Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most popular residency by investment programs in Europe and in the world. The program started in October 2012 and since then more than 12,000 applicants have applied for their Golden Visas.
2024 Update: Portugal’s Golden Visa Program went through serious changes in October 2023. The changes have no retroactive effect on existing applications. However, the program ceases to accept real estate purchases and real estate related funds as qualifying investment options. Certain Portuguese funds continue to be an eligible investment. You can read the details of the changes here.
What You Will Find in This Article:
- What Is Portugal Golden Visa
- Benefits: What Are the Benefits of Portugal Golden Visa
- Eligibility: Who Is Eligible for a Golden Visa in Portugal
- Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options: What Types of Investments Qualify for The Golden Visa
- Requirements: What Are the Golden Visa Portugal Requirements
- How To Get a Golden Visa in Portugal: Application and Process
- Fees and Costs: What Are the Government Fees and Legal Costs Related to Golden Visa
- Statistics on Portugal Golden Visa
- The Updated Portugal Golden Visa Program in 2024
- Previous Portugal Golden Visa Changes
- Get Golden Visa: Who We Are and How We Can Help You
Your Guide to Portugal Golden Visa
At Get Golden Visa, we helped thousands of investors and families from 41 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 for you to choose from in obtaining your 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 to six years,
- Portugal is a safe, secure, affordable country with a high quality of life, solid infrastructure, superb climate, and good health and education systems.
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 wide coastline, a great climate, hospitable people, and delicious cuisine. Better yet, it provides this high quality of life at an 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.
Benefits: What Are the Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa?
- You can qualify for residency by contributing 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 191 countries.
1. Visa-Free Travel
The Golden Visa permit registers you in 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 191 countries without the need for a visa.
2. Living, Working, and Studying in Portugal
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
- Financially dependent 18+ children provided that they are full-time students and not married,
- Parents of the main applicant, if over the age of 65 years old.
4. Citizenship and Passport
You may apply for citizenship after five years of holding a Golden Visa in Portugal.
In order to qualify for citizenship, you must have:
- No outstanding tax payments in Portugal,
- Clean criminal records from Portugal and from your home country,
- Obtain an A2 level language certification in Portuguese.
Later in the article, we will touch on the specifics of the Portuguese language requirement.
Important Note: In 2024, the Portuguese Parliament has 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
Portugal Golden 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. 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. 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, 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
In order to qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa, 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. American Golden Visa applicants typically prefer to invest in a qualifying private equity or venture capital fund.
The number of American expats in Portugal surged above 10,000 as of 2024, a big increase over previous years. This rise is often attributed to the affordability, pleasant climate, and safety in Portugal.
British Applicants
In 2021, UK passports lost their freedom of movement in the Schengen Area. British investors had to plan for the mobility repercussions of Brexit. UK citizens target Portugal for three reasons: travel rights across Europe, a desirable lifestyle, and ultimately European citizenship by investment.
The British expats constitute the second-largest expatriate group in Portugal, with over 50,000 British residents residing across the country.
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.
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Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options: What Types of Investments Qualify for the Golden Visa?
Portugal Golden Visa program offers different investment options.
- Fund Subscription
- Company
- Donation
- Real Estate Acquisition (no longer eligible)
- Capital Transfer (no longer eligible)
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.
Company
Creation of a minimum of 10 new full-time jobs in a Portuguese business that is owned by yourself 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.
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.
Real Estate Acquisition (no longer eligible)
Real estate investments no longer qualify you for a Golden Visa in Portugal as of October 2023.
Capital Transfer (no longer eligible)
Capital transfer no longer qualifies you for a Golden Visa in Portugal as of October 2023.
Are Loans Allowed for the Golden Visa Investment in Portugal?
A common question is if you can use a loan or a mortgage in making your Golden Visa investment in Portugal. Portugal expects you to bring in the minimum required amount from outside of Portugal into the country. So the minimum amount cannot be taken out as a loan from a Portuguese financial institution.
However, you can take the amount as a loan from a non-Portuguese financial institution and then bring it into Portugal. Additionally, if your investment exceeds the minimum amount, there is nothing stopping you from taking a loan for the exceeding amount from a Portuguese bank.
Which Portugal Golden Visa Investment Route To Take
Choosing the best route for your Golden Visa investment can be difficult. In this video, our Regional Partner Werner Gruner explains the pros and cons of real estate and fund investment routes.
Real estate is no longer an eligible investment route for Golden Visas, but the comparison is useful in understanding where the current most popular investment route, the fund investment, stands.
Requirements: What Are the Golden Visa Portugal Requirements?
Minimum Residence Requirement
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. Let’s discover key Portugal Golden Visa requirements.
| 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 that two-year period 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-year period.
Make and Maintain a Qualified Investment for Five Years
You’re required to present supporting evidence that you have individually made the investment of 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 in order 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 investment fund; proof of fund subscription from the fund manager.
3) Declaration from a Portuguese financial institution confirming the transfer of funds,
4) Criminal record of the current country of residence,
→ Must be issued within three (3) months of the form submission.
5) A completed form authorizing SEF to access criminal records in Portugal,
6) A sworn declaration of compliance with the minimum investment requirements for the necessary time period of five years,
7) Documents outlining good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority & Social Security system,
→ Must be issued within 45 days of the form submission.
8) 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 Golden Visa government application fees;
| 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 make the investment from your bank account in Portugal. Accordingly, it is mandatory for you to 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.
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 below steps:
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 you will do:
- Go to the bank branch and open your account.
Typically, each law firm has one or more banks and branches they work closely with. 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: Currently, the fund option is by far the most popular investment method.
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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 like Get Golden Visa will help alleviate the headache.
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Step Three: Get a NIF and Open a Bank Account
As mentioned above in the article, getting a NIF in Portugal can practically be done within a day. As for opening a bank account, it may take anywhere from a week to a couple of months, depending on which country you are originally from. This is a task that you can delegate to your lawyers to complete without your presence in the country.
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Step Four: Finalize the Investment
Now that you chose which investment type to go with, it’s time to pay up and lock in your investment in Portugal.
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Step Five: Submit Pre-Application
With your qualifying investment made and your paperwork ready, you will submit your pre-application online to AIMA (previously SEF). In most cases, your law firm will do this on your behalf and notify you if there is anything missing.
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Step Six: Schedule and Attend Your AIMA (previously SEF) Appointment
After analyzing your pre-application, AIMA 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 AIMA office in order to submit your fingerprints and make your application official.
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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.
It takes roughly six months from your biometrics appointment until you receive your cards.
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Step Eight: Become a Portuguese Citizen
Once five years lapse from the day you submitted your application to AIMA, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Portugal. The citizenship application typically takes anywhere from a year to 18 months. 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 more than a year for AIMA to approve and provide a biometrics appointment date.
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 six 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.
Year 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 prior to the expiration date of your card, you need to repeat the above AIMA appointment to renew your cards. For the renewal, you need to re-submit the up-to-date documentation (ie. criminal records), biometrics, and necessary application processing fee.
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Year Three, Four, and Five
Your renewed Golden Visa residence permit will be valid for two (2) years. Within those two years, you must spend at least fourteen (14) days in Portugal. Your residence permit can then be renewed for another two (2) years, requiring you to spend yet another fourteen (14) days in the country.
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End of Year Five
With the recent updates to the citizenship law in 2024, any time that lapses until you receive your first Golden Visa card also counts towards your five year to citizenship.
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.
The above timeline is based on the assumption that you would receive your first card without a wait.
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
| 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 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 types; real estate acquisition, fund investment, and transfer of capital:
| Real Estate Property (N/A) | Capital Transfer (N/A) | Investment Fund | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | €350,000 | €500,000 | €1.5 million | €500,000 |
| TAXES | ||||
| -IMI Transfer Tax | 4,58% | 6,5% | 0% | 0% |
| -Stamp Duty | 0,8% | 0,8% | 0% | 0% |
| -Notary Cost | €1,000 | €1,000 | 0% | 0% |
| Exit Fees | 5%+VAT | 5%+VAT | 0% | 0% |
| -Commission | 5%+VAT | 5%+VAT | 0% | 0% |
| -Performance Fee | 0% | 0% | 0% | 35% of the profit* |
| Management Fees | 0% | 0% | 0,5% | 1,5% annually** |
| Legal Fees*** | varies | varies | varies | varies |
| Total (approximate without Exit Fees, Management Fee, or Legal Fee taken into account) | €369,840 | €537,500 | €1.5 million | €500,000 |
* Varies on the fund, it is typical for the performance fee to be between 20 percent-50 percent above a hurdle on the profit
** Varies on the fund, it is typical for the annual management fee to be between one percent-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 old NHR program in Portugal, which is discontinued as of 2023. The program used to grant significant tax savings to foreigners of qualifying professions, planning to move their tax residence to Portugal. However, there is a new NHR Program in 2024, designed for high-skilled professionals.
Statistics on Portugal Golden Visa
Below you may find the overall Portugal Golden Visa statistics program between October 8th, 2012, and 2024.
The total number of main applicants reached 12,718 with 20,424 dependents accompanying them. These applications directed over €7.5 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
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 are 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 be available:
- Capital transfers of €1,500,000 or more.
- Acquisition of real estate property
- Investment into 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 or ties)
- 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
Portugal Residency Card Renewals Extended to 3 Years
Residency card renewals through Portugal Golden Visa will now get three-year residency cards instead of two. That will provide flexibility for inventors, and the additional year will simplify the process by requiring fewer renewals.
As a Golden Visa holder, you can apply to renew your residency card for three years and then for two years. So, instead of three times, now you can only renew your residency card two times. You can learn more about the new renewal process here.
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.
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 a Portugal Golden Visa through investment funds.
Contact us and talk to one of our experienced team members to help you with any and all your questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Portugal Golden Visa
Is Portugal Golden Visa ending?
No, Portugal Golden Visa is not ending. It did, however, go through a change in late 2023.
How did the Portugal Golden Visa change in 2023?
Portugal Golden Visa program changed in 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 Spain vs Greece
It depends. It really depends on the criteria of the investor and there are many variables that go into answering that question. Nevertheless, for those interested in obtaining European citizenship, Portugal Golden Visa stands out in comparison to Spanish and Greek Golden Visas. You can find out more in our guide comparing Portugal vs Spain vs Greece Golden Visa Programs.
What are the new investment types for a Portugal Golden Visa?
Investing in Qualifying Funds: Investing a minimum of 500,000€ in qualifying Venture Capital or Private Equity funds in Portugal.
Job creation & Company Capital: Allocating 500,000€ of capital in a Portuguese company and creation of at least 5 jobs in Portugal.
Financial contribution: €250,000 contribution to cultural heritage or €500,000 contribution to research carried out by public or private scientific research institutions. Learn more about the Golden Visa Cultural Production route.
Real Estate acquisitions are no longer available
Transfer of capital is no longer available
Who in my family benefits from my Golden Visa?
The main applicant’s spouse, minor children, dependent children, and dependent parents also obtain the Golden Visa through family reunification.
How long is the wait 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 over a year to receive your Golden Visa residence card.
Can you make the Portugal Golden Visa investment through a company?
The Golden Visa investment needs to be performed by the main applicant as an individual.
Can I apply a Golden Visa in Portugal on my own?
You may. However, you’ll be making a significant investment in order to apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa. So, it’s highly recommended that you use a professional investment 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, it’s highly advisable that you have a local Portuguese lawyer in assisting 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.
What taxes apply to income generated in Portugal?
Most Golden Visa eligible funds in Portugal have significant tax exemptions for investors that are not tax residents in Portugal. As for your real estate rental income in Portugal, it is taxed at a flat rate of 28 percent. Real estate investments that are not rented out or generating income do not lead to any income tax.
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 domicile. In that case, the investor doesn’t pay taxes in Portugal on the worldwide income, apart from that in Portugal.
What is a fiscal number (NIF) in Portugal?
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.
If I have a Golden Visa, 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 in Portugal. Besides that, you may live in your country of origin or any other place you wish to live in.
Can I use cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portuguese government does not accept the Portugal Golden Visa investment to be made in any other currency than Euros.
Can Americans apply for Golden Visa for Portugal?
Yes, American citizens can apply for Golden Visa Portugal. There is nothing against your country of origin being the United States.
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 Golden Visa Program Portugal?
Yes, now that Brexit is complete, British citizens can now 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, there are many inexperienced individuals and firms 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 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 subscribers to apply to the Golden Visa in Portugal. For a comprehensive list of funds and their details, feel free to get in touch with us.
How long does it take before I can apply for Portuguese citizenship and passport?
You are eligible to apply for citizenship in Portugal once five years pass from the day you submit your initial Golden Visa application.
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. It is possible to get Portugal citizenship by investment by following the required route. 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.
Does Golden Visa in Portugal lead to citizenship?
Yes, the Golden Visa Portugal leads to citizenship, indirectly. Once a five-year period lapses with the Golden Visa, you can then become eligible for 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 Golden Visa program Portugal?
No, you do not need to pass a language test in order to qualify for the Golden Visa. You only have to obtain an A2 Level Portuguese Language certification if you decide to become a permanent resident or citizen in Portugal after five (5) years of holding a Golden Visa.
What does “basic knowledge” of Portuguese mean?
In order to prove your basic knowledge of the Portuguese language, you will have to be able to write, read, and speak in Portuguese at a preliminary level. This includes a thorough understanding of common phrases and vocabulary.
Is level A2 the only accepted exam?
No, the A2 level Portuguese language certification can be obtained through a test or through a certified language course.
Where can you learn Portuguese and prepare for the language requirement?
There are many resources online that you can prepare for the Portuguese test. Depending on where you are, the Portugal and Brazil embassies also typically have offline courses available. In order to learn more about the resources, feel free to contact us.
When must the language test or certification be taken?
The Portuguese language certification should only be obtained if and once you decide to apply for PR or citizenship in Portugal. However, you are free to take the test or the certification at any time you wish throughout your golden residence status.
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 is among the most LGBT-friendly countries in Europe. There is supportive legislation and a high level of societal acceptance for the community.
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, (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 needs the Golden Visa?
Yes, absolutely.
Why choose the Golden Visa in Portugal?
There are many reasons to apply for a Golden Visa in Portugal. These include the right to work and live in Europe, as well as travel freely within the European countries, and particularly the right to apply for EU citizenship at the end of five years.
What is the most common investment route for Golden Visa in Portugal?
The most popular route for the Golden Visa Portugal has been real estate investments so far. You may find the number of applications and their preferred routes in detail in the above Statistics section. As the real estate route is no longer available, currently the most popular investment vehicle is investment in a qualifying fund.
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.
