Visualized Golden Visa data from AIMA/SEF — yearly applicant trends, all-time nationalities, and a 2023 snapshot by nationality and investment route. For investor guidance, see our €500k fund-route guide.
By André Bandeira, CFA • Updated: November 2025
4,455
Applicants in 2023
Main 1,554 • Family 2,901
12,718
Main Investors (All-Time)
20,424
Family Members (All-Time)
€6.56bn
Total Investment 2012-2022
SEF cumulative
Source: AIMA/SEF. Official annual totals included.
Main applicants granted since 2012.
| # | Country | Permits (All-Time) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 5,407 |
| 2 | Brazil | 1,256 |
| 3 | USA | 781 |
| 4 | Turkey | 613 |
| 5 | South Africa | 574 |
| 6 | Russia | 549 |
| 7 | India | 357 |
| 8 | Lebanon | 336 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 306 |
| 10 | Vietnam | 268 |
Considering the investment path? Review the CMVM-regulated €500k fund route.
AIMA is rolling out digital systems to reduce pending files (2024-2025).
Traditionally 5 years. Amendments approved in 2025 may extend some routes to 10 years — always confirm the current rules before applying.
CMVM-regulated funds, following the removal of the real estate route.
Whether you are exploring the Portugal Golden Visa for EU residency or you simply want to allocate capital to private equity funds in Portugal, our Investor Relations team can help. We will walk you through CMVM-regulated fund options, clarify how they work for residency and for pure investment, and coordinate with trusted immigration and tax advisers. Schedule your confidential, no-obligation strategy call today.
André Bandeira
ab@explorerinvestments.com
Maria Campos Silva
mcs@explorerinvestments.com
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Get your complete, free guide to the Portuguese Golden Visa. Learn how to invest with confidence through Explorer Investments, the country's largest private equity fund.
André Bandeira
ab@explorerinvestments.comMaria Campos Silva
mcs@explorerinvestments.comCopyright © 2025 Explorer Investments
It is recommended to consult Chapter V of Decree-Law nº 162/2014, of October 31st, published in the Official Gazette, as well as its revision by Law nº 2/2020, of March 31st. The information included here is of a general nature, and therefore each potential investor should seek independent advice (e.g., legal, financial, tax, etc.)