Portugal golden visa: realistic timelines in 2026

Processing has stabilised but remains slow. Plan for biometrics roughly three to five months after submission, and residence cards a further two to three months on.

The property route is closed; qualifying investment now runs through funds, cultural donation or job creation. Each has different documentary burdens.

Renewals matter more than people expect: minimum stay requirements are modest but they are checked, and gaps complicate the citizenship application at year five.