How Mercan Group Helps Investors Navigate Portugal’s Changing Immigration Landscape

November 24, 2025 W.A. Muller

Portugal’s immigration framework has always stood out in Europe for its investor-friendly policies and flexible residency programs. Among these, the Portugal Golden Visa program has been the cornerstone for attracting foreign investment. Yet as Portugal refines its immigration rules in 2025—shifting focus from real estate to regulated fund investments—many investors are seeking clarity on how to adapt.

This is where Mercan Group steps in. With deep expertise in Portuguese immigration and investment facilitation, Mercan has been instrumental in helping thousands of investors secure residency through a compliant, stress-free process. From guiding applicants through program updates to offering access to Portugal Golden Visa funds, Mercan acts as a trusted partner for navigating the country’s evolving immigration landscape.

Understanding Portugal’s Changing Immigration Landscape

In recent years, Portugal has taken strategic steps to realign its immigration policies with long-term economic goals. The Portugal Golden Visa 2025 framework marks a major transition. While the program remains open and robust, its focus has shifted:

End of Real Estate Route: Direct real estate purchases no longer qualify for the Golden Visa.
Introduction of Regulated Funds: Applicants can now invest through Portugal Golden Visa funds, managed by licensed entities under the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation: New investments must support sectors such as green energy, tourism, technology, and research.
Enhanced Transparency: The Portugal Golden Visa application process now operates through digital submission via the AIMA portal (formerly SEF).

These Portugal Golden Visa changes reflect Portugal’s effort to balance foreign investment with sustainable national development. However, the evolving structure can be confusing for new investors—especially those based in international hubs like Dubai, India, or Singapore.

That’s where Mercan Group’s role becomes crucial.

Who is Mercan Group?

Mercan Group is a globally recognized name in immigration and investment consultancy. For over three decades, the company has helped individuals and families obtain residency and citizenship across multiple countries.

In Portugal, Mercan has emerged as a leading partner for the Portugal Golden Visa program, offering fund-based investment opportunities backed by strong local expertise and legal partnerships.

With offices across Canada, Portugal, and the Middle East, Mercan bridges the gap between global investors and Portugal’s regulatory framework, making it easier to pursue the Portugal investment immigration route without unnecessary delays or complications.

How Mercan Simplifies the Portugal Golden Visa Process

Mercan’s end-to-end service ensures that investors experience a seamless journey from consultation to approval.

1. Personalized Investment Consultation

Every investor’s goals differ. Mercan begins by understanding the applicant’s objectives—whether that’s diversification, EU residency, or a pathway to citizenship. Based on this, the team suggests suitable Portugal Golden Visa funds that align with both legal requirements and financial goals.

2. Complete Documentation & Legal Support

The Portugal Golden Visa requirements involve multiple documents, including proof of funds, criminal record certificates, and notarized translations. Mercan’s legal partners ensure that all documentation meets AIMA’s standards before submission—reducing the risk of rejections or processing delays.

3. Investment Structuring & Fund Subscription

Mercan offers access to regulated and pre-approved investment funds, minimizing risk and ensuring compliance with the Portugal Golden Visa 2025 guidelines. Each fund is carefully vetted for transparency, security, and alignment with Portugal’s economic sectors such as hospitality, innovation, and green infrastructure.

4. Digital Application & Monitoring

The Portugal Golden Visa application is now entirely digital. Mercan handles the online submission, liaises with immigration authorities, and monitors application progress. Investors receive regular updates at every milestone—from document submission to pre-approval and biometrics scheduling.

5. Post-Approval & Residency Support

After approval, Mercan assists in residence permit renewals, ensuring investors stay compliant with the five-year residency requirement. The team also supports long-term planning, helping clients transition from temporary residence to citizenship if desired.

Expertise Amid Portugal Golden Visa Changes

The Portugal Golden Visa 2025 brought substantial regulatory updates that have reshaped the investor landscape. Many applicants—particularly those accustomed to property-based models—initially found the transition challenging.

Mercan responded proactively to these Portugal Golden Visa changes by:

Partnering with licensed fund managers to create compliant, high-yield Portugal Golden Visa funds.
Educating global investors through webinars and one-on-one consultations.
Aligning its operations with Portugal’s CMVM regulations to ensure all investments meet official criteria.
Maintaining close coordination with local legal teams to manage updates and investor expectations.

This adaptability ensures that investors continue to experience smooth onboarding despite evolving laws.

Why Dubai Investors Trust Mercan Group

The Portugal Golden Visa Dubai investor community is one of the most active segments seeking European residency. Dubai-based entrepreneurs and professionals often choose Portugal for its:

Favorable tax system and business environment.
Visa-free access to Schengen countries.
Family-friendly residency benefits.
Affordable entry cost compared to other European programs.

Mercan Group’s regional presence and multilingual team make it easy for Dubai investors to explore Portugal’s immigration and investment landscape. The company organizes local seminars and offers direct communication channels, ensuring every step—from fund selection to Portugal Golden Visa processing time—is handled efficiently and transparently.

Mercan’s Advantage: Local Insight Meets Global Expertise

Unlike generic immigration consultancies, Mercan’s deep local partnerships and on-ground presence in Portugal give it a unique advantage. The company collaborates with fund administrators, auditors, and legal advisors to safeguard every investor’s interests.

Key advantages include:

Access to pre-approved Portugal Golden Visa funds with verified compliance.
Legal assistance from Portuguese attorneys throughout the process.
Transparent reporting and fund performance updates.
End-to-end management of banking, tax registration (NIF), and residency logistics.
Continuous updates on regulatory amendments under the Portugal Golden Visa 2025 framework.

This structure minimizes risk, maximizes efficiency, and ensures complete alignment with Portugal’s immigration policies.

Portugal Golden Visa Processing Time: What to Expect

While timelines can vary, understanding the general Portugal Golden Visa processing time helps investors plan.

Document Preparation & Fund Subscription: 1–2 months
Application Submission to AIMA: 3–4 months
Pre-Approval Review: 8–12 months
Biometrics & Residence Card Issuance: 2–3 months

Overall, most applicants receive their residence cards within 12–18 months. Mercan’s experienced case managers help accelerate this process by ensuring error-free submissions and proactive communication with immigration authorities.

The Future of Portugal Investment Immigration

The Portugal investment immigration model continues to attract global attention. With the shift toward fund-based investments, Portugal aims to channel capital into sustainable and innovative sectors rather than property speculation.

For investors, this means:

Higher portfolio diversification opportunities.
Regulated fund management ensures greater transparency.
A smoother application process through professional intermediaries like Mercan Group.

As the Portugal Golden Visa program continues evolving, the demand for reliable, legally compliant partners will only grow—making Mercan’s experience more valuable than ever.

Conclusion

The Portugal Golden Visa program remains one of the most reliable and rewarding routes to European residency, even amid shifting immigration policies. While recent Portugal Golden Visa changes have introduced new regulations and fund-based structures, they have also created opportunities for investors to engage in more sustainable and transparent models.

Through its expertise, global presence, and tailored investment solutions, Mercan Group helps investors confidently navigate every phase—from fund selection and application submission to residency approval and renewal. Whether you’re an investor from Dubai or anywhere across the globe, Mercan simplifies the Portugal Golden Visa process, ensuring compliance, clarity, and peace of mind.

Portugal’s immigration landscape may be changing, but with Mercan as your guide, the path to European residency remains as promising as ever.