Portugal
Minimum Investment Amount:
Citizenship Timeframe:
Visa-Free Access To:
United Kingdom
Portugal boasts an excellent reputation and is considered one of the world’s most globalized and peaceful nations, with a high quality of life and a very high Human Development Index ranking. It is among the oldest nations in Europe with a rich history, lively culture, exceptional cuisine, stunning beaches, and idyllic countryside.
Residence by Investment Overview
The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, also known as a Portugal golden visa, is a five-year residence by investment program for non-EU nationals. Portugal is a full member of the EU. The residence permit allows visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area and requires an average stay of just seven days a year in Portugal over the five-year period.
The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program
The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program (commonly known as the Portugal Golden Visa Program) is a five-year residence by investment program for non-EU nationals. The residence permit gives the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and allows free circulation in Europe’s Schengen Area. Furthermore, the program only requires an average of seven days per year stay in Portugal over this period.Â
Benefits of a Portuguese golden visa
- Visa-free travel in Europe’s Schengen Area and the right to live, work, and study in Portugal
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship after five years while keeping other citizenship(s)
- Low physical presence requirement (14 days during the first two years and 21 days for the subsequent three years)
- Excellent international and Portuguese schools and universities
- High quality of life, local cuisine and wines, rich culture, mild climate, and a high level of security
- International quality healthcare clinics and hospitals
Portugal golden visa requirements
Applicants can choose any one option in any one of the following categories:
Portugal golden visa requirements
One of the following options:
- EUR 500,000 for the acquisition of investment fund or venture capital fund units committed to the capitalization of companies incorporated under the Portuguese law, with a maturity of at least five years and with at least 60% of the investment portfolio in companies with a registered office in the national territory (real estate entities do not apply)
- EUR 500,000 for research activities of public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system - EUR 400,000 in a low population density area*
- EUR 250,000 in support of artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage - EUR 200,000 in a low population density area*
Business
One of the following options:
- Creation of a minimum of ten new jobs - Eight new jobs in a low population density area*
- EUR 500,000 for the incorporation of a commercial company that is registered and headquartered in Portugal, creating a minimum of five permanent jobs for a period of three years (or for the increase of the share capital of a company already incorporated and headquartered in Portugal, creating at least five permanent jobs or maintaining at least ten jobs for three years)
*A low population density area is defined as less than 100 inhabitants per km² or with a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.
Procedures for the Portugal golden visa
Applicants are introduced to the Portugal team to commence the process, either remotely or in person. This includes preparing legal documents, obtaining a taxpayer number, selecting a qualifying investment option, and opening a bank account. Once the investment is finalized and personal documents are collected, the application is submitted online and accepted by the government authority.
The client and family then visit Portugal to provide biometric data and original documents at the immigration office.
Upon application approval and payment of the residence card(s), a two-year residence permit is issued, renewable for one subsequent period of three years. The client can thereafter either extend the temporary permit again, apply for permanent residence, or apply for citizenship.
Portugal residence by investment program frequently asked questions
What is the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program? plus
The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, also known as the Portugal Golden Visa, offers residence to individuals and their families through significant economic contributions to the country.
What are the investment options available for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program? plus
Investment options include transferring capital into investment or venture capital funds, research activities, or cultural support. Applicants can also invest in low population density areas, create new jobs, or incorporate or expand a commercial company in Portugal to create or maintain jobs.
What are the benefits of obtaining Portuguese residence through investment? plus
Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after five years.
What is the minimum investment required for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program? plus
The minimum investment starts at EUR 250,000.
How long does it take to process an application for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program? plus
Processing times for residence by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.
Can family members be included in the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program application? plus
Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in the application.
What are the residence requirements for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program? plus
Applicants must spend at least 14 days in Portugal during the first two years and 21 days for the subsequent three years.
What documents are required for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program application? plus
Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
Is it possible to obtain Portuguese citizenship through the golden visa program? plus
Yes, after maintaining residence for five years, investors may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
What is the process for applying to the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program? plus
Applicants must make a qualifying investment, submit the application with the necessary documents, undergo a due diligence process, and visit Portugal during the application period.
