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New policy removes real estate option and raises entry threshold for residency seekers

Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking residency in Portugal through the country’s Golden Visa programme will now face stricter requirements following changes to the scheme. Authorities have raised the minimum investment threshold to €500,000 and permanently removed property purchases as a qualifying route.

The Golden Visa programme, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity, has for years allowed foreign investors to obtain Portuguese residency by making significant investments in the country. Real estate purchases were previously one of the most popular options used by applicants to qualify for the programme.

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Under the revised policy, property investments will no longer count toward eligibility, meaning applicants must pursue alternative investment options such as venture capital funds, research activities, or other government approved economic contributions that meet the €500,000 minimum requirement.

Portuguese authorities say the changes are part of broader efforts to address housing shortages and rising property prices in major cities, which have been partly linked to strong demand from international investors. By removing the real estate pathway, the government hopes to ease pressure on the housing market while still attracting foreign capital into productive sectors of the economy.

Immigration and investment analysts note that the updated rules may affect interest in the programme among international applicants, including Nigerians who have increasingly explored the Golden Visa as a pathway to European residency and mobility within the Schengen area. Despite the stricter conditions, Portugal’s programme remains one of the more established investment residency options in Europe.