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Residency by
Investment in Portugal

Portugal, situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Americas, has long been celebrated for its vibrant culture, historic cities, stable economy, and warm Mediterranean climate. Through the Portugal Golden Visa, non-EU/EEA/Swiss investors can secure a residence permit by making a qualifying investment, now focusing on capital transfers, scientific or cultural support, and business activities rather than direct property acquisition. This respected program provides a strategic gateway to the EU’s Schengen area, enabling investors and their families to enjoy flexible European residence, robust international mobility, and a pathway to permanent residency and potential citizenship in the long term.

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Why Choose Portugal?

  • Strategic EU Access:
    A Golden Visa in Portugal not only grants the right to reside in the country but also facilitates seamless short-term travel within the Schengen zone. This opens doors to numerous European markets, cultural experiences, and business opportunities.
  • Stable Economy and Investment Climate:
    Portugal’s supportive environment for foreign investors includes favorable tax regimes, government-backed innovation hubs, and policies encouraging entrepreneurship, research, and cultural preservation.
  • High Quality of Life:
    From the historical charm of Lisbon and Porto to the scenic coastlines of the Algarve and the Azores, Portugal offers exceptional healthcare, reputable education, a safe environment, and a relaxed pace of life that makes it an attractive home base for individuals and families.

Benefits of Portugal Residency

  • EU Schengen Mobility
    Golden Visa holders can live in Portugal and enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for short stays. This freedom of movement is a significant advantage for personal and professional pursuits throughout Europe.
  • Pathway to Citizenship
    After maintaining legal residency for five years—and meeting language and integration requirements—investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship. With citizenship comes full EU rights, including the ability to live, work, study, and travel freely across all EU member states.
  • Family Inclusion and Lifestyle Advantages
    Spouses, dependent children, and certain dependent parents can join the main applicant under the same Golden Visa. Portugal’s rich cultural life, temperate climate, and welcoming communities ensure a superior quality of life for all family members, from education and healthcare to leisure and cultural enrichment.
  • Minimal Physical Presence Requirements
    Portugal requires Golden Visa participants to spend only an average of seven days per year in the country, providing flexibility to maintain commitments elsewhere while steadily progressing toward permanent residency or citizenship.
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Investment Options and Requirements

With the removal of direct property investment, the Portugal Golden Visa now offers categories centered on capital transfers, research and cultural support, and business activities. Investors must choose one of the following qualifying investments:

  • Capital Transfer Options
    Investment Funds or Venture Capital:
    Invest at least EUR 500,000 in eligible investment or venture capital funds geared towards capitalizing companies incorporated under Portuguese law. These funds must have a minimum maturity of five years and allocate at least 60% of their investment portfolio to companies headquartered in Portugal. (Real estate entities do not apply.)
  • Research Activities:
    Invest EUR 500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private scientific institutions integrated into the national scientific and technological system.
    In designated low population density areas*, the required amount may be reduced to EUR 400,000.
  • Artistic or Cultural Support:
    Invest EUR 250,000 in artistic production, recovery, or maintenance of national cultural heritage.
    In low population density areas*, this threshold is reduced to EUR 200,000.
    Business Investment Options
  • Job Creation:
    Create at least 10 new full-time jobs in Portugal. If located in a low population density area*, the requirement
    is reduced to 8 new jobs.
  • Commercial Company Incorporation or Capital Increase:
    Invest EUR 500,000 in the formation of a new company headquartered in Portugal or as a capital increase in an existing Portuguese company. This investment must create a minimum of 5 permanent jobs for three years. Alternatively, it must maintain at least 10 jobs (or 8 in low-density areas) for the same period.
    Low Population Density Areas:* Defined as regions with fewer than 100 inhabitants per km² or a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.
    Financial Transparency: Applicants must demonstrate legitimate source of funds, comply with all regulations, and follow due diligence standards.

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements

  • Age and Health:
    Applicants must be at least 18 years old. While no strict health requirements are imposed, maintaining health insurance is advisable.
  • Clean Criminal Record:
    All applicants and adult dependents must provide a clean criminal record. Portuguese authorities conduct due diligence to ensure the integrity and security of the program.
  • Dependents
    Family Inclusion:
    Spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents may be included in the application. Dependent children must typically be under 26, unmarried, and financially reliant on the main applicant. Parents or in-laws must demonstrate financial dependence.
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Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Initial Consultation
    Personal Assessment: Discuss your objectives with Citizenship360. We assist in selecting the most suitable capital transfer or business investment route, and clarify the necessary documentation and timelines.
  • Documentation Preparation
    Gather Required Paperwork:
    Collect proof of funds, police clearance certificates, health insurance details, and investment agreements. Legalization, notarization, and certified translations into Portuguese may be necessary.
  • Establishing Fiscal and Banking Presence
    Tax Identification and Bank Account Setup:
    Obtain a Portuguese taxpayer number (NIF) and open a local bank account. Prepare to finalize the chosen investment option according to program regulations.
  • Investment Execution
    Complete the Qualifying Investment:
    Execute the capital transfer, fund subscription, cultural support, research funding, or job creation plan. Ensure compliance with all Portuguese legal requirements.
  • Application Submission
    Citizenship360 Submits Your Application:
    We file the complete Golden Visa application online with Portuguese immigration authorities (SEF). After acceptance, an in-person appointment is scheduled.
  • Biometrics and Approval
    Visit Portugal for Biometrics:
    The applicant and family visit Portugal to provide biometric data and present original documents. Upon approval and payment of applicable fees, initial two-year residence cards are issued.
  • Timeline
    Processing Time:
    Expect several months from initial consultation to receiving your residence permit, depending on application complexity, investment route, and SEF’s workload. On average, the process may take 6–8 months.

Cost & Fees

  • Investment Costs
    Investment Funds or Venture Capital: €500,000 minimum
    Research Activities: €500,000 (or €400,000 in low-density areas)
    Artistic/Cultural Support: €250,000 (or €200,000 in low-density areas)
    Job Creation: Minimum of 10 jobs (or 8 in low-density areas)
    Commercial Company Investment: €500,000 in a Portuguese company plus job creation/maintenance requirements
  • Additional Expenses
    Government processing and issuance fees for main applicant and dependents
    Legal, notarial, and professional service fees
    Translation, authentication, and due diligence costs
    Health insurance premiums

Citizenship360 provides a transparent, itemized cost breakdown during the initial consultation.

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FAQ's

Are direct property purchases still eligible?

No, the Golden Visa no longer includes direct property acquisitions as a qualifying investment option.

Can I include family members after my Golden Visa is approved?

Yes. Once you have your residence permit, you can request family reunification for eligible dependents.

When can I apply for Portuguese citizenship?

After 5 years of legal residence, subject to fulfilling language and integration requirements, you may apply for citizenship.

Will Portugal tax my global income?

Portugal generally taxes residents on worldwide income, but favorable tax regimes such as the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status may apply. Professional tax advice is recommended.

How much time must I spend in Portugal annually?

On average, just 7 days per year. This minimal stay requirement ensures flexibility while maintaining your progress toward permanent residency or citizenship.

How do I maintain my Golden Visa status?

Renew every 2 years initially, maintaining your chosen investment and meeting the stay requirements. After 5 years, apply for permanent residency or citizenship.