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Is the Portuguese Golden Visa and easy citizenship path ending? Or perhaps changing?
Did you know there are other ways to obtain a residency permit in Portugal besides investing €500,000 in an investment fund?
Were you aware that Portugal does offer high quality English taught programs at university and post-graduate levels at very affordable pricing?
Interesting facts and stats about Portugal including the official government statistics, the most popular and unpopular programs to obtain residency permits for this EU country.
We will be covering these questions and more in this article today with accompanying video.
As the elections in Portugal are scheduled for May 18th, 2025, this time even parties historically supporting the program are signaling a shift. The Democratic Alliance (AD) has pledged to introduce stricter rules. At the same time, the Socialist Party, which has already removed the real estate investment route, may seek to end the program if re-elected.
Both major parties agree that the Golden Visa program needs reform, but their proposals point in different directions:
1) A longer path to citizenship (proposed by AD): Currently, investors qualify after five years. The AD party has suggested extending this timeline, though details are still unclear.
2) Potential phase-out (pushed by the Socialist Party): The Socialist Party, which previously ended the real estate route, has indicated it may seek to close the program entirely.
Although no final decisions have been made, any upcoming reforms are expected to
make the program more restrictive and less flexible.
The EU court’s decision on the Malta citizenship sets a new precedent. Programs like Portugal’s, which offer a low physical presence requirement and a fast track to citizenship, could come under greater scrutiny from EU authorities shortly.
There are two possible outcomes:
1) A Majority Government
Any new rules could be passed and implemented, most likely before the end of 2025.
2) A Coalition Government
Changes may move more slowly, but the political appetite for reform remains.
At INGWE, we have successfully helped thousands of families since 2018, from over 55 countries navigate the complex landscape of business and investment immigration. Connect with us for a personalized assessment - click here.
Portugal's Golden Visa program offers different routes to qualify for the Golden Visa residency program that are not all investment funds.
Here's a more detailed look at the current investment routes:
Investment Funds:
• A capital transfer of €500,000 or more into eligible investment funds.
• These funds must be established under Portuguese law and invest at least 60% of their capital in Portuguese companies.
• The investment must be held for a minimum of five years.
• These funds cannot invest directly or indirectly in real estate.
Support for the Arts:
• A capital transfer (donation) of €250,000 or more for investing in artistic production, supporting the arts, or preserving national heritage.
• Projects may require pre-approval.
• The investment can be reduced to €200,000 if made in a low-density area.
Investment in a Company:
• A capital transfer of €500,000 into the share capital of a new or existing Portuguese company.
• If investing in a new company, the investment must be combined with the creation of five permanent jobs.
• If investing in an existing company, it must be combined with the creation of at least five permanent jobs or the maintenance of at least ten jobs (at least five of which are permanent) for a minimum of three years.
Job Creation:
• The creation of at least ten jobs by a company owned by the investor.
• The investment can be reduced to eight jobs if made in a low-density area.
Research and Development:
• A capital transfer (donation) of €500,000 or more for investment in research and development activities in public or private scientific research institutions.
• The investment can be reduced to €400,000 if made in a low-density area.
Key Advantages
• Visa-Free Travel: Golden Visa holders can travel freely within the Schengen Area.
• Residency Flexibility: Investors can choose whether or not they want to live in Portugal, with minimal stay requirements.
• Family Inclusion: Family members can be included in the application. Eligible family members include spouses, dependent children, dependent parents, and dependent siblings.
• Path to Citizenship: After five years, Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
• Permanent Residency Option: If citizenship is not desired, investors can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit after five years.
• Access to Services: Golden Visa holders generally have access to Portugal's public health service and education system.
3. General Requirements
Regardless of the investment route chosen, applicants must generally meet the following requirements:
• Make one of the eligible investments.
• Transfer the investment amount from a foreign bank account to a Portuguese bank account held solely by the investor.
• Maintain the investment for at least five years.
• Comply with minimum stay requirements: 7 days in the first year and 14 days every two years thereafter.
• Have no significant criminal record.
4. Important Considerations
• Real estate investment is no longer a qualifying option for the Golden Visa.
• It is crucial to conduct thorough due diligence on any investment to ensure it meets the program's requirements and aligns with the investor's financial goals BEFORE applying or making the investment. Our office can assist with this crucial step.
Portugal offers several pathways to obtain a residency permit, outside of the Golden Visa program that do not require a €500,000 investment. Here are some of the more practical options:
1. D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)
• This visa is designed for individuals who have a stable and sufficient passive income.
• The income can come from sources like pensions, rental income (externally managed by a property company), intellectual property, or other eligible investments.
• Applicants must demonstrate they have enough income to support themselves and any dependents without relying on Portuguese employment or social security benefits.
• There are specific minimum income requirements, which may vary and should be confirmed with the Portuguese authorities.
• Applicants are generally expected to reside in Portugal regularly. Non-residency can lead to non-renewal unlike the Golden Visa
2. D2 Visa (Entrepreneur/Independent Contractor Visa)
• This visa is suitable for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Portugal or independent contractors/freelancers who want to provide services to clients.
• Applicants must present a viable business plan or demonstrate their ability to provide services as an independent professional.
• For entrepreneurs, the business plan should outline the business activities, financial projections, and potential job creation.
• Independent contractors typically need to show proof of contracts or potential clients.
3. D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
• The D8 Visa is specifically designed for individuals who work remotely for companies or clients located outside of Portugal.
• Applicants must provide proof of their income, demonstrating that they earn a sufficient and stable income from remote work.
• Evidence of tax residency and tax compliance in their home country may be required.
• Applicants need to show they have the means to support themselves financially while in Portugal.
4. Family Reunification Visa
• Foreign citizens who are family members of someone with a valid Portuguese residence permit may be eligible for a family reunification visa.
• Eligible family members typically include spouses, minor children, and dependent adult children.
• Proof of the family relationship and the sponsor's ability to provide accommodation and support are necessary.
General Requirements and Considerations
While the specific requirements vary depending on the visa type, some common requirements and considerations often include:
• Valid Passport: Applicants must have a valid passport.
• Clean Criminal Record: Applicants generally need to provide a criminal record certificate from their home country.
• Health Insurance: Having valid health insurance is usually mandatory.
• Proof of Accommodation: Applicants may need to provide proof of accommodation in Portugal.
• Financial Means: Demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support oneself is a common requirement.
The latest Golden Visa Portugal 2025 statistics:
Cumulatively, the Golden Visa program has been a significant channel for foreign direct investment, attracting over €7.3 billion by the end of 2023 and surpassing €9.2 billion by the first quarter of 2025. It has granted residency to tens of thousands of main applicants and their families.
The “Mais Habitação” legislative package, enacted in October 2023, discontinued the real estate investment option for the Golden Visa program, leading to a shift in investment preferences towards investment funds. The program’s administration also transitioned from SEF to AIMA, which implemented reforms to address application backlogs and streamline processing times.
Since its launch in October 2012, the program has consistently drawn global interest. By the first quarter of 2025, a total of 15,619 main applicants had been granted Golden Visas, accompanied by 24,983 dependent family members.
The economic contribution of the Golden Visa program has been substantial. By the end of 2023, the cumulative investment attracted through the program surpassed €7.3 billion. This figure continued to grow, exceeding €9.2 billion by the first quarter of 2025. Historically, the vast majority of this capital inflow was directed towards real estate investments. The sustained growth in both the number of permits issued and the total investment, even amidst various global economic shifts and periodic modifications to the program itself over more than a decade, points to the fundamental strengths and enduring appeal of the Portuguese Golden Visa. This long-term performance signifies a consistent value proposition for investors, likely rooted in the benefits of EU residency, a potential path to citizenship, and the lifestyle offered by Portugal. The economic impact extends beyond direct investment, contributing to ancillary spending by new residents, job creation, and tax revenues.
Annual Portugal Golden Visa Statistical Overview (2020 – 2024/Q1 2025)
The five-year period under review shows dynamic activity levels, with distinct patterns emerging in response to global events and national policy changes.
• 2020: Comprehensive official statistics for main applicants, family members, and total investment for 2020 are not fully detailed in the provided materials. Data from one source indicates that investment funds attracted 4.1% of the investment share this year. This highlights a data gap for a complete annual overview of 2020.
• 2021: The program saw the issuance of 814 Golden Visas to main applicants, as per official SEF data.1 These main applicants were accompanied by 1,092 family members.1 The total investment attracted in 2021 amounted to €460,816,184.1
• 2022: Activity increased significantly, with 1,281 Golden Visa processes for main applicants concluded favorably.2 The number of family members benefiting from family reunification processes linked to ARI also rose to 1,588.2 Total investment in 2022 reached €654,292,328.2
• 2023: This year marked a peak in certain metrics. According to the official AIMA "Relatório de Migrações e Asilo 2023" (RMA 2023), a total of 2,901 ARI permits (under Article 90-A) were granted. Of these, 1,554 were for Family Reunification (under Article 98).3 This implies that 1,347 permits were granted to main applicants (2,901 total ARI permits minus 1,554 family reunification permits specifically linked to the broader category of residence permits, which includes ARI). The total investment attracted in 2023 was a significant €1,542,780,000. This substantial figure, particularly when compared to the number of main applicants, suggests a potential rush of higher-value investments, especially in real estate, ahead of the legislative changes implemented in October 2023.
• 2024 (Full Year): The program continued to show robust activity despite major legislative changes. A total of 2,415 main applicants received Golden Visas. The total investment attracted during 2024 was €1,376,253,820.
• 2025 (Q1): In the first quarter of 2025, 486 main applicants were granted Golden Visas, bringing in €298,450,000 in investment. While specific family member numbers for 2024 and Q1 2025 are not detailed annually in the provided sources, an emerging trend indicates an average of 1.8 dependents per main applicant by 2025, an increase from 1.6 in 2023.
Annual data shows a significant recovery and surge in applications and investment from 2021 to 2023, driven by post-pandemic mobility and anticipatory effects of the “Mais Habitação” law. The strong performance in 2024, post-real estate investment restrictions, indicates a successful pivot towards investment funds.
Table 1: Portugal Golden Visa - Annual Key Statistics (2021 – 2024/Q1 2025)
|
Year |
Main Applicants Granted |
Family Members Granted |
Total Investment (€) |
|
2021 |
814 |
1,092 |
460,816,184 |
|
2022 |
1,281 |
1,588 |
654,292,328 |
|
2023 |
1,347 (derived) |
1,554 (Art. 98) |
1,542,780,000 |
|
2024 |
2,415 |
Est. ~4,347 (1.8 avg) |
1,376,253,820 |
|
Q1 2025 |
486 |
Est. ~875 (1.8 avg) |
298,450,000 |
Note: 2020 data is incomplete in provided sources. Family members for 2024/Q1 2025 are estimated based on the reported average dependents per main applicant. The 2023 main applicant figure is derived from total ARI permits minus Art. 98 family reunification permits as per AIMA RMA 2023.3
Which Nationalities are applying to the Portugal Golden Visa Program?
A Five-Year Perspective (2020-2024/Q1 2025)
The profile of investors seeking the Portugal Golden Visa has undergone a significant transformation over the past five years, reflecting broader global economic and geopolitical shifts, as well as the changing appeal of the program itself.
Cumulatively, from October 2012 to September 2023, Chinese nationals were the most numerous, accounting for 5,407 permits or 42.5% of the total. They were followed by Brazilians (1,256 permits; 9.9%), US citizens (781 permits; 6.1%), Turkish citizens (613 permits; 4.8%), and South Africans (574 permits; 4.5%).
However, the annual data reveals a dynamic shift:
• 2021 Top Nationalities (Main Applicants): China (270), USA (101), Brazil (70), Russia (65), India (34).1
• 2022 Top Nationalities (Main Applicants): USA (216), China (213), Brazil (109), India (83), South Africa (79).2
• 2023 Top Nationalities (Main Applicants): USA (567), China (306), UK (234), Brazil (219), India (199).3
• 2024 Top Nationalities (Main Applicants): USA (625), UK (389), Canada (271), India (214), Brazil (198).
• Q1 2025 Top Nationalities (Main Applicants): USA (143), UK (97), Canada (58), India (47), Brazil (41).
Table 2: Top 5 Nationalities of Golden Visa Main Applicants (2021 – 2024/Q1 2025)
|
Year |
Rank 1 |
Rank 2 |
Rank 3 |
Rank 4 |
Rank 5 |
|
2021 |
China (270) |
USA (101) |
Brazil (70) |
Russia (65) |
India (34) |
|
2022 |
USA (216) |
China (213) |
Brazil (109) |
India (83) |
South Africa (79) |
|
2023 |
USA (567) |
China (306) |
UK (234) |
Brazil (219) |
India (199) |
|
2024 |
USA (625) |
UK (389) |
Canada (271) |
India (214) |
Brazil (198) |
|
Q1 2025 |
USA (143) |
UK (97) |
Canada (58) |
India (47) |
Brazil (41) |
Emerging Trends in Applicant Origins
Several key trends characterize the changing nationality landscape:
• Ascendancy of US Applicants: US citizens have emerged as the dominant nationality, particularly from 2022 onwards. Their share of total applications surged from 5.2% in 2019 to over 20% by September 2023. In 2023, the number of US investors (567) represented a 162.5% increase from 216 in 2022. This trend continued into 2024 and Q1 2025, with US applicants consistently topping the list.
• Rapid Growth of UK Applicants: Following Brexit, interest from UK nationals has escalated significantly. They became the third-largest group in 2023 with 234 main applicants and rose to the second position by Q1 2025.
• Relative Decline of Chinese Applicants: While historically the leading source, the proportion of Chinese applicants has decreased. By 2023-2025, China had fallen to the second or third position in annual rankings.
• Emergence of Canadian Applicants: Canadian citizens have become a notable source of Golden Visa applicants, entering the top five nationalities in 2024 and maintaining a strong presence in Q1 2025.
• Broader Investor Base: Beyond specific nationalities, Portugal is attracting a more diverse profile of global citizens, including retirees, technology investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads, indicating a broadening appeal of the country as a destination.
The pronounced increase in applicants from Western developed nations like the USA, UK, and Canada strongly suggests a growing desire for global mobility options, alternative residencies, or "Plan B" scenarios. This trend is likely propelled by a variety of factors within these countries, including political developments, economic outlooks, tax considerations, and a general interest in the European lifestyle or access to the EU market. For instance, the rise in US interest has been linked to domestic political and economic uncertainties, with high-net-worth individuals reportedly viewing Portugal as a stable alternative. Similarly, the surge in UK applicants post-Brexit points towards a motivation to regain benefits associated with EU residency.
Furthermore, the significant programmatic shift away from real estate investment in October 2023 appears to have resonated differently across various nationalities. The continued strong, and even growing, interest from US and UK applicants after this change suggests that these groups may be more adaptable to or comfortable with fund-based investments. Conversely, the relative decline in applications from China, a nationality that historically showed a strong preference for tangible real estate assets, might be partially attributed to this legislative pivot, alongside other factors specific to China. This indicates that the composition of the applicant pool can be influenced not only by external geopolitical and economic factors but also by the specific design and qualifying options of the investment migration program itself.
Historical Portugal Golden Visa Investment Preferences (Primarily Pre-October 2023)
Historically, real estate acquisition was the overwhelmingly dominant route for Golden Visa applicants. Data indicates that approximately 90% of all Golden Visas issued since the program's inception until the legislative changes were facilitated through real estate investments. The methods through which investors have qualified for the Portugal Golden Visa have undergone a radical transformation, particularly in the latter part of 2023 and early 2024 when real estate investment was removed from the Golden Visa program.
Table 4: Cumulative Investment Breakdown by Type (Oct 2012 – Sep 2023)
|
Investment Category |
Number of Permits |
% of Total Permits |
Investment Amount (€) |
% of Total Investment |
|
Real Estate (Purchase) |
10,750 |
75% |
5,780,603,284 |
79% |
|
Real Estate (Rehabilitation) |
2,115 |
15% |
670,760,365 |
9% |
|
Capital Transfer (Generic) |
556 |
4% |
594,462,195 |
8% |
|
Investment Funds |
723 |
6% |
260,812,057 |
4% |
|
Job Creation |
16 |
0% |
6,800,300 |
0% |
|
Cultural Investment |
8 |
0% |
1,850,000 |
0% |
|
Research & Development |
9 |
0% |
3,150,000 |
0% |
Source: Adapted from. Note: Percentages are approximate based on provided data. "Real Estate" and "Real Estate Rehabilitation" are distinct categories in the source but combined represent 90% of permits and 88% of investment.
Combining direct real estate purchase and rehabilitation projects accounted for the majority of permits and capital inflow up to September 2023. Other options like general capital transfer and job creation played minor roles.
The Emergence of Investment Funds as part of the Portugal Golden Visa Program
Investment funds, introduced in 2017, saw a significant increase in popularity, with their share of total investment rising from 0.6% in 2019 to 28.6% by 2023. This trend is reflected in SEF’s annual statistics, showing a steady increase from 0.6% in 2019 to 29% by September 2023.
The “Mais Habitação” law of October 2023, which eliminated real estate as a qualifying option for Golden Visas, led to a surge in investment fund applications. By Q1 2025, over 78% of new applications used the fund investment option, requiring a minimum €500,000 investment.
Legislative action restricting real estate investment led to a shift towards investment funds, showcasing the government’s influence on investment inflows.
Other Qualifying Investments
With the phasing out of real estate, other niche investment options have garnered increased attention:
• Cultural Heritage Contribution: Investment in cultural heritage projects through the €250,000 pathway surged 165% from 2023 to 2024, totalling nearly €22.15 million since 2020. The first quarter of 2025 saw €850,100 committed.
• Scientific Research Contribution: This option requires a minimum investment of €500,000 into research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions.
• Job Creation: The creation of at least 10 new full-time jobs in a Portuguese-based company remains a qualifying option.
• Business Investment with Job Creation: An investment of €500,000 or more to establish or increase the share capital of a commercial company registered in Portugal, combined with the creation of at least five permanent jobs for a minimum period of three years, also qualifies.
Cultural heritage investments are growing, indicating investors are exploring niche areas. This growth could continue with well-structured projects marketed to philanthropic investors.
Impact of the "Mais Habitação" Legislative Reform on the Portugal Golden Visa Program
The "Mais Habitação" law, enacted in October 2023, was a watershed moment for the Golden Visa program. Its primary aim was to address housing shortages and affordability issues in Portugal, and one of its key measures was the discontinuation of most real estate acquisition and real estate-related fund options for Golden Visa qualification. Certain capital transfer options were also affected.
This reform decisively shifted the focus of the program towards alternative investment routes, with investment funds (unrelated to real estate) becoming the predominant choice. The government's intention was to refocus the Golden Visa program on investments that could foster broader economic development, innovation, and job creation, thereby moving away from a heavy reliance on the real estate sector. The changes aimed to channel foreign capital into areas deemed more strategically beneficial for the national economy.
Table 3: Evolution of Golden Visa Investment Preferences (% Share of Annual Investment or Applications)
|
Year |
% Share Real Estate |
% Share Investment Funds |
% Share Other (Approx.) |
Key Legislative/Market Notes |
|
2019 |
93.2% |
0.6% |
~6.2% |
Baseline year |
|
2020 |
93% |
4.1% |
~2.9% |
Pandemic impact begins |
|
2021 |
88% |
9% |
~3% |
Gradual recovery |
|
2022 |
79% |
18% |
~3% |
Initial restrictions on residential real estate in major cities; fund minimum raised to €500k |
|
2023 (to Sep) |
68% |
29% |
~3% |
Anticipation of "Mais Habitação"; real estate option removed in Oct 2023 |
|
Q1 2025 |
N/A (discontinued) |
>78% |
<22% |
Fund investment dominates post-reform |
Institutional Transition for the Portugal Golden Visa : From SEF to AIMA (October 2023)
The operational management of the Portugal Golden Visa program has also seen significant changes, primarily with the transition from SEF to AIMA and concerted efforts to improve application processing.
In a major restructuring of Portugal's immigration and border services, the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) officially replaced the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) in October 2023. This transition was part of a broader government strategy to separate police and administrative functions related to immigration. AIMA inherited a substantial backlog of pending applications across various immigration categories, including a significant number of Golden Visa cases, estimated at over 400,000 files in early 2024. The initial period of AIMA's operations was marked by challenges related to integrating systems, managing the inherited workload, and establishing new operational workflows, with some reports citing issues with IT infrastructure and procedural clarity.
Portugal Government Addressing Processing Times and Application Backlogs
Recognizing the critical need to improve efficiency and reduce waiting times, AIMA has launched several initiatives aimed at streamlining the Golden Visa application process and clearing the inherited backlog:
• Digitalization: A key reform has been the move towards a complete digitalization of the application workflow, which was reportedly launched in the third quarter of 2024. This includes the mandatory electronic submission of all documents through the dedicated ARI portal.
• Increased Staffing: AIMA's capacity has been reinforced with the hiring of additional staff, including over 120 new personnel, to handle the volume of applications.
• Specialized Department: A dedicated Golden Visa processing department has been established within AIMA to focus expertise and resources on these specific applications.
• Process Automation: Automated systems for preliminary application reviews are being implemented to expedite initial checks.
• Online Systems: An online appointment scheduling system for biometric data collection has been introduced, with aims to schedule appointments automatically within a defined timeframe after submission.
AIMA’s efforts to reduce the immigration application backlog have shown positive results, with a 65% reduction by Q1 2025 and improved processing times for new Golden Visa applications. The goal is to clear the remaining backlog by June 2025.
Looking ahead, the Portuguese government is reportedly planning to introduce a new investment option focused on Tech startup funding, with an anticipated minimum investment of €350,000. This new route is expected to launch in late 2025.
The current array of qualifying investments, and the proposed addition of a tech startup route, clearly signal a deliberate policy shift. The program is moving away from passive real estate investments towards options perceived to offer more direct and strategic benefits to the Portuguese economy, such as fostering innovation, supporting cultural preservation, advancing scientific research, and promoting job creation. This reflects a maturation of the program's objectives, aiming to leverage foreign investment for broader national economic development goals.
The table below in this article provides a comparative overview of selected Portuguese universities that offer degree programs taught in English, based on the available information. This article will focus on providing general admission pathways and highlighting specific English-taught undergraduate programs where detailed admission information was found.
English-taught programs, especially at the Master’s and PhD levels, are concentrated in Lisbon and Porto, reflecting larger institutional capacities and international student populations. These programs often focus on Management, Economics, and Engineering.
The definition of an "international student" is a critical factor influencing admission processes and tuition fees. Typically, this status applies to non-EU/EEA nationals who have not legally resided in Portugal for more than two years (excluding residency for study purposes). Students holding EU citizenship or those with established residency often fall under the National Contest rules, which generally involve lower tuition fees.6 Students from CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) may also benefit from reduced tuition fees at some institutions. This distinction necessitates careful verification of eligibility by prospective students, as it fundamentally alters the application route and cost of education.
The landscape of English-taught higher education in Portugal is dynamic, driven by EU mobility initiatives, national strategies, and universities’ ambitions to enhance their international standing.
This table shows several universities in Portugal offering post-secondary degree programs taught in English. Institutions such as the University of Lisbon, University of Porto, NOVA University Lisbon, and ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon are prominent in providing such offerings, particularly at the Master's and PhD levels. English-taught Bachelor's degrees, while available, appear less numerous but are present, notably in fields like Management, Economics, and specialized Engineering programs, often through international collaborations or dedicated English tracks. The main cities for these offerings are Lisbon and Porto.
The concentration of English-taught programs in the larger public universities in Portugal are mainly located in major urban centers. The tuition fees for international (non-EU/EEA) undergraduate students exhibit significant variation, ranging from approximately €3,500 to over €13,000 per year, depending on the institution and program. This underscores that "public university" status does not imply uniform low fees for non-EU international students, with specialized schools often commanding higher rates.
|
Criteria |
University of Lisbon (ULisboa) |
University of Porto (U.Porto) |
NOVA University Lisbon (NOVA) |
ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL) |
|
City Location |
Lisbon |
Porto |
Lisbon (main campus in Campolide, also Caparica, Almada) |
Lisbon |
|
Age (Year Established) |
Original University of Lisbon 1911; Technical University of Lisbon 1930; Current ULisboa formed by merger in July 2013. |
1911 |
1973 |
1972 |
|
Number of Degree Programs (Total) |
Over 400 programs (across all cycles).Specifically: 102 UG, 216 Master's, 135 Doctoral. |
309 degree-awarding courses (50 UG, 6 IntM, 165 M, 88 PhD). |
28 Bachelor's, 12 Integrated Master's, 103 Master's, 84 Doctorate programs. Another source indicates 5375+ students, not programs directly. |
131 degree programs total (26 UG, 70 M, 25 PhD). |
|
Number of English-Taught Degree Programs |
Over 80 'Licenciatura' (Bachelor's), over 20 Integrated Master's, over 200 Master’s, over 100 Doctoral Degrees taught in English or with English UCs. Specifically, 3 UG (ULisboa-SHU), 47 Master's, 35 PhDs listed as English-taught on website. |
Many Master's and PhD programs. UG programs generally in Portuguese, though some units/tutorials may be in English. No specific count of fully English UG degrees found. |
Many Master's and PhDs. Nova SBE offers 3 UG degrees in English. FCT NOVA lists UG programs, language not always specified. Overall count not readily available. |
1 UG (Management - English Track). 31 Master's and PhD programs in English. |
|
Min & Max Tuition (UG, Non-EU/EEA, per semester) |
Approx. €3,500 per semester (€7,000/year) for most UG programs. Faculty of Fine Arts: €475 - €2,000/semester (€950 - €4,000/year). |
Varies by faculty. FEP: €1,750/semester (€3,500/year). FEUP: €3,000/semester (€6,000/year). General range €3,500-€8,000/year. CPLP discount up to 45%. |
Nova SBE: BSc Econ €5,740/sem (€11,480/yr); BSc Mgt €6,740/sem (€13,480/yr); BSc Ocean Studies €3,750/sem (€7,500/yr). FCT NOVA/NOVA IMS fees vary, e.g. NOVA IMS UG intl student pre-reg €3000. |
BSc Management (English Track): €3,500/semester (€7,000/year). |
|
Number of Students (Total) |
Over 50,000. |
Over 35,700. |
Approx. 21,028 (2020) ; 23,369 (recent THE). Another source: 5375+ students (unclear scope). |
Approx. 10,000 ; 14,675 (more recent). |
|
Number of International Students |
Over 9,000 ; 10,080 (7,314 regular, 2,766 mobility). |
Approx. 15% of total (over 5,300). U.Porto states >4000 international students contribute yearly. |
Approx. 24% of total (over 5,600 based on 23,369 total). Another source: 731 intl students (unclear scope). Nova SBE: 30% intl students. |
Nearly 20% of ~10,000 ; 23.53% of 14,675 (approx. 3,450). |
|
Awards & Recognitions (Institutional) |
ULisboa Scientific Awards, University of Lisbon Awards (annual), Honoris Causa doctorates, 1st Portuguese Nobel Prize (Egas Moniz). A3ES institutional evaluation (2017, 2023). Member of AULP, implied EUA member. |
Honoris Causa Doctorates, Merit Medals, Emeritus Professorships, Scientific/Educational Excellence Awards, Incentive Awards, Active Citizenship Awards. A3ES institutional accreditation (2017, 2019), EUA IEP evaluation (2010) FCNAUP specific accreditations. EUA-CDE member. |
Honorary Doctorates. School-level awards (e.g., NOVA School of Law awards ). Nova SBE: Triple Crown (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS). A3ES accreditation for specific programs (e.g. MHM ). EUA membership, IEP evaluation by EUA. |
Iscte Business School: AACSB accreditation. A3ES accreditation for programs and institutionally. Member of PIONEER Alliance (European University), EUA member. |
|
Rankings (Global - QS/THE/ARWU; EU) |
QS 2025: #260 World, #92 Europe, #10 Southern Europe. THE 2024: #401-500 World. ARWU 2023: #201-300 World. URAP: #124 World. CWUR: #80 Europe, #211 World. Scimago: #51 W.Europe, #169 World. |
QS 2025: #278 World, #113-114 Europe.QS 2024: #253 World. THE 2024: #401-500 World. ARWU 2023: #201-300 World. Top 100 Europe (Webometrics). Specific subject rankings strong. |
QS 2025: #388 World, #18 Southern Europe. QS 2024: #400 World. THE 2024: #501-600 World. ARWU 2023: #601-700 World. Nova SBE: FT #30 European Business School (2019). |
QS 2025: #661-670 World, #68 Southern Europe. QS 2024: #751-760 World. THE 2024: #601-800 World. Top 300 Europe (Study.eu). |
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General Admission Requirements (International UG Students - Non-EU/EEA) |
Special Admission Contest: HE access qualification from origin country or PT Sec. Ed. Diploma. English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for English programs. Specific faculty prerequisites. SHU programs: access in Shanghai. |
Special Call: PT Sec. Ed. diploma equivalent OR HE access qualification from origin. Portuguese language proficiency (independent user level, oral test if no proof). Course prerequisites. |
Nova SBE: Online app, HS diploma, transcripts, English test (IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 80 or equiv.), SAT (min 1100) or Nova SBE Test, motivation letter, CV. NOVA IMS: Online app, HS diploma, English (B2), Maths exam, interview. |
Intl Student Status: HS diploma/equiv. Entrance exams for course (or ENEM 475+). Min grade 95/200 (exam & application) [ (UAL example), ]. |
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General Admission Requirements (Portuguese UG Residents – National Contest) |
DGES National Contest: PT Sec. Ed. (12º ano) or equivalent, national exams (Exames Nacionais) specific to course, min grades. |
DGES National Contest: PT Sec. Ed., national exams, prerequisites. |
DGES National Contest: HS degree, Maths A exam + another specific exam. Min application avg 135/200. Min exam grade 9.5/20. |
DGES National Contest: HS diploma, required entrance exams (e.g., Maths A + specific for Management). Min app score 100/200, min exam score 95/200. |
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Admission Requirements for English-Taught Undergraduate Degrees (International Students) |
BSc Electrical and Computer Engineering (ULisboa & SHU): Lang: EN. Access in Shanghai, selection there. Fees: €7,000/year (Non-EU). Specific SHU admission details not fully provided beyond "access in Shanghai".<br>BSc Civil Engineering (ULisboa & SHU): Lang: EN. Access in Shanghai. Fees: €7,000/year (Non-EU). Specific SHU admission details not fully provided.<br>BSc Environmental Engineering (ULisboa & SHU): Lang: EN. Access in Shanghai. Fees: €7,000/year (Non-EU). Specific SHU admission details not fully provided. |
No specific fully English-taught UG programs with detailed international admission requirements were clearly identified in the provided materials. General international student requirements apply. FEUP UG programs are generally in Portuguese.39 |
Nova SBE BSc Economics: Lang: EN. Fees: €11,480/year (Non-EU). Adm: Online app, HS diploma, transcripts, English test (IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 90), SAT (min 1100) or Nova SBE Test, motivation letter, CV.<br>Nova SBE BSc Management: Lang: EN.Fees: €13,480/year (Non-EU). Adm: Similar to BSc Econ; entrance exams, English proficiency, HS equiv.<br>Nova SBE BSc Ocean Studies: Lang: EN.Fees: €7,500/year (Non-EU). Adm: Global focus, special contest for intl students |
BSc Management (English Track): Lang: PT and EN. Fees: €7,000/year (Non-EU). Adm (Intl): Via Intl Student contest; HS diploma, entrance exams (Maths A + another, or ENEM equiv.), min grades. |
Besides this table, you can also refer to our more comprehensive Portugal university education article recently posted on our website [Read by Clicking Here]
In conclusion, the admission requirements for various undergraduate programs in Portugal are quite diverse, reflecting the unique academic standards and prerequisites of each institution. From national contests involving high school diplomas and specific entrance exams to international student requirements including language proficiency tests and motivational letters, prospective students have a wide array of criteria to meet. Notably, the fees for non-EU students vary significantly, with programs like Nova SBE BSc Economics and Management charging higher rates compared to other courses.
Reflecting on these key points, it is clear that the Portuguese higher education system offers robust opportunities for both local and international students. The availability of English-taught programs, particularly in collaborative settings like those between ULisboa and Shanghai, highlights the global approach taken by these institutions. As students navigate their academic journeys, understanding the detailed admission processes and fee structures is crucial for making informed decisions. For more information on university education in Portugal, you can refer to the comprehensive article recently posted on our website. [Read by Clicking Here]
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