Portugal Golden Visa Programme: residency by investment and access to European citizenship

The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most attractive residency by investment programmes in Europe. It allows non-European investors to obtain a residence permit by making an eligible investment, while gaining access to the Schengen Area and a pathway to Portuguese citizenship after 5 years, subject to conditions.

This programme offers significant flexibility, with a minimal required presence of around 7 days per year, making it an ideal solution for entrepreneurs, investors, and families wishing to settle in Europe without immediate relocation.

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa

• Free movement within the Schengen Area
• Right to live, work, and study in Portugal
• Opportunity to apply for citizenship after 5 years
• Dual nationality allowed
• Low presence requirement (14 days over 2 years, then 21 days over 3 years)
• Access to a high-quality education and healthcare system
• High quality of life: climate, safety, culture, and gastronomy

Requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa

To obtain residency in Portugal via investment, candidates must meet several criteria:

• Be a non-EU citizen
• Make an eligible investment
• Prove the legal origin of funds
• Have a clean criminal record
• Maintain the investment for at least 5 years

Investment Options for the Portugal Golden Visa

Investors can choose from several options, including:

Financial Investment

• €500,000 in Portuguese investment funds or venture capital
• €500,000 in scientific research
• €400,000 in low-density areas (specific conditions apply)
• €250,000 in cultural or heritage projects (€200,000 in specific areas)

Entrepreneurial Investment

• Creation of 10 jobs in Portugal (or 8 in low-density areas)
• €500,000 to create or develop a business with job creation

Important: real estate is no longer eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa in most cases.

Procedure to Obtain the Portugal Golden Visa

The process for obtaining the Golden Visa involves several steps:

• Profile assessment and investment selection
• Opening a bank account and obtaining a tax number
• Making the investment
• Preparing and submitting the application online
• Travelling to Portugal for biometrics
• Validation and issuance of the residence permit

The residence permit is initially granted for 2 years and is then renewable for 3 years.

Portuguese Citizenship after the Golden Visa

After 5 years of legal residency, investors may apply for Portuguese nationality, provided they meet certain conditions:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Legally reside in Portugal for 5 years
• Have a command of Portuguese (A2 level)
• Have a clean criminal record

Portuguese citizenship grants a European passport allowing you to live, work, and study throughout the European Union, with visa-free access to over 180 destinations.

FAQ – Portugal Golden Visa

• Can one obtain Portuguese citizenship directly by investment?

  No, Portugal does not offer immediate citizenship by investment. You must first obtain residency, then apply for naturalisation after 5 years.

• What is the minimum amount for the Portugal Golden Visa?

  The minimum amount starts at €250,000 for cultural projects, but the most common options are at €500,000.

• Do you have to live in Portugal to keep the visa?

  No, the programme only requires a minimal presence of about 7 days per year.

• Can you include your family?

  Yes, the programme allows the inclusion of spouse, children, and dependent parents.

• How long does it take to obtain residency?

  The average time frame is generally 12 to 18 months depending on administrative processing.

Why Seek Assistance?

The Portugal Golden Visa is a complex programme that requires a good understanding of legal, fiscal, and administrative rules. Professional assistance can help avoid errors, optimise the investment, and secure the process.

YourGlobalVisa assists investors at every step: strategic analysis, investment selection, documentation assembly, and follow-up until the residence permit is obtained.

Contact our experts to start your residency project in Portugal.