--- title: Portugal --- # Portugal Residency by investment ![](https://yourglobalvisa.com/media/yootheme/cache/98/portugal-flag-is-depicted-on-a-sports-cloth-fabri-2026-03-24-23_p39425-98ec726f.jpg) # Passport ranking # 5 # visa-free countries ## 190 # Investment amount # from €250 # Treatment time # 3 to 6 months --- **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.** What is the Golden Visa Portugal? The Portugal Golden Visa is an **investment residency** programme that allows non-European Union nationals to obtain a residence permit by making an investment in the country. It provides the opportunity to live, work, and study in Portugal, while enjoying the freedom of movement within the Schengen Area. What are the investment options to obtain the Golden Visa Portugal? The main options include: - Investment in **investment funds** (starting from €500,000) - Funding for **scientific research projects** - Contribution to **cultural or heritage projects** (starting from €250,000) - **Business creation** or job creation in Portugal - Investments in low-density areas (specific conditions) Note: real estate is no longer eligible in most cases. What are the advantages of the Portugal Golden Visa? The programme allows: - To **live in Portugal** with one's family - To **travel visa-free within the Schengen Area** - To access a **quality education and healthcare system** - To benefit from a **low requirement for presence** - To potentially obtain **Portuguese citizenship after 5 years** What is the minimum amount to invest in Portugal? The minimum amount generally starts at **€250,000** for cultural projects. However, the most commonly used options by investors are around **€500,000**. How long does it take to obtain the Golden Visa Portugal? The processing time varies depending on the cases and the administrative authorities. In practice, it usually takes an average of **12 to 18 months** to obtain residency. Can you include your family in the application? Yes, the programme includes: - The spouse - Dependent children - Dependent parents This is a programme designed for **international families**. Should you live in Portugal to maintain the Golden Visa? No, the presence is minimal: - **14 days in the first 2 years** - **21 days in the following 3 years** This allows for maintaining activity in another country. What documents are necessary for a Golden Visa application? The main documents required are: - Valid passport - Evidence of investment - Clean criminal record - Health insurance - Proof of income and source of funds Can one obtain Portuguese citizenship with the Golden Visa? Yes, but **not immediately**. After **5 years of legal residence**, it is possible to apply for citizenship, subject to the following conditions: - Ongoing residence - Portuguese level A2 - Clean criminal record ## News:Portugal View All