Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, began exploring European residency options during the pandemic when travel restrictions left him longing for time on the continent. Six years later, he holds Portuguese residency and has submitted his citizenship application, placing him on track for an EU passport within the next year or two. The process centered on Portugal’s Golden Visa program, which at the time allowed qualifying investments to lead to residency after five years and eventual citizenship.
The Investment That Opened the Door
Kelly chose to participate through the firm Mercan, directing €350,000 into the Renaissance Hotel Porto as one of 180 co-owners. The arrangement included a promised 3 percent annual return from the developer and a mandatory buy-back of the original share once citizenship is approved. Additional legal and administrative costs reached roughly €20,000. The structure satisfied the program’s minimum investment threshold while providing a clear path to residency without requiring full-time presence in the country.
Residency was granted in 2021, six months after the investment closed. Kelly met the modest physical-presence rule of one week per year, which preserved both residency status and eligibility for citizenship. The approach reflected a deliberate choice to balance travel flexibility with long-term mobility goals rather than immediate tax advantages.
From Residency to Citizenship Application
By 2025, Kelly’s citizenship paperwork had been submitted and accepted. Processing continues amid a substantial backlog and recent program adjustments. Before final approval, he must pass a Portuguese language examination. Throughout the process, Mercan assisted with obtaining a Portuguese tax number, opening a local bank account, preparing investment documentation, completing filings with immigration authorities, and handling biometrics.
The timeline illustrates how the original five-year residency requirement still applies to applications filed before the rule changes took effect. Kelly has emphasized that the goal was never financial gain but rather the ability to live and work across the European Union and to extend similar options to family members.
Family Eligibility and Broader Reach
Under the program rules in place at the time of application, spouses, children, parents, and even a spouse’s parents can qualify for residency and citizenship through the principal applicant. Kelly’s two sons are now advancing through the same process. His older son, Dean, completed most residency steps and attended a biometrics appointment in March. His younger son, Cooper, recently received application approval and continues forward.
A Portuguese passport ranks among the world’s strongest travel documents, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 190 destinations. For a family that values extended stays in Europe, the residency status provides practical advantages that extend well beyond leisure travel.
How Program Rules Have Shifted
Portugal has tightened several Golden Visa provisions since Kelly’s initial filing. New applicants now face a ten-year residency period before citizenship eligibility. Minimum investment amounts have also risen, with the most common route now requiring €500,000 in a Portuguese company that meets specific employment criteria. An alternative contribution of €250,000 to approved cultural or heritage projects remains available, reduced to €200,000 in designated low-density regions outside Lisbon and Porto.
| Requirement | At Time of Kelly’s Application | Current Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Residency Period for Citizenship | 5 years | 10 years |
| Minimum Investment (Real Estate Route) | €280,000–€350,000 | No longer available |
| Alternative Investment Option | €280,000 real estate | €500,000 company investment or €250,000 cultural contribution |
Spain ended its own Golden Visa program in 2025, underscoring how quickly these pathways can close. Greece continues to offer a version of the program, though requirements and availability can change without notice.
Practical Considerations for Future Applicants
Kelly has noted that anyone considering similar routes should consult licensed tax, legal, and financial advisers familiar with both U.S. and Portuguese rules. The process involves significant bureaucracy, and professional support proved essential for timely filings and compliance. Because rules can shift between application and approval, early action remains the most reliable way to lock in existing terms.
For travelers who value extended access to Europe, the experience demonstrates that residency programs reward careful planning and patience more than speed. The outcome for Kelly and his family now hinges on steady progress through the remaining administrative steps and the language requirement, offering a concrete example of how one American converted an investment into long-term European mobility.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.