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Residency by Investment in Portugal
A Structured Route to European Residency Through 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 programme 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.
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
Portuguese residency offers long-term residence within the European Union and access to the Schengen Area. For internationally focused individuals and families, it can form part of a broader strategy centred on European access, long-term security, and optionality.
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
The Golden Visa can create a pathway to naturalisation. Under Portuguese nationality law in force since May 2026, most non-EU nationals currently require ten years of legal residence, and EU and CPLP nationals seven years, together with language, culture and civics and other statutory requirements. Citizenship is assessed under the law at the time of application and should not be treated as guaranteed.
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 holders to spend just seven days in the country in the first year, then 14 days in each subsequent two-year permit period, making it one of the most flexible residence programmes in Europe.
Investment Options and Requirements
Portugal offers qualifying investment routes under its residency by investment framework. Each option is governed by defined eligibility requirements and financial thresholds, allowing applicants to select a structure aligned with their objectives and long-term planning considerations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Additional Fees
Citizenship360 provides a transparent, itemised cost breakdown during the initial consultation.
- Government processing and issuance fees for main applicant and dependents
- Legal, notarial, and professional service fees
- Translation, authentication, and due diligence costs
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 favourable 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.
Eligibility Criteria
The Portugal residency by investment programme is open to individuals and families who meet defined eligibility and compliance standards. Understanding these requirements early helps ensure a smooth and compliant application process.
Age and Health
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
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 programme.
Financial Transparency
Applicants must demonstrate legitimate source of funds, comply with all regulations, and follow due diligence standards.
Dependents
Spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents may be included in the application. Adult children may qualify where they are unmarried, in full-time education and demonstrably financially dependent. Eligibility should be assessed individually.
Parents or in-laws must demonstrate financial dependence.
Application Process
The Portugal residency application process follows a clearly defined and regulated framework. Each stage is designed to ensure compliance, transparency, and efficiency, with professional guidance supporting applicants throughout.
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.
Gather Required Paperwork: Collect proof of funds, police clearance certificates and investment agreements. Legalization, notarization, and certified translations into Portuguese may be necessary.
Tax Identification and Banking: A Portuguese NIF is normally required. Banking arrangements depend on the investment route, the applicant’s residence and the selected provider. Prepare to finalise the chosen investment option according to programme regulations.
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.
Citizenship360 Submits Your Application: We file the complete Golden Visa application online with Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA). After acceptance, an in-person appointment is scheduled.
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.
Timelines depend on document readiness, banking, investment execution and AIMA appointment availability. We provide an updated working timeline once your route and family structure are confirmed.
Make an Enquiry
For enquiries of any kind please click the button below and a member of the team will be in touch.
Programme details last reviewed: July 2026.
Portugal Golden Visa: expert guides
FAQ’s
No, the Golden Visa no longer includes direct property acquisitions as a qualifying investment option.
Eligible family members can usually be included in the initial application or added later through family reunification, subject to documentary evidence of the relationship and dependency where applicable.
Portuguese nationality law changed in May 2026. Most non-EU nationals currently require ten years of legal residence, and EU and CPLP nationals seven years, together with language, culture and civics, subsistence and other statutory requirements. Rules can change before a future application is made, and citizenship should not be treated as guaranteed.
Holding a Golden Visa does not automatically make you Portuguese tax resident. Residents are generally taxed on worldwide income; non-residents on Portuguese-source income. NHR is not generally available to new applicants following its repeal from 1 January 2024; transitional and alternative incentives are highly fact-specific. Coordinated Portuguese and home-country tax advice is recommended before any move.
Seven days in the first year, then 14 days in each subsequent two-year permit period.
Renew on the statutory permit cycle, maintaining your qualifying investment and meeting the minimum stay requirements. Long-term options, including permanent residence and citizenship, are assessed under the law in force at the time of application.