Buying property does not automatically give you residency
Owning a home in Portugal does not, by itself, give a non-EU buyer the right to live permanently in the country.
Property ownership and immigration status are separate issues, so buyers planning to relocate should understand the appropriate residency route for their circumstances as well as the property buying process.
Different routes for different circumstances
Portugal has a number of routes through which eligible non-EU nationals may obtain residence, depending on their circumstances.
These can include routes relevant to people living from pensions or their own income, as well as people working, carrying out independent professional activity or establishing a business in Portugal.
The appropriate route depends on the individual, so specialist immigration advice should be obtained before making decisions based on a particular visa or residence option.
What about EU citizens?
Citizens of EU and EEA countries and Switzerland have different rights from non-EU nationals and do not follow the same visa process.
There can still be registration and administrative requirements when establishing residence in Portugal, so these should be considered when planning a permanent move.
The Golden Visa today
Portugal’s Golden Visa, formally known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), still exists, but the qualifying investment routes have changed.
Purchasing property is no longer a qualifying investment for the Golden Visa, and qualifying investment activity cannot be directed, directly or indirectly, towards real estate investment.
Current routes focus on qualifying forms of investment such as certain non-real-estate investment funds, research or cultural investment, and qualifying business or job creation.
Property and residency can still form part of the same plan
Although buying property does not itself create a right to residency, the two decisions often form part of the same wider move to Portugal.
If you intend to live here, understanding your likely residency route early can help you make more informed decisions about where to buy, the type of property you need and when to complete your move.
Getting specialist advice
I’m not an immigration lawyer or visa adviser. My role is to help with the property side of your move and, where appropriate, connect you with experienced professionals who can advise on residency and immigration matters.
That means your property search can take account of your wider plans for Portugal without me attempting to provide specialist immigration advice.
Portuguese immigration and residency rules can change. This guide is intended as a general introduction only. Always obtain current advice from an appropriately qualified immigration or legal professional before making decisions based on a particular residency or visa route.