Portugal

Residency by investment

Golden Visa

€500,000 in real estate, €400,000 in low-density areas, or €250,000 in cultural/art initiatives.

Your Gateway to EU Residency

Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers non-EU investors a fast-track route to European Union residency through diverse investment options like real estate or cultural funding. With minimal stay requirements, enjoy visa-free Schengen travel and potential citizenship in just 5 years.

29 countries

Access to Schengen

€250,000

Minimum investment

12 to 24 months

Time to citizenship

In brief

Visa-Free Travel

Portuguese residency provides access to the Schengen Area, enabling visa-free travel to 27 European countries.

Path to Citizenship

After five years of residency, applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship and gain an EU passport.

Family Inclusion

The program allows for the inclusion of dependents, offering residency benefits to spouses, children, and parents.

Tax Advantages

Portugal offers attractive tax benefits, including the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime for eligible individuals.

High Quality of Life

Portugal is renowned for its safety, healthcare, education, and vibrant culture, making it a top destination for families.

Who can get Portugal Residency?

Who Gets Residency Alongside the Investor?

Spouse: The legally married or civil partner of the main applicant.
Children: Dependent children under 18, and children aged 18-26 who are full-time students and financially dependent.
Parents: Parents of the main applicant or spouse, provided they are financially dependent or over 65 years old.
Grandparents: Eligible if financially dependent or part of the applicant’s household.
Siblings: Under certain conditions, such as financial dependency and inclusion in the household.

Residency Requirements

Minimum stay of 7 days in the first year.
14 days in total over every subsequent two-year period.
The investment must be maintained throughout the residency period.

Additional Fees

Application Fee: €773.74 per applicant.
Golden Visa Issuance Fee: €7,325.11 per applicant.
Renewal Fee: €3,865.79 per applicant.
Healthcare Surcharge: Applicants must pay for healthcare access during their residency.
Dependent Fees: Fees apply for each dependent included in the application.

Additional Notes

Dependents must meet dependency and age requirements at the time of application.
All applicants must provide proof of health insurance valid in Portugal.
Applicants and dependents must submit clean criminal records from their country of residence.
Residency permits are renewable every two years, subject to investment and residency compliance.
Applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of residency, provided other eligibility criteria are met.

What are the options?

Explore diverse investment routes for the Portugal Golden Visa, tailored to secure residency and global opportunities.

Investment Fund Route

Minimum Investment: €500,000 in qualified investment funds.
Details: Invest in funds focused on areas like technology, renewable energy, or real estate development.
Additional Notes:
– Funds must be approved by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
– Investments are typically held for a minimum of 5 years.
– Diversified investment options provide both safety and potential returns.

Business/Job Creation Route

Minimum Investment: €500,000 in a company and creation of 5 jobs or direct creation of 10 jobs.
Details: Invest in or establish a business that creates employment opportunities in Portugal.
Additional Notes:
– Jobs must be full-time and registered with Portuguese Social Security.
– Investment opportunities include sectors like tech startups, hospitality, or manufacturing.
– Supporting documentation, including business plans and employment contracts, is required.

Cultural or Scientific Research Route

Minimum Contribution: €250,000 to cultural or heritage projects or €500,000 in scientific research.
Details: Donate to initiatives that preserve Portuguese art, culture, or support groundbreaking scientific work.
Additional Notes:
– Contributions must be made to approved organizations or projects.
– These options appeal to applicants looking to make an impactful social contribution.
– Proof of donation and documentation of the project’s approval is mandatory.

Summary of Costs for the Portugal Golden Visa Program

Government Fees:
- Application fee: €773,74 per applicant.
- Initial residency card issuance: €7,325.11 per person.
- Renewal fee: €3,865 per person.
Additional Costs for Dependents:
- Spouse: Additional government fees apply, including €773,74 application fee and €7,325.11 for the residency card.
- Dependent Children: Same government fees as the main applicant (€773,74 application fee and €7,325.11 residency card fee).
- Other Dependents: Fees are similar to dependents (children and spouse) and are based on eligibility and approval.
Other Costs:
- Legal and consultancy fees.
- Health insurance for all applicants.
- Biometric data submission fees.

Speak to an expert

The XYZ team has global experts in over 12 countries. We can advise in 14 languages. Let us help you find the perfect investment migration solution.

How to apply for Portugal residency

Follow our step-by-step onboarding guide to streamline your application process.

Step 1: Select Your Investment Option:
Choose between investment funds, business/job creation, or cultural/scientific contributions to meet the requirements.
Step 2: Engage Legal Assistance:
Our licensed lawyer will guide you through the process and ensure compliance with regulations. We prepare our due diligence for you and make the application with the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras – SEF)
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents:
Gather proof of identity, investment, residency proof, criminal clearance, and health insurance documents.
Step 4: Submit Your Application:
Apply through SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) or authorized portals, including the required fees.
Step 5: Wait for Approval:
Expect an initial decision within 24-36 months, depending on the route and investment type.
Step 6: Attend Biometrics Appointment:
Provide your biometric data at a SEF office and complete any remaining requirements.
Step 7: Receive Your Residency Permit:
Upon approval, collect your residency permit, valid for two years, and renewable every two years.
Step 8: Maintain Investment and Residency:
Ensure your investment remains active and meet the minimum residency requirements of 7 days in the first year and 14 days every two subsequent years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQ covers everything you need to know, from investment options to pathways for permanent residency and citizenship.

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program allowing non-EU nationals to gain residency through qualifying investments.

What are the investment options for the Golden Visa?

Popular options include investing €500,000 in a fund, creating 10 jobs or investing €500,000 and creating 5 jobs, or a €250,000 cultural or scientific contribution.

Who can be included in the application?

Your spouse, dependent children, and financially dependent parents or in-laws can be included in your application.

Are there residency requirements?

Yes, you must stay in Portugal for at least 7 days in the first year and 14 days in subsequent two-year periods.

What is the processing time for the Golden Visa?

Processing typically takes between 24 to 36 months, depending on application completeness and government review times.

What are the additional fees associated with the Golden Visa?

In addition to the investment, expect application fees of €773,74 per person and an initial residency permit issuance fee of €7,325.11 per person.

Can I apply for permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes, after holding the Golden Visa for 5 years, you may apply for permanent residency or citizenship. To gain citizenship, you must meet basic Portuguese language (A2 level) and integration requirements.

Do I need to demonstrate knowledge of Portuguese?

Yes, applicants for citizenship must show proficiency in Portuguese at an A2 level.

Can I sell my investment after obtaining residency?

You must maintain your investment for at least 5 years. Selling it earlier may void your residency status.

What are the benefits of obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa?

The program offers visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, access to high-quality healthcare and education, and the potential to apply for EU citizenship.

How do I renew my residency permit?

Residency permits are renewable every two years. You must continue to meet the investment and residency requirements for renewal.

Is the Golden Visa pathway to citizenship guaranteed?

While the Golden Visa provides a pathway, applicants must meet all residency, language, and integration criteria for citizenship.

Contact us

Talk to one of our investment migration experts and begin your Portugal application today.

The investor and their immediate family will benefit..

29 countries
Access to Schengen

Minimum investment of €250,000

Investor and immediate family all benefit

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information, immigration and investment programs are subject to change. Applicants should consult with our professional consultants to confirm program requirements, eligibility, and associated costs before proceeding. We are not responsible for any discrepancies or errors in the provided information or for decisions made based on this content.