portugal

Minimum investment

€500,000

processing time

3-8 Months

key residency benefit

Visa Free Travel

Benefits of Residency by Investment in Portugal

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    Live, work and study in Portugal

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    Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area

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    Path to EU Citizenship

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    Low minimum stay requirements

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    Multiple investment options from €250,000

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    Highly favorable tax system

discover portugal

Portugal is the westernmost European country. Its colonies extended across Africa, Brazil, Persia, Indochina and the Malay Peninsula, creating one of the world’s most globalized and peaceful nations. Portugal is considered very safe and has a low crime rate. Although Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist regions.

Portugal is a member of the Schengen area and began using the Euro as its currency in 2002. While Portugal is shifting towards offering business-oriented services, it remains deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage and traditional industries. The country is renowned for its wine production, as well as its seafood cuisine and vibrant festivals.

About portugal

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency by investment program aimed at non-EU/EEA citizens seeking permanent residency.

The Portuguese government launched the Golden Visa program in October 2012 to boost the country’s economy by driving foreign investment. Today, the program is one of the most popular of its kind in the world and has raised over €7.5 billion.

With a range of investment options, including capital transfers, the program grants you a residency permit to live, work and study in Portugal. The country offers a high quality of life and affordable living costs. Those who qualify also benefit from greater freedom of movement, with visa-free access to 188 countries, including European Union countries in the Schengen Area.

The program also offers long-term benefits. Applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship, permanent residence and an EU passport after holding residency status for five years. Portugal Citizenship by Investment is becoming increasingly popular due to the high standards of living that Portuguese residents enjoy.

How to obtain Residency by investment in portugal

  • A capital transfer of at least €500,000 in research activities can be made, or €250,000 in preserving national heritage in Portugal. Unlike business-based routes that focus on employing staff and building enterprises, this pathway involves contributing funds directly without the need to establish a business.

    Capital transfer of at least €500,000 for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital funds for the capitalisation of companies whose maturity at the time of the investment is at least 5 years, and at least 60% of the value of investments will be realised in commercial companies based in Portugal.

    €500,000 constitution of a commercial society with head office in Portugal and creation of 5 permanent working jobs.

  • Capital transfer of €500,000 or higher to invest in an investment fund or venture capital fund incorporated under Portuguese law, which is dedicated to the capitalization of companies, whose maturity at the moment of the investment is at least five years and with 60% of the investment portfolio realized in commercial companies with their head office in national territory.

    Investment options

    Investment routes generally require a minimum of €500,000.

    However, innovative financing options have emerged, allowing for reduced initial capital outlay:

    • A provider now offers a financing solution, lending the full €500,000 investment for a seven-year term at a cost of €168,000.

    • This option provides a lower-cost alternative to the €250,000 donation route, appealing to those looking to minimize upfront capital requirements.

    Profit-Generating Investment Opportunity

    As of now, investors can access an opportunity with an upfront return of €101,000, which can be applied towards the €500,000 investment:

    • Initial capital required: €399,000.

    • Additional loan facilities are available to cover up to €74,000, reducing the total upfront investment to €325,000.

    • This option not only qualifies investors for the Golden Visa but also allows them to offset costs and potentially cover related expenses, such as golden visa card fees.

plan of action for the PORTUGAL Residency by Investment program

  1. 1–3 Months

    Your investment is secured, and your application is submitted.

  2. Month 6

    Golden Visa application is approved.

  3. Month 10

    Golden Visa cards are issued for a 2-year period.

  4. Year 2

    Your Golden Visa is renewed for two years, provided requirements are met.

  5. Year 4

    Your Golden Visa is renewed for another two years, provided requirements are met.

  6. Year 5

    Application for citizenship is submitted.

  7. Year 6

    Citizenship is obtained and EU passports are granted.

Frequently asked questions

  • The minimum investment amount for the Portuguese Golden Visa is €500,000.

    There is also a donation option available of €250,000. This donation must be made into artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage, arts or culture.

    Be aware that other costs such as government application fees and legal processing fees also apply. One of our specialists will discuss this with you in more detail, so you are aware of all costs upfront.

  • No, you do not have to live permanently in Portugal to renew your Portugal Golden Visa or receive permanent residence or citizenship.

    The minimum stay requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa are that you must stay in the country for at least seven days in the first year. You must remain in the country for 14 days for the following two-year period. Over the course of five years, this works out to five weeks in Portugal to get your permanent residence permit.

  • The initial Portuguese Golden Visa grants temporary residence for two years after the initial application. You can renew your temporary residence visa for two successive periods of two years at a time, as long as you continue to meet the requirements.

    Obtaining a Golden Visa and citizenship in Portugal takes approximately five years.

  • The requirements for the Golden Visa are quite simple:

    • You and your immediate family have a clean criminal record

    • You aren’t currently a citizen of an EU country (this applies if you are from the United Kingdom following Brexit, meaning UK citizens can apply for Portugal citizenship by investment program.)

    • You have the required investment amount – the amount will change depending on the type of investment you choose.

    As long as you meet the criteria above, we can start your application.