PORTUGAL'S GOLDEN VISA STAY REQUIREMENTS: UPDATE

2 April 2014

This is a piece of good news to Golden Visa applicants and holders.


 

SEF, the Portuguese border agency, has clarified that the minimum stays in Portugal required from Golden Visa holders are as follows:

 

  • During the first year, 7 days, whether or not consecutive;
  • During each of the two subsequent 2 year periods (i.e. years 2 and 3 and then 4 and 5), 14 days, whether or not consecutive. Please note that these are not calendar years. Rather, they are counted from the Golden Visa issue date.

The way the statutes had been written led most people to interpret them as requiring a 14-day stay per year during years 2 to 5. However, the wording was ambiguous and the SEF's interpretation is a welcome clarification.

How can real estate ownership be efficiently and securely monetised?
by Nádia Lavaredas 3 June 2025
Best options for a second property in Portugal: Long-term rentals offer stability, short-term rentals maximise tourist profits, mixed use lets you earn & enjoy.
Portugal held its general elections, with the Democratic Alliance (AD) emerging as the winner.
19 May 2025
The Democratic Alliance (AD) won with 32.7% of the vote, increasing their number of seats to 89, an increase from last year's elections.