Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains one of the most popular residency-by-investment options in Europe. Since its launch in October 2012, the program has granted residency to over 12,000 international investors and their families.
The Portugal Investment Visa offers numerous benefits, including visa-free travel within the Schengen Area and the ability to live and work in Portugal. Besides, unlike other Golden Visa programs, it stands out for providing a clear path to permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship in just five years.
2025 Development: Proposed Changes to Citizenship Rules
-
On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese government proposed changes to the nationality law that may impact Golden Visa holders. The draft law includes extending the minimum residency period required to apply for citizenship.
While not yet enacted, the proposal is currently under review and may bring significant changes for future applicants. You can learn more about the proposed changes to Portugal’s citizenship law by clicking below.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- Portugal Golden Visa In a Nutshell
- What Is Portugal Golden Visa?
- Top 6 Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Progam
- Who Is Eligible for a Golden Visa in Portugal?
- Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options
- What Are the Golden Visa Portugal Requirements?
- How To Get a Golden Visa in Portugal: Application Process
- What Is the Timeline for the Golden Visa Process?
- What Are the Government Fees and Legal Costs Related to Portuguese Golden Visa Program?
- What Are the Portuguese Golden Visa Tax Implications?
- Statistics on the Portugal Golden Visa
- Portugal Golden Visa in 2025: Proposed Changes
Your Guide to Portugal Golden Visa
At Get Golden Visa, we helped hundreds of investors and families from 47 different countries obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal.
Contact us and speak to our independent advisors who can assist you with all your investment and Portugal Golden Visa Program related questions.
Portugal Golden Visa In a Nutshell
- Portuguese Golden Visa provides a range of relatively affordable investment options, including company creation, donation, and fund investment
- The minimum investment ranges from a €250,000 donation to a €500,000 fund investment to obtain a residence permit.
- You are only required to spend a minimum of seven days in Portugal per year.
- Portugal Golden Visa Program gives you visa-free access to the Schengen states.
- You can become a Portuguese citizen within five years*.
- Portugal is a safe, secure, affordable country with a high quality of life, solid infrastructure, superb climate, and good health and education systems.
*This may be subject to change
What Is Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa program, also known as the residence permit for investment activity (ARI), is a residency by investment scheme designed for non-EU citizens.
Portugal launched the program in October 2012. The main objective was to attract international capital into the country, as it was much in need after the 2008 economic crisis. The program proved to be a great success, raising over €7.5 billion since then.
Portugal offers a dreamy landscape, a wide coastline, a climate full of sunshine, hospitable people, and delicious cuisine. Better yet, it provides this high quality of life at a very affordable cost of living. These factors make Portugal a very attractive destination for international investors to invest in and obtain the right to live, work, and study in the country.
Furthermore, the Portugal Golden Visa program provides the opportunity to become a permanent resident or a citizen in Portugal in only five years.
Top 6 Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Progam
- You can qualify for residency by investing a minimum of €250,000, which is one of the lowest investment thresholds in Europe.
- You don’t have to move to Portugal to keep your residence permit. Staying in the country for seven days on average per year will suffice,
- You can be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship in five years. This is one of the quickest in Europe,
- Once you become a Portuguese citizen, you get visa-free access to 188 countries.
1. Visa-Free Travel
The Portugal Golden Passport permits you to enter the Schengen Area central system. So, you can freely travel within Europe without an additional visa.
At the end of five years, if you decide to get Portuguese citizenship, you can get a Portuguese passport. The Portuguese passport allows you to travel to 188 countries without the need for a visa.
2. Living, Working, and Studying in Portugal
The Portuguese Golden Visa allows you to live, work, and study in Portugal. If you decide to live in Portugal full-time with your Portuguese Golden Visa, then you will be required to have medical insurance. You will, however, have full access to all public services, including healthcare and education.
State schools follow the Portuguese curriculum, though there are numerous private British and American international schools.
The work permit allows you to work anywhere, as well as start and run your own business in Portugal.
3. Family Reunification
As the main applicant, you may extend your Portuguese Golden Visa to your family members. The application process is simultaneous for the main applicant and the dependents.
The following members of the family are eligible to apply along with the main applicant:
- Spouse,
- Children under the age of 18,
- Dependent children under the age of 26, provided that they are full-time students and not married,
- Parents of the main applicant, if over the age of 65 years.
4. Citizenship and Passport
You may apply for citizenship after five years of holding a Golden Visa in Portugal.
To qualify for citizenship, you must have:
- No outstanding tax payments in Portugal,
- Clean criminal records from Portugal and your home country,
- Entered and passed a basic language test in Portuguese.
Later in the article, we will touch on the specifics of the Portuguese language test.
Important Note: In 2024, the Portuguese Parliament approved changes to the citizenship law, affecting how the 5-year residency period required for citizenship eligibility is calculated. With the change, the countdown for these five years begins on the day you submit your application, rather than when you receive your residence permit. Check out the details on the Portuguese Citizenship Law Change.
5. Tax Benefits
The Portugal Investment Visa Program will not bring any tax responsibility to you unless you spend more than 183 days of the year in Portugal. In case you do, then you become a tax resident in Portugal.
Portugal has a favorable tax regime for foreigners who consider relocating to Portugal and becoming tax residents. Although the non-habitual residency (NHR) program is no longer available, the country offers a competitive tax system to those who are tax residents in Portugal.
6. Overall Benefits
As a Portuguese Golden Visa applicant, you have the right to live and work in Portugal, but there is no requirement to do so. The country offers a favorable tax regime if you decide to relocate to Portugal.
With your Golden Visa, you can enjoy free travel within the European Schengen visa zone. After holding a Golden Visa for five years, you can apply for citizenship or permanent residency in Portugal, leading to a passport. The Portuguese passport allows you to live, work, and study anywhere within the European Union.
Eligibility: Who Is Eligible for a Golden Visa in Portugal?
- Nationalities
Any non-EU/EEA/Swiss national can apply for the Portugal Golden Visa.
- Pre-requisites
You’re required to be at least 18 years old and hold a clean criminal record from your home country, as well as from Portugal. The funds for the investment should arrive from outside of Portugal.
- Golden Visa Minimum Investment
To qualify for Portugal’s Golden Passport, a qualifying investment has to be made. Investment categories include venture capital fund, company formation/employer responsibilities, and donation. Later on in this guide, you can find a list of qualifying investments.
- Family Members
Under family reunification, you may extend the Golden Visa to the rest of the family members. A comprehensive list of eligible dependents is listed in the previous section.
American Applicants
US citizens are eligible to apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa. Although the real estate route used to be quite popular for many nationalities, American Golden Visa applicants traditionally preferred to invest in a qualifying private equity or venture capital fund.
American business owners may also choose to expand their businesses to Portugal, taking advantage of the Golden Visa program. The tax incentives in Portugal make it an attractive destination to relocate to.
British Applicants
British investors in the UK and around the world are planning for the repercussions of Brexit in terms of their travel abilities. In 2021, UK passports lost their freedom of movement in the Schengen Area.
UK citizens target Portugal for three reasons: travel rights across Europe, a desirable lifestyle, and ultimately European citizenship by investment.
As of January 1st, 2021, UK citizens became eligible to apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa program. This provides them with the right to travel within the Schengen Area.
Get Golden Visa: Who We Are and How We Can Help You
Get Golden Visa is a bespoke investment advisory firm. Contact us and talk to one of our experienced team members to help you with any and all your questions in your quest for Portugal Golden Visa.
Contact Form
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options: What Types of Investments Qualify for the Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa program offers different investment options. Below, you can see the available options in 2025:
| Investment Options | |
|---|---|
| Option | Minimum Investment |
| Fund Subscription | €500,000 |
| Company |
|
| Donation |
|
1. Fund Subscription
A minimum of €500,000 subscription in a qualifying Portuguese fund. The qualifying funds include Private Equity and Venture Capital funds in Portugal and exclude any fund that has direct or indirect real estate ties.
2. Company
Creation of a minimum of 10 new full-time jobs in a Portuguese business that is owned by you as the main applicant.
→Create a minimum of eight new full-time jobs in a Portuguese business formed in a low-density area in Portugal, owned by the main applicant.
Invest a minimum of €500,000 in an existing Portuguese business, where the incorporated business must create a minimum of five new full-time jobs for at least three years.
3. Donation
- Invest a minimum of €250,000 in preserving national heritage in Portugal.
- Invest a minimum of €500,000 in a research and development activity in Portugal.
Investment Options That Are No Longer Available
As of October 2023, the program no longer accepts real estate purchases or real estate-related funds as qualifying investments.
Real Estate Investment:
- Acquire real estate worth more than €500,000 in Portugal,
- If in a low-density area in Portugal, the minimum amount drops 20 percent to €400,000
- Acquire real estate that is older than 30 years old, in an urban rehabilitation area, and renovate it for a minimum of €350,000 in Portugal.
- If in a low-density area in Portugal, the minimum amount drops 20 percent to €280,000
Note that capital transfer no longer qualifies for a Golden Visa in Portugal as of October 2023:
Capital transfer of a minimum of €1,5 million to Portugal.
Requirements: What Are the Golden Visa Portugal Requirements?
Minimum Residence Requirement
The Portugal Golden Visa program has a low stay requirement. Portugal requires Golden Visa residents to spend a minimum of seven days annually on average in the country.
| Golden Visa Residence Permit | ||
|---|---|---|
| Permit Type | Validity Period | Stay Requirement |
| Initial GV Residence Permit | Two (2) years | Fourteen (14) days within two years |
| Subsequent GV Residence Permits | Two (2) years | Fourteen (14) days within two years |
Important Note: As of April 2020, the initial residence permits became valid for two years (used to be one year), and the subsequent permits became valid for two years each. This was due to a legislative change in the Portuguese immigration law.
In case the change is permanent, it is expected that the initial card that is valid for two years will require the cardholder to spend at least fourteen days within those two years physically in Portugal. Then the renewal cards will also be valid for two years each, and the applicants will need to spend at least fourteen days physically in Portugal within the two years.
Make and Maintain a Qualified Investment for Five Years
You’re required to present supporting evidence that you have individually invested the minimum amount required. As the main applicant, you must maintain the investment as long as you and your dependents hold Golden Visa residency status.
If and once you become a permanent resident or a Portuguese citizen, the investment no longer needs to be maintained. You can then liquidate whichever investment you made.
Proper Documentation
You need to provide the following documents to apply for Portugal Golden Visa Program:
1) Copy of a passport or other government-issued travel document,
2) Proof of evidence of the qualifying investment made by the main applicant individually:
→ If an investment fund, proof of fund subscription from the fund manager.
3) Declaration from a Portuguese financial institution confirming the transfer of funds,
4) Proof of healthcare coverage:
→ If in Portugal, from the National Health System in Portugal,
→ If outside of Portugal, from an internationally covered insurance company.
5) Criminal record of the current country of residence,
→ Must be issued within three (3) months of the form submission.
6) A completed form authorizing SEF to access criminal records in Portugal,
7) A sworn declaration of compliance with the minimum investment requirements for the necessary period of five years,
8) Documents outlining good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority & Social Security system,
→ Must be issued within 45 days of the form submission.
9) Receipt of ARI application payment,
Unless otherwise stated, it is best to have the documentation issued within three months of your Golden Visa application submission.
Legalizing Documents
All the above documents issued by a non-Portuguese entity need to be legalized. The legalization must have an apostille if the subject country is part of the Hague Convention.
Translating Documents
Any original document that is not in Portuguese needs to be translated into Portuguese and certified. The certification is typically performed by a notary.
Related Fees
Below is a chart of Portugal’s Golden Visa government application fees;
| Fees and Payments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fee Type | Frequency | Amount |
| Processing Fee | Once at the beginning and then at each renewal | €773.74 per applicant (+ €83 /dependent) |
| Initial Application Fee | Once at the beginning | €7,730 per person |
| Renewal Application Fee | At each renewal | €3,866 per person |
| Legal Fee | Progress payments | Differs between law firms and investment types |
Bank Account and NIF Number
Portugal requires you, the main applicant, to invest in your bank account in Portugal. Accordingly, you must have an account in a Portuguese bank. You must also have a NIF number, which is a tax identification number in Portugal, to open the account.
Both obtaining a NIF number and opening a bank account in Portugal are pretty straightforward. They can both be done in half a day.
Getting a NIF Number
- Get proof of address from your country of residence.
- Bring a government-issued identification and your proof of address to a Finanças office in Portugal.
- Get your NIF number on the spot within an hour.
You can also provide your lawyer with a power of attorney, and they can complete this step without you even being present in Portugal.
Opening a Portuguese Bank Account
Unlike many countries in the world, Portuguese banks make it quite easy to open a bank account for non-residents and foreigners. The banking and maintenance fees are also quite low compared to the rest of Europe. Just follow the steps below:
What you will need:
- Passport or government-issued travel document,
- NIF number,
- Portuguese phone number,
- Proof of address from your country of residence,
- Proof of income/payslip,
What will you do?
- Go to the bank branch and open your account.
Simple as that. Typically, each law firm has one or more banks and branches they work closely. It is best to get their advice in order to keep things moving quickly.
How To Get a Golden Visa in Portugal: Application Process
The Golden Visa application in Portugal is quite straightforward. If you take the necessary steps, such as investment, legal steps, and the right documentation, you’ll have a successful Portugal Golden Visa application process. Check the steps below for more clarification:
Step One: Speak to Get Golden Visa Team and Decide on Your Investment Type
First things first. You need to analyze the list of available investment types and decide on which investment you will move forward with. Tip: The fund option also started gaining traction in recent years and recently became the most popular investment method.
Step Two: Gather All Necessary Documents
You need to gather all necessary documents for yourself, the main applicant, as well as all those for your dependents, if you have any. This step may get a bit tiring, especially with all the translations, notarizing, apostilles, and certifications. However, a professional advisor will help alleviate the boredom.
Step Three: Get a NIF and Open a Bank Account
As mentioned above in the article, getting a NIF and opening a bank account in Portugal can practically both be done within a day. This is a task that you can delegate to your lawyers to complete without your presence in the country.
Step Four: Finalize the Investment
Now that you have chosen which investment type to go with, it’s time to pay up and lock in your investment in Portugal.
Step Five: Submit Pre-Application
With your qualifying investment made and your paperwork ready, you will submit your pre-application online to SEF. In most cases, your law firm will do this on your behalf and notify you if anything is missing.
In standard times, it takes roughly two months from the time you submit your documents until your appointment date.
Step Six: Schedule and Attend Your SEF Appointment
After analyzing your pre-application, SEF will provide you with a set of available dates for a biometrics appointment. On the chosen appointment date, you and your dependents need to physically show up at the corresponding SEF office in order to submit your fingerprints and make your application official.
Step Seven: Get Your Golden Visa and Renew
Bingo! You and your dependents receive your Golden Visa residence cards. Your law firm or your professional advisor will collect the cards and send them your way. Each card is valid for two years, and at the end of the validity period, you will renew your Golden Visa card to receive a new one.
In standard times, it takes roughly four months from your biometrics appointment until you receive your cards.
Step Eight: Become a Portuguese Citizen
After you renew your initial Golden Visa card twice and complete a total of five years, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Portugal. The citizenship application typically takes anywhere from six months to a year.
Once you receive your permanent residence or citizenship, you will no longer need to maintain your investment in Portugal.
As Get Golden Visa, we’re committed to assisting you through your Golden Visa journey.
Timeline: What Is the Timeline for the Golden Visa Process?
The initial application and the supporting documents are submitted online to Agência para a Integração Migrações e Asilo (AIMA). AIMA is the official immigration and border services office in Portugal. Once they approve your application, you then need to appear for an interview in person.
There are numerous AIMA offices across Portugal, and you may apply for any of them, regardless of where you made your investment. That way, you can avoid districts with long waitlists such as the SEF office in Lisbon. It can take up to six months for AIMA to approve and provide a biometrics appointment date, as long as it is not one of the high-demand locations.
As the main applicant, you and all your dependents can book the AIMA appointment simultaneously. After the in-person interview, you will receive your Golden Visa cards. It typically takes around four months to receive these residence permit cards.
Your residence clock starts ticking on the day your Golden Visa card is issued.
* Note: AIMA used to be called Serviço de Fronteiras e Estrangeiros (SEF) until late 2023. So if you come across the SEF acronym, do not be confused. It most likely refers to AIMA.
Years One and Two
Your initial Golden Visa residence card will be valid for two (2) years. In these two years, you must spend a total of fourteen (14) days in Portugal.
At the end of this period, you need to renew your residence permit. So, between 30-90 days before the expiration date of your card, you need to repeat the above AIMA appointment to renew your card. For the renewal, you need to resubmit the up-to-date documentation (ie, criminal records), biometrics, and necessary application processing fee.
Years Three and Four
Your renewed Golden Visa residence permit will be valid for two (2) years. Within those three years, you must spend at least fourteen (14) days in Portugal.
Year Five
Once you renew your card again for a two (2) year period and lapse one year of it, at the end of the fifth year, you have three options:
- Apply for Permanent Residence in Portugal
- Apply for Citizenship in Portugal
- Continue with the Golden Visa temporary residence program
If you decide to become a permanent resident or a citizen in Portugal, you no longer need to maintain the Golden Visa investment you made in the country.
The above application, stay, and renewal requirements always apply to all Golden Visa cardholders, including the main applicants and their dependents.
Fees and Costs: What Are the Government Fees and Legal Costs Related to Portuguese Golden Visa Program?
In addition to the minimum investment you make and the necessary fees related to the transaction of the investment property, you will be faced with legal fees and government application fees. Below, you may find a detailed list of all the associated costs.
Government Fees
| Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fee Type | Frequency | Amount |
| Processing Fee | Once at the beginning and then at each renewal | €773.74 (+ €83 /dependent) |
| Initial Application Fee | Once at the beginning | €7,730 per person |
| Renewal Application Fee | At each renewal | €3,866 per person |
Legal Fees
The legal fees depend on the law firm you choose to work with. The Portugal Golden Visa investment is quite a sizable one, so it is best if you assign an experienced law firm to take care of your due diligence, as well as the application and renewal process. The legal fees can add up to a significant amount, but it is best not to take chances by going with a newbie in the field.
The fees can land somewhere between €10,000 all the way up to €30,000 for a family of four, taking into account the complete five-year span. The good thing is, you will not have to pay this upfront, but in installments depending on the completed tasks within the first five years.
We would be happy to guide you to a number of different experienced law firms in the field of Portuguese Golden Visa.
Costs Related to Investment
Depending on your preferred type of investment, the associated costs differ. Below, you can find a table that covers the costs associated with the most popular investment type: fund investment.
| Investment Fund and Taxes | |
|---|---|
| Category | Details |
| Minimum Investment | €500,000 |
| Exit Fees | 0% |
| Commission | 0% |
| Performance Fee | 35% of the profit* |
| Management Fees | 1.5% annually** |
| Legal Fees*** | Varies |
| Total (approximate without Exit Fees, Management Fee, or Legal Fee taken into account) | €500,000 |
* Varies on the fund, it is typical for the performance fee to be between 20 and 50% above a hurdle on the profit
** Varies on the fund, it is typical for the annual management fee to be between one percent and two percent of the invested amount
*** Legal fees vary widely between law firms, the number of dependents, and other variables; it would not greatly differ between different investment routes
Taxes: What Are the Portuguese Golden Visa Tax Implications?
Tax Implications
Tax residency and legal residency are different concepts. Becoming a Golden Visa holder in Portugal does not necessarily turn you into a Portuguese tax resident.
Even as only a legal resident, however, you will pay taxes related to your investment in Portugal, as long as the investment generates an income.
If you decide to become a tax resident in Portugal, you will need to spend more than 183 days out of a fiscal year in Portugal.
Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Tax Program
You may have heard of the NHR program in Portugal, which is discontinued as of 2024. The program used to grant significant tax savings to foreigners of qualifying professions, planning to move their tax residence to Portugal.
The scheme started in 2009 and now holds over 10,000 applicants. As of the end of 2023, the program was discontinued for new applicants, leaving the existing non-habitual residents intact.
Statistics on the Portugal Golden Visa
Below you may find the overall Portugal Golden Visa statistics program between October 8th, 2012, and September 30th, 2023.
The total number of main applicants reached 12,718 with 20,424 dependents accompanying them. These applications directed roughly €7.3 billion of global funds into Portugal.
Investment Type
Out of all the applications, the investment types were:
Real Estate Acquisition: 11,181 residence permits
→Real Estate at a minimum value of €500,000: 9,398 residence permits
→Real Estate urban rehabilitation at €350,000: 1,783 residence permits
Capital Transfer: 1,193 residence permits
→Capital Transfer in a Portuguese Bank: 549 residence permits
→Investment Fund: 617 residence permits
→ Capital Transfer + Creation of Jobs: 8 residence permits
→Donation to cultural heritage in Portugal: 13 residence permits
→Donation to research activities: 1 residence permit
Creation of Ten Full-Time Jobs: 22 applications
Portugal Golden Visa in 2025: Proposed Changes
On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government presented a draft law that includes changes to the Nationality Law. The proposal includes:
- Increasing the minimum legal residency requirement to apply for citizenship:
- 10 years for most applicants
- 7 years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP)
- The period starts from the date of issuance of the first residence permit, not the date of application
New requirements for naturalization:
- A2-level Portuguese language proficiency
- Civic knowledge test (Portuguese culture, rights, and duties)
- No criminal record for crimes punishable by imprisonment
- Ending the Sephardic Jewish ancestry nationality route
- Creating a new public security unit (UNEF) and revising related immigration rules
How Does It Affect Golden Visa Holders?
The Golden Visa (ARI) is a residency program. The Government has not proposed any changes to the residency rights under this program.
- Your right to residency remains protected once your GV application is submitted.
- There was no reference to changes to the Golden Visa itself in this announcement.
However, access to citizenship through the GV route may be impacted by the proposed law, depending on the timing.
According to the Government’s statement:
- The new citizenship rules will not apply to naturalization applications submitted before June 19, 2025
- However, applications submitted with incomplete documentation (e.g., “tick-the-box” filings) may not be accepted
This means:
- If you applied before June 19, 2025, and your file is complete, the current (5-year) rule should apply
- If your application was submitted after June 19th or is incomplete, the new rules may apply once enacted
What About Future Applications?
If the proposal becomes law as is:
- New applicants will have to wait 10 years from the date of their first residence card issuance
- They must meet the new language, civic, and clean criminal record requirements
- The Government suggested a need for “real ties” and “belonging to the community” for citizenship eligibility
Note that the law is not in effect. The proposed changes have been presented to Parliament but are not yet approved.
Final Notes
This section reflects the current public information available as of June 24, 2025, based on:
- Official statements by the Portuguese Council of Ministers
- Public summaries and legal commentary
- Draft legislative proposals
We encourage all applicants and investors to consult their legal advisors for guidance on their specific situations. This article does not constitute legal advice.
We will continue to monitor developments and update this page as the situation evolves.
The Updated Portugal Golden Visa Program in 2024
On October 6th, 2023, Portugal’s government introduced the “Mais Habitação Law,” which significantly alters the Golden Visa program. This new law eliminates the option to invest in real estate or related funds for obtaining a Golden Visa in Portugal.
It’s important to note that
- Does the Portugal Golden Visa program continue? The Golden Visa program remains active with certain investment options. However, you will no longer be able to apply for a Golden Visa through a real estate investment or a real estate-related fund investment.
- What happens to the existing Golden Visa holders? Existing rights, including renewals, family reunification, and permanent residency applications, are not affected by the new changes.
- New applications for residence permits related to investments, support for artistic production, or the recovery and maintenance of cultural heritage in the country are still accepted.
Changes in Investment Paths
The amendment means that several investment opportunities are no longer available:
- Capital transfers of €1,500,000 or more.
- Acquisition of real estate property
- Investment in funds that have direct or indirect real estate investments
Remaining Investment Opportunities
In contrast, the residency program will still be operational through other investment alternatives:
- Capital transfers equal to or exceeding €500,000 in qualifying venture capital funds (with no real estate investments)
- Creation of at least 10 jobs
- Capital transfer equal to or more than €500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions
- Capital transfers of €250,000 or more in supporting artistic production, recovery, or maintenance of national cultural heritage
- Capital transfers of €500,000 or more for forming a commercial company based in the national territory, with the creation of five permanent jobs
Please check our article on Portugal Golden Visa Ending to find out the complete details.
Previous Portugal Golden Visa Changes
The Portuguese Parliament passed a budget proposal in February 2020, which changed the Portuguese Golden Visa program. The objective of the parliament was to promote investment in low-density areas, urban renovation, job creation, and cultural heritage.
Check out our article on the Portugal Golden Visa Changes in 2022.
What Were the Changes? Portugal Golden Visa New Rules
The approved changes refer to two different aspects:
- The required investment amounts in the various Portugal Golden Visa investment types were raised
- The investment fund option increased from €350,000 to €500,000
- The capital transfer option increased from €1 million to €1,5 million
Other options went through a change, too
- The real estate investment route locations only cover property investments made in low-density areas within Portugal
- This means that buying residential real estate in Lisbon or Porto will no longer qualify for the Golden Visa program
- The properties have to be located in the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira or the interior territories
Lisbon and Porto have been the most popular real estate acquisition destinations among the Golden Visa applicants in Portugal. However, the proposed changes only allow real estate purchases in municipalities of the interior or the autonomous regions of Azores and Madeira to qualify for the program. So, this is quite a major proposal.
When were the Changes implemented?
The Portugal Golden Visa changes came into effect on January 1, 2022.
Objectives Behind the Proposal
The Portuguese Parliament chose to propose changes to possibly the most popular residence by investment program in Europe. There are a number of reasons for this proposal.
- To protect the locals in large cities from having to move out of the cities due to the rising prices,
- To stimulate investment in the interior parts of Portugal,
- To alleviate the pressure of the European Commission on the Portugal residence by investment program.
The Effect
The most popular form of investment for the Portugal Golden Visa is the real estate acquisition option. The Golden Visa real estate investors have chosen Lisbon and Porto as investment destinations, with a landslide.
This potential change prevents applicants from buying residential real estate in major cities like Lisbon and Porto. Nevertheless, there are still attractive destinations among the interior municipalities of Portugal, such as part of the Algarve region in the south or areas like Braga and Guimarães in the north.
Investment options that are not related to real estate, such as the transfer of capital or the creation of a company, will continue to be available to prospective Golden Visa applicants.
Get Golden Visa: Who We Are and How We Can Help You
Get Golden Visa is a bespoke investment advisory firm. We help people get an additional residency and citizenship by making a qualifying investment through property acquisition, fund subscription, or other investment vehicles.
With our team of specialists in Lisbon and Porto offices, we offer our clients a tailor-made and transparent journey in their quest for Portugal Golden Visa through real estate acquisition and investment funds.
Contact us and talk to one of our experienced team members to help you with any and all your questions.
Contact Form
Frequently Asked Questions on Portugal Golden Visa
Is Portugal Golden Visa ending?
No, the Portugal Golden Visa is not ending. It did, however, go through a change in late 2023. According to the Portuguese Parliament’s ‘Mais Habitaçao’ proposal, applicants are no longer allowed to apply for a Golden Visa in Portugal through real estate acquisition, capital transfer, or through investment into funds that have direct or indirect real estate ties. Other investment methods, such as investing 500,000€ in a non-real estate related fund, continue.
Which Golden Visa program is the best? Comparison: Portugal vs Italy vs Greece
It depends on the criteria of the investor, and many variables go into answering that question. Nevertheless, for those interested in obtaining European citizenship, the Portuguese Golden Visa stands out in comparison to Italian and Greek Golden Visas. On the contrary, if your main aim is to get residency without a minimum stay requirement, you can prefer the Greece or Italy Golden Visa programs.
How long is the wait/processing time for the Golden Visa in Portugal?
The wait time for the Golden Visa application changes constantly, and it highly depends on the overall wait period at AIMA (previously SEF). Currently, from the moment you make your investment, it takes approximately over a year to receive your Golden Visa residence card. However, this may be subject to change in 2025.
Can I take a mortgage to make my investment?
Portugal requires the minimum investment amount to be brought into the country by the main applicant. That amount cannot be borrowed from a bank in Portugal. It can be taken as a loan from a non-Portuguese bank outside of Portugal. However, if the investment exceeds the required amount, the excess can technically be financed through a mortgage from a Portuguese bank.
Can I do the Golden Visa Portugal process on my own?
You may. However, you’ll be making a significant investment to apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa. So, it’s highly recommended that you use a professional advisor and a legal representative in pursuing the program.
Do I need to get a lawyer for the Golden Visa application?
You’re not required to get a lawyer to apply for the Golden Visa; however, you should have a local Portuguese lawyer assist you with your application process.
What are the Portugal Golden Visa Tax considerations? Do I have to pay taxes in Portugal?
Having a Golden Visa in Portugal doesn’t automatically make you a tax resident in Portugal. Unless you become a tax resident in Portugal, you don’t need to pay any taxes on your non-Portuguese income. Your income within Portugal, however, needs to be declared in Portugal, and you need to pay taxes on that income. Thanks to Double Taxation Treaties, you won’t be taxed multiple times on the same income.
Does the investor have to pay taxes in Portugal on his/her worldwide income?
No. If the investor doesn’t spend 183 days or more in Portugal within a year, the investor is not a resident. In that case, the investor doesn’t pay taxes in Portugal on the worldwide income, apart from that in Portugal.
Is the cost of living in Portugal low or high?
Portugal has a low cost of living compared to the rest of Europe.
Do I have to register and pay Social Security contributions in Portugal?
No, you’re not required to register or pay Social Security contributions in Portugal. However, you do need to get private health insurance to cover your healthcare costs in Portugal.
Do I need to reside in Portugal, or can I live in other countries?
Portugal doesn’t require you to live in the country full-time if you have a Golden Visa. You merely need to stay in Portugal for at least seven days per year. Besides that, you may live in your country of origin or any other place you wish to live in.
What is a fiscal number?
A fiscal number in Portugal is called a NIF. You’ll need a NIF in order to perform any official transaction in Portugal. This includes opening a Portuguese bank account, purchasing real estate, etc.
Can I use cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?
At Get Golden Visa, we are proud to accept all our fees in Bitcoin. However, the Portuguese government does not accept the Portugal Golden Visa investment to be made in any currency other than Euros.
Can Americans apply for the Golden Visa for Portugal?
Yes, Americans can apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa. The process for Americans applying for the Golden Visa is quite straightforward, with no restrictions based on nationality.
Can people from Hong Kong apply for the Golden Visa to Portugal?
Yes, Hong Kong citizens can apply for a Portuguese Golden Visa. The program has been very popular in Hong Kong in the years 2020 and 2021.
Can UK citizens apply for the Golden Visa Program in Portugal?
Yes, now that Brexit is complete, British citizens can apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa as of January 1st, 2021. The program allows British nationals to gain access to free travel across Europe. Read more about Portugal Golden Visa for UK citizens.
Should I avoid certain firms offering Golden Visa services?
Absolutely. Just as in any business, many inexperienced individuals and firms are claiming to provide services within the RCBI field as well. Make sure that you go on to vet the firm that will advise you in such a significant commitment.
What’s the best way to get a Golden Visa in Portugal?
The best way is the way that fits your specific criteria. In other words, it completely depends on the investor and the investor’s needs. So far, the overwhelming majority of Portugal Golden Visa investors have opted to move ahead with a real estate acquisition.
Which investment funds are available for a Golden Visa?
There are a number of different venture capital funds with different investment strategies and features available in the market, which qualify their subscribers to apply for the Golden Visa in Portugal. For a comprehensive list of funds and their details, feel free to get in touch with us.
Does the Golden Visa in Portugal lead to citizenship?
Yes, the Golden Visa Portugal leads to citizenship, indirectly. Once five years have passed with the Golden Visa, you can then become eligible for citizenship.
How long does it take before I can apply for Portuguese citizenship and a passport?
You are eligible to apply for citizenship in Portugal at the end of your fifth year as a Golden Visa holder. Once you are naturalized as a citizen, you can then obtain your passport right away.
How can I get Portuguese citizenship by investment?
You can invest in a qualifying investment to obtain your temporary Portuguese residency permit through Portugal’s Golden Visa. Once you have your Golden Visa, provided that you maintain your investment for a minimum of five years, you have the right to apply for naturalization in Portugal.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Portugal allows for dual citizenship.
How much does Portuguese citizenship cost?
Assuming that you will apply for Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa Portugal, it depends on which qualifying investment you choose to move ahead with. For a complete list of these options, you can check the above in this article.
Do I need a language test for the Golden Visa program in Portugal?
You don’t need to take a language test to get the Golden Visa. However, if you later apply for permanent residency or citizenship (after 5 or 10 years), you will need to pass a basic Portuguese language exam at the A2 level. This means being able to read, write, and speak simple Portuguese. You can prepare through online or embassy-backed courses.
Can same-sex couples also apply for the Golden Visa in Portugal?
Yes, Portugal allows Golden Visa applicants to include their same-sex partners within the program through family reunification.
Is Portugal LGBT-friendly?
Yes, Portugal’s LGBT-friendliness is quite high compared to other countries in Europe. There is supportive legislation and a high level of societal acceptance for the community.
How long is the Golden Visa valid for?
Your first Golden Visa card is valid for two years; you should satisfy the stay requirement of 14 days in two years. You may then renew your Golden Visa residence card, and the next cards will each be valid for three years at a time. Within those three years, you should spend at least twenty-one days in Portugal. As long as you maintain your investment, you may renew your Golden Visa card as many times as you wish.
What countries are included in the Schengen Area?
The 26 Schengen countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
What happens to the investment after five years? Can it be sold, transferred, etc.?
At that point, you have three options as a Golden Visa holder: (1) to continue with the Golden Visa for Portugal, (2) to become a permanent resident, or (3) to become a Portuguese citizen. If you choose to become a permanent resident or a Portuguese citizen, you can then sell or liquidate your investment as you wish. You only need to hold on to it if you decide to continue with the Golden Visa temporary residence program instead.
Can the investor sell the investment at any time if he/she no longer need the Golden Visa?
Yes, absolutely.
What is the most common investment route for the Golden Visa in Portugal?
The most popular route for the Golden Visa Portugal used to be real estate investments. Currently, the most popular investment vehicle is investment in a qualifying fund. You may find the number of applications and their preferred routes in detail in the above Statistics section.
How can I get permanent residency in Portugal?
There are a number of ways to get Portuguese permanent residence. The Golden Visa Portugal is one of the most popular ways of doing so.
How long does it take to get a permanent residence in Portugal?
Five years after you start your Golden Visa scheme, you’re eligible to get permanent residency in Portugal.
What are the shared benefits of Portugal vs Greece Golden Visa Programs?
When we compare Greece vs Portugal Golden Visa programs, we can come up with some similar benefits. Visa-free travel in Europe, citizenship eligibility, or family inclusion are among them.
