The Portugal Golden Visa Program is an investment-based residency program launched in 2012. Till now, Portugal has earned 7.5 billion euros of funds by selling golden visas. It is also an immigrant investor program where you make qualifying investments to earn Portugal residency.
Since 2012, Portugal has granted 12,000 golden visas. The Portuguese residency by investment program offers visa-free travel in Schengen countries. It also allows you to buy properties, establish a new business, or find a job.
After 5 years, residents can apply for citizenship.
Here is everything about the Portugal Golden Visa program, its benefits, limitations, and future.
Portugal Golden Visa:
The Portugal Golden Visa is known as the Portuguese residency by investment program. Non-EU people can buy residence for 5 years. After 5 years, you can renew it or apply for citizenship.
The Portuguese golden visa is popular among digital nomads, entrepreneurs, businessmen, and retired rich people. It provides a golden opportunity to live and enjoy the European lifestyle and additional benefits.
€200,000 to €500,000 is required to invest in Portugal to get a golden visa. It takes 8 to 12 months to process a golden visa application.
With a golden visa, you get visa-free access to Schengen countries.
Note: You must spend at least 7 days in a year to keep your golden passport active.
Changes to Portugal Golden Visa 2025:
On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese authorities proposed a draft with significant changes to its golden visa program.
According to the draft, it is necessary to extend the minimum residency period from 5 to 10 years to get citizenship.
The draft is still under review. You must follow the Portuguese citizenship law document to stay updated.
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Program:
Visa-Free Travel:
With a Portuguese golden visa, you get visa-free access to 186 countries, including the Schengen area. It means that you can travel visa-free to other countries.
All you need is to book tickets and carry your Portuguese Golden Visa passport.
Resident Benefits:
You can work, study, and live in Portugal.
The Portuguese education system appeals to international students. There are many American and British private schools.
You can also get a work permit to work anywhere in Portugal.
Family Reunion:
You can also bring your family to live in Portugal.
Your kids can study in Portuguese schools, and you can start a business and enjoy public and healthcare services.
Your family does not need to apply for separate visas to live with you.
Portuguese Citizenship and Passport:
After 5 years, you can renew your golden visa or apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Here are the requirements for Portuguese citizenship and a passport:
- Zero outstanding tax.
- No criminal record.
- Clear basic Portuguese language test.
Note: Your 5-year residency period is calculated from the day when you first submit your application.
Tax Benefits:
Tax benefits are the other reason why people choose the Portugal Investment Visa Program. You need not pay any tax if you are spending less than 183 days in a year on Portuguese land.
But if you spend more than 183 days, then you must pay your taxes. The Portuguese tax regime attracts influencers, bloggers, and digital nomads.
Note: Portugal has shut down the non-habitual residency (NHR) program.
Portugal Golden Visa Eligibility Requirements:
Portuguese residency by investment programs has different requirements.
Main Applicant:
Portugal Golden Visa requirements for main applicants are:
- 18 years or older.
- Clean criminal record.
- Must have required funds for investment.
- Only non-EU or Swiss nationals can submit applications for the Portugal Golden Visa program.
- Make a qualifying investment. Make donations to the government or invest in venture funds for business formation.
Portugal Residency by Investment Requirements for Family Members:
The Portuguese Golden Visa was extended to the following family members:
- Wife/Husband
- Children under 18 years.
- Unmarried dependent children under the age of 26.
- Parents are over 65 years of age.
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements for Americans:
The Portugal Golden Visa is popular among American investors. In 2023, 567 American investors obtained golden visas.
Where many non-EU people choose real estate investment, American investors choose venture capital and private equity.
American applicants can invest their existing business in Portugal. This allows you to obtain tax benefits.
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements for British:
UK citizens choose Portugal’s golden visa program to enjoy the European lifestyle and visa-free entry to Schengen countries.
With a qualifying investment, UK citizens can get a Portugal golden visa passport.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options:
There are three Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options available for non-EU and Swiss nationals.
- Fund Subscription: Invest €500,000 ($584,475)
- Company Formation: Investing a minimum of €500,000 in an existing Portuguese business or creating 10 full-time jobs.
- Donation: Invest €250,000 in national heritage and €500,000 in research and development projects.
Here is how different investment options work:
Fund Subscription:
To get a Portugal Golden Visa, you must subscribe to a Portuguese fund with €500,000.
It includes venture capital funds and private equity in Portugal. Your real estate investment is not eligible for this.
Company Formation or Investment:
- Formation: Form a company in Portugal and hire a minimum of 10 full-time employees.
- Jobs in Low-Density Area: Create 8 full-time jobs in a low-density area in Portugal.
- Investment: Invest €500,000 in an existing Portuguese business. Business must create 5 new jobs each year for the 3 years.
Donation:
The Portugal Cultural Golden Visa, also known as the Donations, is an easy way to get a Golden Visa.
- Invest €250,000 in national heritage.
- Invest €500,000 in R&D.
- Portugal’s Golden Visa government application fees:
- Processing Fee: Pay €773.74 at the time of application submission and renewal.
- Initial Application Fee: Pay €7,730 in the beginning.
- Renewal Application Fee: Pay €3,866/person each time you renew the visa.
- Legal Fee: Depends upon the investment type and law firm.
Portuguese Golden Visa Requirements:
Minimum Stay:
The Portuguese Golden Visa requires a minimum 7-day stay in Portugal within a year.
You get two types of Golden Visa Residence Permits:
- Initial GV Residence Permit: For two years. Must stay 14 days in Portugal within two years.
- Subsequent GV Residence Permits: For two years. Must stay 14 days in Portugal within two years.
Documents Required for Portugal Golden Visa:
Here are the documents you must submit when applying for the Portugal Golden Visa program:
- Travel documents and a copy of passport.
- Proof of qualifying investment
- Funds transfer declaration from a Portuguese financial institution.
- Proof of healthcare coverage.
- Clean criminal record.
- Allow SEF to access your criminal records.
- Declaration of compliance.
- Documents of good standing.
- ARI application payment receipt.
Legalized documents:
You must legalize non-Portuguese documents from a legal authority.
Translating Documents:
Ask a notary to translate non-Portuguese documents to Portuguese.
Portuguese Bank Account and NIF Number
You must open a bank account in Portugal. It is necessary to make investments.
Note: You must have an account in a Portuguese bank.
Also get the NIF number. It is used as a tax identification number.
Here is how you can do it:
Get NIF Number:
Go to the Finanças office in Portugal to submit your government-issued ID card and proof of address in your home country.
Within one hour you will get an NIF number.
Note: Your lawyer can complete the NIF process on your behalf.
Open Portuguese Bank Account:
- Go to the bank branch.
- Submit a passport copy, NIF number, Portuguese phone number, proof of address, and pay slips.
How to Get a Golden Visa in Portugal?
It is easy to apply for a Golden Visa in Portugal.
Follow these steps:
Contact Golden Visa Law Firm:
Consult with your golden visa law firm to find out which investment option is best for you.
- Documents: Arrange all the necessary documents. Take professional help to translate, notarize, certify, and apostille your documents.
- Open a Bank Account and Get NIF: Complete the process. Within a day you will get NIF and a bank account.
- Choose investment option: Choose an investment option that you can easily handle. Donations and investing in companies are the easiest.
Submit Pre-Application:
Make a qualifying investment, get documents, and submit online at the SEF website. It can take up to two months to get the appointment date.
Appointment:
Go to the SEF office and submit your biometrics. Make sure that you bring all of your dependents for biometrics.
Get the Golden Visa and Renew:
Get your Golden Visa residence cards. They are valid for two years. After every two years you need to renew them.
Portuguese Citizenship:
The Portugal Golden Visa is your way to Portuguese citizenship. After completing the 5-year golden visa requirement, you can apply for citizenship.
It takes 6 months to process a Portugal citizenship application.
Clear the language test. Now you will get Portuguese citizenship and a passport.
Upcoming Changes to Portugal’s Golden Visa Program:
Portugal is about to change the Golden Visa program requirements.
Here are the proposed changes:
- Increase the minimum residency requirement to 10 years.
- The residency period will start from the date of issuance of the golden visa.
- A2-level Portuguese language skill
- Clear Civic Knowledge Test
- Clean criminal record
- End of Sephardic Jewish ancestry nationality route.
- Creating a new public security unit (UNEF).
Conclusion:
The Portugal Golden Visa Program is still the easiest way to obtain residency and citizenship in a European Union country. It opens the route to visit other European countries visa-free.
Also, you and your family get local, educational, and healthcare benefits.
FAQs:
What is the Portugal Golden Visa Program?
It is a program to get Portugal residency by investment.
Which Golden Visa program is the best?
Portugal, Greece, and Italy are running golden visa programs. The Portuguese golden visa is still the easiest one.
How much time does it take to process a Golden Visa in Portugal?
It can take up to 12 months.
Can I Borrow Money to Make an Investment in Portugal?
No.
Do I have to pay taxes in Portugal?
If you are staying more than 183 Days in Portugal, then you must pay taxes.
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