27

schengen countries

€200,000

minimum requirement

24+

months processing time

The Portugal Golden Visa Programme provides visa-free travel within the Schengen Area thanks to the country’s EU membership.

It also provides a flexible path to Portuguese and European Union citizenship or permanent residence after as little as five years.

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Portuguese RBI has transformed the country. From being one of the poorer countries in the EU, it has become one of the powerhouses.

The capital Lisbon is the San Francisco of Europe whose steep hills you can navigate by tram or, if you’re feeling adventurous, on foot. Meanwhile, Portugal’s other major city, Porto, is a paradise for foodies.

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Programme

One of the key benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Programme is that you can also extend your application to dependants. This provides an excellent option for families seeking a European base.

With just seven days of residence required within Portugal for the first year and 14 for subsequent years, this allows you to enjoy a primary residence in a non-EU country.

The Portuguese RBI scheme provides you with a straightforward, flexible path to citizenship or permanent residence after five years.

Through the Golden Visa Programme, you and your family can travel visa-free through 27 countries in the Schengen Area.

Who Can Get a Portugal Golden Visa

  • Firstly, over 18 years old
  • Secondly, not received a custodial sentence of more than one year
  • Next, free from debts in Portugal
  • Also, source investment capital outside Portugal
  • Fifthly, able to confirm the legality of your income
  • Sixthly, no serious illnesses
  • Lastly, hold medical insurance

  • Firstly, over 18 years old
  • Plus, not received a custodial sentence of more than one year
  • Next, no serious illnesses
  • Finally, hold medical insurance

  • Either fully financially dependent on the investor
  • Or live with the investor or study at university

  • Fully dependent on the investor
  • Over 55 years old

Programme Requirements

To be eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa, you must fulfil ONE of the following investment options AND meet other requirements:

OPTION 1. Make one of the following capital contributions to qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa:
  • Contribute €250,000 in support of either artistic output or maintenance of national heritage (€200,000 in a less densely-populated area)
  • Donate €500,000 to research undertaken by either public or private scientific research institutions
  • Invest €500,000 in either Portuguese investment funds or venture capital funds
OPTION 2. Realize a business investment in Portugal to be eligible for a Portugal Golden Visa

You can incorporate a company or, as an alternative option, increase the share capital of an existing Portuguese company for €500,000. This must also create five local jobs for a three-year period. Another way to obtain a Portugal Golden Visa this way is to create a minimum of 10 new jobs.

OTHER PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS

You must spend seven days in Portugal during the first year of residency. In each subsequent two-year period, you must reside in Portugal for 14 days. There is an attractive tax regime married to a high living standard.

Speak to a global expert

The Latitude team has global experts in over 20 countries. We can advise in 14 languages. Let us help you find the perfect investment migration solution.

The Latitude team has global experts in over 20 countries. We can advise in 14 languages. Let us help you find the perfect investment migration solution.

Application Process

  • Months 1-24+

    Client onboarding process and your first Golden Visa

    We commence the Portugal Golden Visa application process, naturally enough, with Form 1. This enables us to carry out the initial Latitude due diligence. Following the successful screening, we will provide you with a Client Agreement (CA) for review and signature.

    Upon receiving the signed agreement and retainer payment, our legal team will next complete all the necessary government forms. They will also collate supporting documents. What's more, we will help you open a bank account.

    We will liaise with the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras - SEF) on your behalf to assist where necessary. We will then arrange for you to receive your Golden Visa.

  • Year 2

    Golden Visa Programme permit issued for two years

    Once the initial validity period of your Golden Visa Programme ends, we will assist you in the renewal process,. This ensures that you continue to meet the eligibility requirements for an additional two-year extension. Our expert team will guide you through all the necessary steps.

  • Year 4

    Renewing your Portuguese Golden Visa

    When the fourth year of your Golden Visa Programme approaches, we will once again help you with the renewal process. This guarantees that you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and all requirements.

    After completing the renewal process, your Golden Visa will be renewed for an additional two years, allowing you to maintain your residency status in Portugal and, furthermore, enjoy all the benefits that come with it.

  • Year 5

    Achieving permanent residency or citizenship

    In year 5 of the Portugal Golden Visa Programme, you become eligible for permanent residency or citizenship. You can take advantage of long-term residency or nationality options in Portugal with various benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Portugal Golden Visa Programme is a five-year Residency-by-Investment option for those seeking visa-free travel to all countries within the EU Schengen Area. The Portuguese residency allows you to live, work, and, what’s more, study within Portugal. It provides a flexible path to either citizenship or permanent residence after five years.

The Portugal Golden Visa requirements are relatively minimal with regard to physical presence, with just seven days during the first year of residence and 14 days during the following two years. This is beneficial for those seeking the residency primarily for business purposes, as it requires little time away from normal working conditions.

With the payment of additional required fees, spouses and dependants can also enjoy the same benefits of Portuguese residency as you, meaning access to high-quality Portuguese schools and universities.

In order to qualify for citizenship, you must have held residency status for at least five years. In addition, you need to demonstrate a basic understanding (A2 level) of the Portuguese language.

Yes. For as long as you have held residency status for at least one year, your future children will automatically receive Portuguese citizenship if they are born in the country.

The Portugal Golden Visa requirements state that residency must be renewed after every two years. After five years, provided you have maintained your investment, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

In order to make an application for a Golden Visa in Portugal, you must fulfil the following requirements:

  • Firstly, be over the age of 18
  • Secondly, make a significant investment in the country
  • Next, have not received a custodial sentence of more than one year
  • Lastly, commit to maintaining your investment for at least five years.

There are a few ways of gaining Portuguese Residency by Investment, which vary in complexity and financial output. The main two methods are as follows:

  1. Investment – €500,000 for the acquisition of units of either investment funds or venture capital funds
  2. Job Creation – create at least 10 employment positions within Portugal.

Subject to all requirements being fulfilled, you can obtain residency from 24 months onwards. You must, however, continue to meet requirements throughout the application process in order to retain Portuguese residency.

Speak to one of our global experts and begin your journey today

Our team operates in over 20 countries worldwide, securing second citizenship or residency in desirable locations and unlocking a brighter future.

  • 27 schengen countries to explore
  • Minimal physical presence
  • Pathway to portuguese citizenship

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