Portugal’s Recent Election and What It Means for Your Golden Visa and D Visas Plan

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The recent May 18 parliamentary elections in Portugal have confirmed a continuation of centre-right leadership, with the AD coalition (Aliança Democrática), the current government, remaining the key force in government. This outcome reflects a stable political environment, with space for measured policy adjustments.

Here’s what you need to know about the new parliamentary makeup and how it may influence your investment or relocation plans.

| The Golden Portugal

2025 Portuguese Election Results and Their Implications

Stable Leadership Confirmed

  • The centre-right AD coalition, won the election with 32.1%.  It lacks enough seats for an absolute majority. 
  • The Socialist Party (PS), previously in power from 2015 to 2024, experienced a notable drop in support.

With no parliamentary elections possible before fall 2026, due to the upcoming presidential elections, this provides a predictable policy environment for investors and new residents.

Pro-Investment and Pro-Business Outlook

The new government’s stance is clearly supportive of foreign investment.

  • Aliança Democrática (AD) proposes strengthening the Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency (AICEP), establishing specialized units for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and even creating a “Pre-Validated Investment Regime” to offer a stable fiscal and incentive scheme for investors.
  • Partido Socialista (PS) aims to support investment in low-density areas and mobilize investors from the diaspora and Lusophone world.
  • Chega also views attracting FDI as a fiscal policy priority.

Investor Confidence Remains High: Portugal continues to offer one of the most reliable investment landscapes in the EU, particularly with the Golden Visa fund route.

Expected Immigration Policy Trends

Tighter Requirements for Low-Threshold Visas

  • Programs such as the D7 visa and job-seeker visas may face stricter eligibility requirements, particularly regarding income and other requirements.
  • Stricter enforcement for D visa residency in Portugal with no exemption for staying out of the country then the regulations allowed. 

More Rigorous Citizenship Criteria

Increased emphasis on genuine ties to Portugal, including:

  • Residency compliance
  • Local integration (e.g., language, community presence)

Improved Service for High-Value Applicants

The government is expected to prioritize processing for high-value immigrants, including:

  • Golden Visa applicants
  • Professionals and entrepreneurs contributing to the economy

Golden Visa Program: Stability and Opportunities

The Golden Visa program remains secure and ongoing, with the investment fund route as its main pillar:

  • All right-wing parties previously opposed the 2023 real estate restrictions.
  • There is speculation of a new real estate route, potentially linked to rental housing supply.
  • No retroactive application of future rule changes means: If you’ve already applied, your case will be processed under current rules.

With programs in countries like Spain and Malta recently terminated or revoked, Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the most reputable options in Europe.

What This Means for You

  • Act Now While There Are Certainty: If you’re eligible or planning to apply, now is a strategic time to act.  
  • D Visa applicants may face stricter requirements, more scrutiny, especially around residency requirements.
  • Golden Visa applicants benefit from program stability and investor-friendly policies. Golden Visa may have a new real estate route, but we are not sure it will have a lower or higher investment amount than the fund investment.

How The Golden Portugal Can Support You

At The Golden Portugal, we are committed to helping you navigate these developments with clarity and confidence. Our expert team is ready to help you:

Fast-speed time from beginning to application submission of less than 2 months.

Schedule a Free 1-on-1 consultation with our experts to explore your best next steps in Portugal.

Warmly,

Susana Yang
Founder & CEO, The Golden Portugal

We have helped more than 500 families on their Portugal Golden Visa journey. 

We are also the pioneer firm to help clients to invest through funds back from 2020 until now. Come talk with us.

Book Your Free Consultation Today
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