In some jurisdictions, a well-funded bank account combined with a Golden Visa can confer the right to vote in presidential elections — a right that may extend to dependants including children and stepchildren (filho, enteado). This analysis highlights legal and ethical questions about wealth-based enfranchisement, the distinction between residency and citizenship criteria, implications for expat voting rights, and potential gaps in electoral law and oversight.
Children & Stepchildren
Sunday, 25 January 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The Golden Visa (Portuguese: Autorização de Residência para Investimento) is Portugal's residence-by-investment program, created in 2012, that grants non-EU nationals a residency permit after qualifying investments such as certain real-estate purchases, capital transfers or job-creating projects. It usually provides Schengen travel rights and a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship after five years, though eligible investment types and minimum amounts have changed in recent years.
