If you’re holding a weak passport, you’re stuck in queues, visa rejections, and short stays. But Portugal changes that.
The Portuguese Residency by Investment Program offers something most countries can’t: visa-free travel across the EU and Schengen Zone without needing to become a citizen first.
This is a working, legal route used by smart investors who want more freedom, less paperwork, and a backup plan for their families.
How Portugal’s Residency by Investment Program Works
The program lets non-EU nationals gain legal residency in Portugal by making a qualifying investment. In return, you and your family receive residency cards with full legal protection and visa-free access across most of Europe.
Portugal’s offer is especially attractive because:
- No physical stay requirement (just 7 days/year)
- Includes spouse, children, and dependent parents
- Pathway to Portuguese citizenship after 5 years Once approved, your residency card acts like a Schengen visa but longer, stronger, and renewable.
Which Countries Can You Visit Visa-Free with a Portuguese Residency Card?
Once you hold this card, you can travel to 26 countries in the Schengen Area without needing a visa.
Here’s where you can go visa-free:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Portugal itself.
That means weekend trips to Paris. Business in Berlin. A summer in Greece. All with one card.
Investment Options Available in 2025
Portugal closed the real estate route in 2023. But legal pathways still exist:
1.Investment Funds – from €500,000
Approved Portuguese funds that focus on tech, energy, or real estate development.
- Low risk
- High approval rate
2.Job Creation Route – create 10 full-time jobs
Requires setting up a business that hires Portuguese citizens.
- Ideal for entrepreneurs
3.Research or Cultural Contribution – from €250,000
Donate to a national institution in science, tech, or heritage.
- Fast-track option
Need help choosing the right one? Our article How Our Company Helps You Get Legal Residency in Europe explains how we assess the safest route for your goals.
Residency vs. Citizenship: Know the Difference
A lot of people confuse the two. Let’s make it clear.
- Residency = legal stay, visa-free EU travel, family protection, and renewal rights
- Citizenship = full passport, voting rights, EU work mobility
So yes, the plan works; start with freedom, end with power.
Common Questions About Visa-Free Travel
Q: Can I work in other EU countries with Portuguese residency?
A: No. You can travel freely, but working in another country requires local permits.
Q: Can Can I enter the UK or Ireland?
A: No. Schengen access doesn’t include the UK or Ireland. You still need a separate visa.
Q: Can my children attend school in Portugal?
A: Yes. Residency covers public education and healthcare rights.
How We Help You Get It Without Stress
At Magyar, we partner with vetted law firms in Lisbon and Porto. You’ll never deal with hidden agents or shady schemes. We manage:
- Investment fund due diligence
- Application submission and tracking
- Document prep and translation
- Family inclusion
- Travel support
- Renewal alerts
We’ve done it for investors from Nigeria, UAE, India, and beyond.
If you’re ready to move smart and move soon, reach out now.
We’ll get you there.
Send us a message Call: +974 4419 6585
Email: contact@magyar.qa
