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.

by Isadora Ussene 25 November 2025
Understand IMI deadlines, instalments, VPT valuation rules and AIMI. Ensure the last IMI payment is made by 30 November to avoid interest or enforcement.
Discover how condominium ownership works in Portugal with our easy-to-follow guide.
by Ana Espadinha 16 October 2025
Thinking of buying property in Portugal? Learn how condominium ownership works, from private units to shared duties and legal rules in our practical guide.