Do I need to live in Portugal to maintain my Golden Visa status?

To maintain your Golden Visa status in Portugal, you must meet residency requirements by spending around 7-14 days in the country annually and show a genuine connection through property ownership or financial investments.

No, you do not need to live in Portugal full-time to maintain your Golden Visa status. The Golden Visa program allows for significant flexibility in residency requirements. To keep your Golden Visa, you must:

  1. Spend Minimum Time in Portugal: You are required to spend an average of 7 days per year in Portugal, or 14 days over a two-year period, to maintain your residency status.

  2. Investment Maintenance: You must continue to meet the investment requirements specified when you initially obtained the Golden Visa. This involves maintaining your investment in Portugal for the duration of your visa.

  3. Renewal: The Golden Visa must be renewed every two years. During the renewal process, you will need to provide proof of your investment and meet the minimal physical presence requirements.

  4. Compliance: Ensure that you comply with all other conditions of the visa, such as having a clean criminal record and fulfilling any additional requirements set by the authorities.

Overall, while you are not required to live in Portugal full-time, maintaining the Golden Visa requires adhering to the residency and investment requirements and renewing the visa periodically.