Portugal Golden Visa: 5-Year Path to Citizenship Timeline

Introduction: How Long Until You Can Hold a Portuguese Passport?

The Portuguese Golden Visa offers one of the most efficient paths to EU citizenship—but only if you stay compliant and on schedule.

This interactive guide outlines:

• 📆 Every major milestone from month 1 to month 60

• ✅ Legal and linguistic obligations

• 🧠 Strategic checkpoints to avoid delays

Whether you’re in month 1 or 41, use this guide to benchmark your progress.

5-year Portugal residency timeline

📍 Month-by-Month Citizenship Timeline (Golden Visa Path)

📌 Note: You must maintain legal residence, pass A2 language proof, and meet minimum stay requirements to apply at Month 60.

📅 Months 0–3: Investment & Initial Application

• Choose qualifying investment (€250K+ cultural or €500K+ funds)

• Secure Portuguese NIF and open bank account

• Appoint legal representative (highly recommended)

• Submit Golden Visa application to AIMA via online portal

📎 Docs Required:

• Passport, proof of investment, criminal record, NIF, tax ID

📅 Months 4–9: Biometrics & Pre-Approval

• Attend biometrics appointment in Portugal

• Wait for pre-approval confirmation from AIMA

• Receive initial residence permit (~2 years validity)

🧾 Stay requirement begins: 7 days in year 1

📅 Months 10–24: Language Prep & First Renewal Prep

• Begin A2 Portuguese lessons (recommended: LSBS certified course)

• Prepare for CIPLE A2 exam or 150-hour language course

• Track days in Portugal for 7-day/year minimum

🧠 LSBS Tip: Start A2 lessons early—students pass in 12–14.7 weeks on average

📅 Months 25–27: First Renewal & Compliance Check

• Renew your residence card for 3 more years

• Submit proof of:

  • Ongoing investment

  • 14-day minimum stay over 2 years

  • Clean record + AIMA compliance

📅 Months 28–48: Language Finalization & Exam

• Final chance to complete A2 requirement before Month 60

• Book CIPLE exam with CAPLE (University of Lisbon)

• Retake exam if necessary (minimum 1–2 month prep between attempts)

🧠 Avoid year 5 panic: LSBS helps with priority bookings + mock exam prep

📅 Months 49–59: Citizenship Document Assembly

• Collect required documentation:

  • Proof of residency + investment

  • A2 exam certificate

  • Criminal background check (home country + Portugal)

  • Birth certificate (apostilled)

• Optional: Hire LSBS legal partner for citizenship file audit

📁 Application submitted to IRN (Registry Office), not AIMA

📅 Month 60+: Apply for Citizenship

🎉 You’ve officially reached the 5-year mark!

• Submit citizenship application to Portuguese Ministry of Justice

• Typical processing time: 6–14 months

• Dual citizenship allowed ✅

How LSBS Helps Along the Way

Phase	LSBS Service
Language Prep	CAPLE-certified A2 tutoring & tracking
Exam Booking	Concierge scheduling + preferred slots
Family Support	Group planning & family dashboards
Legal Advisory (Partnered)	File audits, document checks
Progress Monitoring	Interactive checklist & email nudges

Final Takeaway: The 5-Year Clock Is Manageable—If You Plan It

Too many applicants miss the 60-month window because of overlooked exams, late renewals, or family delays.

✅ Start now with LSBS to stay on track

📞 Book your free 20-minute planning consult