Can I still get a Portugal golden visa by buying property?

No. Since the 2023 reform, buying residential real estate no longer qualifies. Fund investment, business creation and some other routes remain available.

Does off-plan property count for the UAE golden visa?

In some cases, subject to the developer and payment conditions set by the authorities. Confirm eligibility for a specific unit before buying.

Yes, they are independent schemes, though tax residence needs careful planning.

Compare

UAE Golden Visa vs Portugal Golden Visa

Both offer residency in return for investment, but they work very differently. The UAE visa can be obtained through property ownership. Portugal removed real estate as a qualifying route in 2023 and now relies mainly on fund and business investment, with a path towards EU citizenship.

Side by Side

	UAE Golden Visa	Portugal Golden Visa
Property Qualifies?	Yes, through owning property above the government threshold	No longer, since the 2023 reform; fund, business and other routes remain
Minimum Investment	Property worth at least AED 2 million (check the current rule)	Commonly €500,000 into qualifying investment funds (check the current rule)
Visa Length	Up to 10 years, renewable while the qualifying investment is held	Residence permit renewed periodically while the investment is held
Stay Requirement	Minimal	Low average days per year
Path to Citizenship	Not through the visa	Possible after the required years of residence, subject to language and other conditions
Personal Income Tax	No personal income tax	Portuguese tax applies if you become tax resident
Travel	Residency in the UAE	Residency in Portugal, with Schengen travel

Who Each Option Suits

UAE Golden Visa

Investors wanting residency through property they can live in or let
Buyers in a no-income-tax jurisdiction
Families relocating to the Gulf

Portugal Golden Visa

Investors seeking a long-term route to EU citizenship
Those happy to invest through funds rather than property
Buyers wanting Schengen access

FAQ