particularly in the context of the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime and how it aligns with an individual’s global tax situation. Misunderstanding these rules may lead to unexpected tax liabilities​.

9. Family Reunification

While the Golden Visa allows for family reunification, including spouses, dependent children, and sometimes parents, proving dependency and preparing separate documentation for each family member can complicate the process​.

10. Brexit-Related Complications for UK Nationals

Since Brexit, UK citizens have lost their freedom of movement within the EU. Although they can now apply for the Golden Visa, they face new challenges in terms of complying with post-Brexit immigration laws and maintaining residency​.

By being aware of these potential challenges, applicants can better prepare and streamline their Portugal Golden Visa journey. It’s advisable to work with professionals experienced in handling these complexities to ensure a smooth process.