Portugal Golden Visa
European Residency by Investment
Important: This program requires minimum investments starting at €250,000 and is for non-EU nationals seeking Portuguese residency through investment. It is not for individuals seeking employment in Portugal.
Portugal Golden Visa Guidance & Assessment
Get expert evaluation of your Portugal Golden Visa eligibility
What You'll Get
- Personalized assessment of your eligibility
- Detailed investment options based on your profile
- Expert guidance on the application process
- Free consultation with an immigration lawyer
Expert Support
- Comprehensive case review by qualified lawyers
- Strategic planning for Portuguese residency establishment
- Investment due diligence and fund selection
- End-to-end visa application support
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Get your personalized eligibility assessment and connect with expert
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Portugal Golden Visa Program Overview
The Portugal Golden Visa Program is a five-year residence-by-investment program designed for non-EU nationals. Introduced in 2012, this program offers one of Europe's most flexible residency pathways, requiring only 7 days per year in Portugal while providing access to the entire Schengen Area and a pathway to EU citizenship.
Portugal Golden Visa Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- Enables a senior employee of an overseas company to move to Portugal and establish European presence
- Spouse/partner included (marriage not required)
- Children under 18 included
- Adult children 18-26 if students and financially dependent
- Parents over 65 or financially dependent parents included
Travel and Quality of Life
- One of the highest standards of living in Europe
- Member of the EU and Schengen Area
- High standard education and healthcare system
- Visa-free travel across 27 Schengen countries
- Access to business opportunities throughout Europe
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements
To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, the applicant must meet all of the following criteria
Personal Requirements
Be over 18 years of age and a non-EU/EEA citizen. Must have a clean criminal record and no debt to Portuguese authorities.
Investment Requirements
Make a qualifying investment of minimum €250,000 (cultural donation) or €500,000 (investment fund) using funds from abroad.
Administrative Requirements
Obtain Portuguese tax identification number, open bank account, and have private health insurance coverage.
Residency Requirements
Meet minimal residency requirements of average 7 days per year (14 days every 2 years) with at least 7 days in first year.
Financial Requirements
Have sufficient funds – demonstrate legal source of investment and ability to support yourself and family members.
Path to Permanent Residency
Can apply to become Portugal permanent residents after living in Portugal for 5 years and Portuguese citizenship thereafter.
Portugal Golden Visa Application Process
Our experienced immigration team will guide you through each step of the process
1
Due Diligence And Application
Obtain Portuguese tax ID and bank account. Complete qualifying investment. Gather required documentation including criminal background checks. Submit application to AIMA.
2
Approval And Investment
Upon application approval, complete biometrics submission in Portugal. Processing typically takes 12-16 months from initial application.
3
Residency
Receive Portugal Golden Visa residence permit valid for 2 years, renewable every 2 years. After 5 years, eligible to apply for permanent residency and citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment required for Portugal Golden Visa in 2025?
The minimum investment for Portugal Golden Visa in 2025 is €250,000 for cultural heritage donations or €500,000 for investment funds. Real estate investment was eliminated in October 2023 under the Mais Habitação Law. The choice between options depends on your investment goals and risk tolerance.
How long does Portuguese Golden Visa take to process?
Portugal Golden Visa processing typically takes 12-16 months from application submission. AIMA has implemented a digitized system and aims to clear backlogs by 2025. The timeline includes document preparation (1-3 months), application submission, government review, and biometrics appointment.
Do I need to live in Portugal to maintain my Golden Visa?
No, Portugal Golden Visa requires only an average of 7 days per year in Portugal - one of the most flexible residency requirements in Europe. You must spend minimum 7 days in the first year, then average 7 days annually. This makes it ideal for maintaining your current lifestyle while securing European residency.
Can my family get Portuguese Golden Visa through my application?
Yes, Portugal offers generous family inclusion covering spouse/partner (marriage not required), children under 18, adult children 18-26 if students and financially dependent, parents over 65, and financially dependent parents under 65. All family members receive individual residence cards with the same rights as the main applicant.
What countries can I travel to visa-free with Portugal Golden Visa?
Portugal Golden Visa provides immediate visa-free access to all 27 Schengen countries for unlimited time in Portugal and 90 days per 180-day period elsewhere in Schengen. After obtaining Portuguese citizenship in 5 years, you gain visa-free access to 191 countries worldwide, making it the 4th strongest passport globally.
Is Portugal Golden Visa better than other European programs?
Portugal Golden Visa offers the fastest EU citizenship path at 5 years versus 7-10 years elsewhere, plus minimal 7-day annual residency requirements versus full-time residence in other programs. With Spain's program closed since April 2025, Portugal remains Europe's premier option with superior citizenship timeline, tax benefits, and comprehensive family inclusion.
What are the tax benefits of Portugal Golden Visa?
Portugal Golden Visa holders who remain non-tax residents pay no Portuguese tax on foreign income. Tax residents may qualify for NHR 2.0 with 20% flat tax on Portuguese income and exemptions on most foreign income for 10 years. This provides significant tax optimization opportunities for international investors.
Can I work anywhere in Europe with Portugal Golden Visa?
Portugal Golden Visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Portugal immediately, with travel rights throughout Schengen. After 5 years, Portuguese citizenship provides full EU employment rights in all 27 member states, giving you complete freedom to live and work throughout the European Union.
Should I choose investment funds or cultural donation for Portugal Golden Visa?
Investment funds at €500,000 offer potential returns and investment recovery, while cultural donations at €250,000 provide the lowest entry cost but are non-recoverable. Funds target annual returns but carry market risk and complex tax reporting. The choice depends on your financial profile, risk tolerance, and investment goals.
When can I apply for Portuguese citizenship through Golden Visa?
You can apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years, with the countdown starting from your Golden Visa application submission date, not approval date. This 2024 law change significantly accelerated the timeline. You need A2-level Portuguese language proficiency or completion of a 150-hour certified course.
Are there any restrictions on who can apply for Portugal Golden Visa?
Portugal Golden Visa is available to non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss nationals with clean criminal records and legal source of funds. Russian and Belarusian citizens can now apply following 2024 legal changes, though enhanced due diligence applies. UK citizens face no restrictions and constitute the second-largest applicant group.
Do I need a lawyer for Portugal Golden Visa application?
While not legally mandatory, professional legal representation is highly recommended due to complex documentation requirements, AIMA communication protocols, and investment due diligence needs. Experienced lawyers provide document preparation, investment selection, AIMA representation, and ongoing support through citizenship acquisition.
What happens if Portugal Golden Visa program closes?
Portugal Golden Visa shows strong stability with government commitment, economic success generating over €7.5 billion since 2012, and 72% increase in 2024 approvals. No immediate termination threats exist. Even if closed to new applicants, existing Golden Visa holders retain all rights and citizenship pathways.
Can Americans get tax benefits with Portugal Golden Visa?
Americans with Portugal Golden Visa face complex US tax reporting including FATCA compliance and PFIC reporting for investment funds. However, benefits include Foreign Earned Income Exclusion up to $130,000 and potential Portugal tax optimization through non-residency or NHR 2.0 qualification. Professional tax planning is essential.
Is Portugal Golden Visa worth it after real estate was removed?
Portugal Golden Visa remains highly valuable despite real estate elimination, offering Europe's fastest citizenship path, minimal residency requirements, comprehensive family inclusion, and strong investment options through professional funds. The 72% increase in 2024 approvals proves continued attractiveness among international investors.
How much do government fees cost for Portugal Golden Visa?
Total government fees for Portugal Golden Visa are €13,906.90 per person over 5 years, including €605.20 application fee and renewal costs. Family members pay the same fees. These costs are in addition to the minimum €250,000 investment requirement and do not include legal or advisory fees.
What documents do I need for Portugal Golden Visa application?
Required documents include clean criminal record certificates from all countries of residence (apostilled), proof of investment funds, Portuguese tax number, bank account documentation, health insurance, passport copies, and investment certificates. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese by certified translators.
Can I include my elderly parents in my Portugal Golden Visa application?
Yes, parents over 65 can be included automatically, and financially dependent parents under 65 can also be included. Portugal offers one of the most generous family inclusion policies in Europe, covering three generations. Parents receive individual residence cards with the same rights as the main applicant.
What is the difference between Portugal Golden Visa investment options?
Investment funds (€500,000) offer potential returns and recovery but require 5-year commitment and market risk. Cultural donations (€250,000) are non-recoverable but lowest cost entry. Business investments (€500,000) require active management and job creation. Scientific research investments support innovation with reduced amounts in rural areas.