What is it?

Portugal's residence by investment program, also known as the Portugal Golden Visa, allows Non-EU foreign nationals to make an investment in the country and apply for an investor visa. Successful applicants and their families are granted visa-free access across Europe's Schengen area.

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In order to be granted the Golden Visa you must first meet one of the following investments:​

• Buy real estate worth at least €500,000. The amount is brought down to €400,000 if the property is in a low-density area. *Starting from January 2022, you will not be able to purchase property in metropolitan areas of Portugal for Golden Visa visa application, such as Lisbon, Porto, or the coastal Algarve.

• Invest €350,000 in a property located in a Portuguese urban regeneration area. The amount is brought down to €280,000 if the property is in a low-density area. The project you invest in must be qualified by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

• Invest at least €350,000 in a qualifying Investment Fund.

• Transfer at least €1 million in a Portuguese bank account.

• Buy at least €1 million worth of shares or make an investment of at least €1 million in a Portuguese company.

• Create at least ten new jobs for Portuguese citizens.

• Invest at least €350,000 for research activities in science or technology in scientific research institutions.

• Invest at least €250,000 to support the reconstruction of Portuguese heritage or arts.

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The first investment must be mortgage-free, therefore you must have the required amount in cash.

You must also adhere to the following criteria:

• Be over the age of 18.

• You must have no history of criminal records.

• You must commit to maintaining the investment for at least another five years.

• Not living illegally in Portugal.

• The minimum property investment must be at least €280,000 (before taxes).  These investments may be spread over one or more properties.

• Investments can be made through a foreign company.  It will be necessary to prove that you own or are the majority shareholder of this company.

• Real estate investments must be documented before applying for a Golden Visa. Provide proof of the property investment by providing the original deeds with the registry of property attesting ownership.

• At any point, investors must not have been refused entry in any of the Schengen member countries.

• It is mandatory to have public or private health insurance, which must be authorized to operate in Portugal.

• Investors must provide evidence of sufficient economic means for personal and family living expenses. 

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How long does the visa remain valid?

When you apply for a Golden Visa, you will receive a residence permit which is initially valid for one year. After the first year, you can apply for renewal and you will get a two-year residence permit. You can keep renewing your residence permit every two years, then after five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

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You only have to be in the country for seven days per year in the first year to maintain the residence permit, then at least 14 days for every subsequent two-year period. That means that at the end of the five-year period, which makes you eligible for citizenship, you only need to have spent 35 days in total in the country.

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Can I bring my family?

Residency in Portugal may also be granted to your immediate family members and dependents. Fees Required*

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We would love to assist you in your relocation abroad. Let's schedule a time to talk about your goals. 

Read our blog for alternate visa options that could work for you.