Portugal Golden Visa: Your Gateway to European Residency
Launched in 2012, Portugal’s Golden Visa program has become a preferred choice for investors, granting residency to over 32,000 applicants and their families.
Investors can choose from five options: contributing to arts and cultural preservation, funding scientific research, purchasing investment fund units, establishing a new business, or investing in an existing company. Those opting for investment funds can potentially recover their capital within 5–10 years by selling their assets.
After maintaining residency for five years, investors and their families become eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship. However, they are not required to live in Portugal full-time—maintaining residency only requires spending a minimum of seven days per year in the country.
7 Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
1️⃣ Visa-Free Travel Across Europe
Golden Visa holders can visit Schengen Area countries without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
2️⃣ A Secure Second Home
The Portugal Golden Visa ensures entry into the country at any time, even during border closures. While living in Portugal is optional, investors must spend at least seven days per year to maintain residency.
3️⃣ Opportunity to Relocate
Portugal offers a high quality of life with a warm climate, stunning coastlines, and a low cost of living, making it an ideal place to settle.
4️⃣ Work and Business Opportunities
Golden Visa holders can legally work in Portugal or establish and operate businesses within the country.
5️⃣ Access to Healthcare and Education
Residents can access Portugal’s high-quality healthcare system and enroll their children in Portuguese schools and universities. They can also seek medical treatment in other Schengen countries during their 90-day visa-free stay.
6️⃣ EU Citizenship in Just 5 Years
After five years of residency, investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency without the need to live in Portugal full-time—simply meeting program requirements is sufficient.
7️⃣ Citizenship for Future Generations
Children born in Portugal to Golden Visa holders can obtain Portuguese citizenship if their parents have held residency for at least one year prior to birth.
Who Is Eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa?
✅ Investor Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- No criminal record or ongoing legal cases
- Investment funds must come from outside Portugal
- No outstanding debts in Portugal
- Must provide proof of legal income
- Valid medical insurance
✅ Eligible Family Members:
- Spouse or legal partner
- Children under 18
- Dependent children aged 18 to 26 (must be financially dependent and enrolled in studies)
- Parents (if financially supported by the investor)
Investment Options for the Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal offers multiple investment pathways for obtaining a Golden Visa, with a minimum investment starting at €250,000. The most preferred route is investing in qualified investment funds, requiring a minimum of €500,000.
As of October 2, 2023, real estate investment is no longer an eligible option for the Golden Visa.
1. Investment Fund Units – €500,000+
Investing in Portuguese-approved funds provides a structured way to grow capital while meeting visa requirements. These funds invest in commercial real estate, national companies, industrial projects, and European stock markets.
- Minimum Investment: €500,000
- Holding Period: At least 5 years (typically 6–10 years)
- Fund Fees: Up to 7.5% upfront, with an annual management fee of 0.5%–3%
- Tax on Investment Income:
- Residents: 14%
- Non-residents: 0%
- Medical Insurance: €400+ per person
- Application Fee: €605 per family member
- Residence Permit Card: €6,045 per family member
2. Support for Arts & Cultural Heritage – €250,000+
Investors can contribute to cultural and artistic projects in Portugal. This is the lowest-cost option available under the Golden Visa program.
3. Investment in Research & Development – €500,000+
Funds must be directed toward research activities conducted by certified institutions in Portugal.
4. Business Investment – €500,000+
Investors can support Portuguese businesses by injecting capital into an existing enterprise, provided that it leads to the creation of at least five jobs.
5. Starting a Company – 10+ Jobs
Entrepreneurs can establish a business in Portugal, with a requirement to create at least 10 full-time jobs for local residents. No minimum capital investment is specified, but the business must be viable and meet economic contribution standards.
These investment pathways provide international investors with a secure route to residency and eventual citizenship in Portugal while contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Comparison of the Portugal Golden Visa and Other Residence Permit Types
| Criteria | Golden Visa | Other Types of Residence Permits |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory residing in the country | 7 days a year | 183 days a year |
| Permanent residing in the country to qualify for citizenship | Not required | Required |
| Mandatory owning or renting residential property | Not required | Required |
Documents Required for Portugal Golden Visa Application
To apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must submit the following documents:
- A valid passport copy
- A birth certificate (if applicable)
- A marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of legal entry and stay in Portugal
- A tax identification number from the applicant’s country of residence
- A certificate of no criminal record
- Authorization for AIMA to access Portuguese criminal records
- A sworn statement confirming compliance with the investment activity’s minimum time and financial requirements
- Evidence of proper tax filings
- Proof of international fund transfer for investment
- Health insurance coverage
In addition, applicants must provide documents confirming the investment, such as a company registration certificate or a declaration from a scientific research institution. The specific documents depend on the investment option chosen.
All documents must be translated into Portuguese.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa
1. Preliminary Due Diligence
📅 Duration: 1 day
A certified Compliance Anti-Money Laundering Officer verifies the investor’s details through international databases. This process reduces the likelihood of refusal to just 1%. Preliminary due diligence is mandatory before any contract is signed. If any risk of refusal is identified, we provide solutions, such as submitting additional documents or opting for a different investment route.
2. Obtaining a Tax Number
📅 Duration: 1—2 weeks
Applicants are issued a unique nine-digit Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF), necessary for opening a bank account in Portugal, purchasing or renting property, registering a business, and other activities.
3. Opening a Bank Account in Portugal
📅 Duration: 1—1.5 months
Investment under the Golden Visa Program must be made through an account at a Portuguese bank. We assist in setting up the account and ensuring it’s ready for transferring the required investment funds.
4. Making the Investment
📅 Duration: 2—3 weeks
The investment may include purchasing units in an investment fund, setting up a business with job creation, or contributing to the arts or science sectors. Our legal team collects all necessary documents to verify the investment.
5. Document Preparation and Application
📅 Duration: 5—6 months
Our legal team provides a tailored list of documents required for your residence permit application, handles form submissions, and coordinates translations and notarizations. The application is sent electronically to the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA), where it is reviewed for 4—5 months.
6. Submission of Biometrics
📅 Duration: 1—2 weeks
Applicants and their families must visit Portugal to submit original documents and fingerprints for residence permit cards. Appointments for biometric submission are scheduled in advance.
7. Approval and Issuance of Residence Permit Cards
📅 Duration: 6—8 months
AIMA processes the submitted documents and biometrics over 6 to 8 months. Upon approval, a fee is paid for the residence permit cards, which are prepared within two weeks and handed over to the applicant or their representative.
8. Residence Permit Renewal
📅 Duration: Every 2 years
To maintain residency, applicants and their families must spend at least seven days per year in Portugal. Residence permits are renewed every two years, following a similar process as the initial application, including document submission, fingerprinting, and issuance of new cards.
Pelican Migration Consultants Ongoing Support for Your Journey
At Pelican Migration Consultants, we provide continuous support throughout your Golden Visa journey and beyond. From initial application to residency and citizenship, we are here to assist with any needs that arise along the way.
Here’s how we continue to serve our clients:
- Residence Permit Renewal: We ensure a smooth renewal process, keeping your residence permit up to date.
- Family Reunification: We help you bring your loved ones to Portugal by guiding you through the family reunification process.
- Lost Residence Permit Card: If your residence permit card is lost or stolen, we assist with the replacement process.
- Real Estate Selection: We offer expert advice on selecting the right property for your Golden Visa investment.
- Permanent Residency or Citizenship: When you’re ready, we help you transition from a temporary permit to permanent residency or citizenship.
- Tax Residency Registration: Our team assists in registering you as a tax resident, ensuring full compliance with Portuguese regulations.
- Bank Account Setup: We help you open a bank account in Portugal, essential for managing your finances and investments.
Pelican Migration Consultants is your trusted partner in navigating all aspects of the Golden Visa program and life in Portugal.
Start Your Portugal Golden Visa Journey with Pelican Migration Consultants
Securing a Portugal Golden Visa has never been easier with the right guidance. Whether you’re investing in real estate, creating jobs, or supporting the arts and sciences, Pelican Migration Consultants ensures a seamless process for obtaining your residence permit. Let us help you unlock the benefits of living in Portugal’s vibrant cities or tranquil coastal areas. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward making Portugal your new home!
