Portugal Golden Visa - Residency by Investment
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency by investment program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency in Portugal through various investment options. It provides a pathway to live, work, and study in Portugal and travel freely within the Schengen Area.
Why Portugal?
High quality of life with affordable living costs
Safe and politically stable environment
Friendly locals and welcoming culture
Golden Visa program offers residency and Schengen Area travel benefits
Growing economy with diverse opportunities
Strategic location for easy access to Europe
Quality of Life
Portugal is known for its high quality of life, offering a safe and relaxed atmosphere with a lower cost of living compared to many Western European countries. Its Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax benefits attract retirees and professionals. The mild climate supports outdoor activities throughout the year, enhancing daily life.
Healthcare & Education
Portugal has a comprehensive healthcare system with both public and private options, and residents generally report high satisfaction with medical services. The education system is strong, featuring free public schools and various private and international schools.
Economic Environment
Portugal’s economy is diverse and integrated with the EU market. It is open to innovation and investment, making it a good place to work or start a business. The Golden Visa program encourages non-EU investors and provides a pathway to Portuguese citizenship, contributing positively to the economy.
Housing
Housing costs in Portugal are generally lower compared to many Western European countries. In major cities like Lisbon and Porto, renting an apartment can be more expensive, particularly in central areas. However, costs drop significantly outside the city center and in smaller towns. If you are considering buying property, prices are more reasonable in rural areas compared to bustling city centers.
Food
Food expenses are quite manageable. Grocery prices are reasonable, and Portugal is known for its fresh produce and affordable staples. Dining out is also budget-friendly, with a wide range of options from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. Traditional Portuguese cuisine is both delicious and economical.
Transportation
Transportation in Portugal is efficient and affordable. Public transport is well-developed, with buses, trams, and trains connecting major cities and towns. In urban areas, you can find a range of options including metro systems and bike rentals. Owning a car is less common in city centers due to the convenience of public transport and parking limitations.
Healthcare
Portugal offers a robust healthcare system that is both accessible and affordable. Public healthcare services are subsidized, making medical care reasonably priced. There is also a good network of private healthcare facilities, providing various options for those who prefer private care.
Education
Education in Portugal is generally affordable, with both public and private schools available. Public education is free and of good quality, while private schools offer a range of options with varying costs. Higher education, including universities, is relatively affordable compared to other European countries.
Utilities
Utility costs in Portugal are moderate. Electricity, water, and heating are generally well-priced, although costs can vary depending on usage and the size of the property. Many homes are equipped with efficient systems that help keep utility expenses in check.
Entertainment
Portugal offers a rich cultural life with many affordable entertainment options. From local festivals and music events to museums and historical sites, there is plenty to explore without breaking the bank. Dining out, cinema, and other leisure activities are generally accessible and reasonably priced.
Ready to Start Your Portugal Journey?
Get expert guidance on your Portugal Golden Visa application. Our team of specialists will help you navigate the entire process from start to finish.
Key Facts
Capital
Lisbon
Languages
Portuguese | Mirandese
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Population
10,247,605 (2024)
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for Portugal Golden Visa?
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- Obtain a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF).
- Open a Portuguese bank account.
- Provide evidence of a clean criminal record from both your country of residence and Portugal.
- Demonstrate the legality of the investment funds.
- No deportation/visa refusal history.
- Language requirement (for citizenship not residency).
Portugal Golden Visa Required Documents
Applicants should start by obtaining a Portuguese Fiscal Number (NIF) and opening a bank account in Portugal. Required documents include proof of investment, a valid passport, and evidence of legal entry into Portugal, along with other personal and financial paperwork. It is essential to have all documents professionally translated into Portuguese. For a full list of required documents, please feel free to contact us.
Family Members Eligible for Portugal Residency
- Spouse: The applicant’s legal spouse or life partner.
- Children: Dependent children under 18 and those aged 18 to 24 who are studying full or part-time and financially dependent.
- Parents: Dependent parents of the applicant or their spouse.
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How to obtain Portugal Residency by Investment Visa (Golden Visa)?
- Investment in Research and Development
Invest €500,000 in public or private scientific research institutions in Portugal to support scientific advancement. -
Investment Funds and Private Equity
Contribute €500,000 to approved investment or venture capital funds that foster economic growth in various sectors within Portugal. Checkout this page if you want to know more about: Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund. -
Cultural Heritage Donation
Donate €250,000 to support the preservation and restoration of Portugal’s cultural heritage, with a reduced requirement of €200,000 for low-density areas.
Program Summary
Learn more about the country and it's citizenship by investment.
Portugal Golden Visa Benefits
After obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa, you are:
- Qualified to live and work in Portugal.
- Able to travel freely within the Schengen Area.
- Required to stay in Portugal for just seven days per year to maintain your residency.
- Eligible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
- Permitted to include family members (spouse, children, and dependent parents) in your application.
- On track to potentially obtain a Portuguese passport, granting you visa-free access to more than 185 countries and the right to live, work, and study in the European Union. For more details on visa requirements and the list of countries you can visit without a visa, check out the page: Portugal Passport Visa-Free Countries List.
How can the Migrate World Help You?
Migrate World team offers essential support to clients pursuing the Portugal Golden Visa. With expert guidance, personalized solutions, and thorough assistance in documentation, investment choices, application, due diligence, and post-approval steps, Migrate World ensures a smooth and successful journey toward obtaining residency in Portugal. Clients benefit from their expertise, minimizing complexities and maximizing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
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Taxes: What Are the Portuguese Golden Visa Tax Implications
Investors should know that Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime provides major tax benefits for up to ten years. Foreign income like pensions, dividends, and royalties might be tax-free. However, income from high-value activities within Portugal is taxed at a flat rate of 20%. This means you can enjoy tax breaks on foreign income while paying a 20% tax on certain local earnings.
The Updated Portugal Golden Visa Program in 2025
As of May 2025, the Updated Portugal Golden Visa Program in 2025 reflects major reforms that shifted the focus away from real estate investments toward contributions that support Portugal’s innovation, cultural preservation, and job creation. Real estate and real estate fund investments are no longer eligible pathways . Investors can now qualify by investing in venture capital funds, scientific research, or cultural projects—with minimum thresholds ranging from €250,000 to €500,000. A key highlight is the newly introduced “Social Golden Visa,” allowing contributions to affordable housing and migrant integration.
With faster digital processing and growing interest from U.S., UK, and Indian nationals, the revamped program continues to attract global investors seeking EU residency through meaningful, forward-looking investments. Despite past discussions about phasing it out, the program remains active and is not scheduled to end in 2025.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
| Recent Changes | Property investment option ended in October 2023. New investment routes include funds, scientific research, and cultural heritage donations. |
| Eligibility | Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Requirements include a Portuguese NIF, a clean criminal record, and a qualifying investment. Must spend at least 7 days/year in Portugal. |
| Investment Routes |
– Research and Development: Minimum €500,000 – Investment Funds: Minimum €500,000 – Cultural Heritage Donation: €250,000 (or €200,000 in low-density areas) |
| Processing Time | 12-18 months |
| Family Inclusion | Includes spouse, dependent children under 18 or full-time students, and dependent parents 66 years and above |
| Residency Requirements | Stay in Portugal for at least 7 days per year for 5 years. No requirement to live full-time in Portugal. |
| Residency Rights | Right to live, work, and study in Portugal. Visa-free access across the Schengen Area |
| Path to Citizenship | Available after five years of residency, with proof of ties to Portugal, language proficiency, and a clean criminal record. |
| Taxation | Non-habitual resident (NHR) status may offer tax benefits on foreign income. Income within Portugal is taxed at a flat rate of 20% for high-value-added activities. |
Portugal golden visa requirements
Capital Transfer Options
Applicants may qualify by choosing one of the following investment routes:
- A minimum investment of €500,000 in units of investment or venture capital funds that focus on capitalizing Portuguese companies. These funds must have a maturity of at least five years and must allocate at least 60% of their capital to companies headquartered in Portugal. (Investments related to real estate are excluded.)
- An investment of €500,000 in research and development conducted by public or private institutions that are part of Portugal’s national scientific and technological framework.
- A reduced investment of €400,000 for research if directed toward institutions located in low-density population areas.
- A €250,000 contribution to cultural or artistic initiatives, including the preservation or restoration of Portugal’s national heritage.
- A reduced €200,000 cultural investment is made in a low-density population area.
Business Investment Options
Applicants may also choose one of the following business-related pathways:
- Create at least 10 new full-time jobs in Portugal.
- Create 8 full-time jobs if the business is established in a low-density population area.
- Invest €500,000 in a Portuguese-registered company, either by forming a new business or increasing capital in an existing one. This investment must result in the creation of five permanent jobs (or maintaining at least ten jobs) for a minimum of three years.
Note: A low population density area is defined as a region with fewer than 100 residents per square kilometer or a GDP per capita that is less than 75% of the national average.
How to Apply: Step-by-step procedure
- 1. Initial Consultation
The first step is a complimentary consultation with us, where we explain all the different options available.
- 2. Preliminary Check
Migrate World performs a preliminary security check, before officially making any agreement as a guarantee that the applicant’s record is clean from any case that the government might reject his/her application.
- 3. Agreement and Fees
Fees include legal, due diligence, government, and application processing fees.
- 4. Collect Documents and Information
We will help obtain/translate and authenticate all necessary documents. A file is then prepared and submitted for the opening of the local bank account and fund subscription.
- 5. Obtain Portuguese Tax Number
Migrate World will assist you in obtaining a Portuguese non-resident tax number for all family members over the age of 18.
- 6. Open a Local Bank Account
Migrate World will assist you in opening a local bank account, and there is no requirement to travel to Portugal to do so.
- 7. Portugal Trip
The applicant visits Portugal to view properties (optional) and/or to sign legal documents. (if required).
- 8. Transfer of Investment
The applicant fulfills his investment purposes (transfers investment funds).
- 9. Collect Documents and Information (Golden Visa Application)
We will help obtain/translate and authenticate all necessary documents: A file is then prepared and submitted online to SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Border Services).
- 10. Collection of Biometric Data
Once the Golden Visa application has been submitted online and analyzed by SEF, we will be notified by SEF to schedule a date for the applicant to come to Portugal for the collection of biometric data.
- 11. Issuance of Golden Visa Residence Card
This process will take a few weeks. The Golden Visa Residence Card will be valid for one year.
- 12. Renewal of Residency
After receiving the Golden Visa Residence Card, the first renewal will be at the end of the first year. The second renewal will take place at the end of the third year, and the third renewal will take place at the end of the fifth year. Separate legal and processing fees apply.
- 13. Application for Citizenship
The applicant and his dependents can apply for citizenship after five years of residency. A basic Portuguese language exam is required at the time of citizenship application.
Application Options: Online or Through Migrate World
You can handle the Portugal Golden Visa application on your own through the official online portal. Alternatively, if you prefer expert guidance, we at Migrate World are more than happy to assist you throughout the process.
Application Timeline
The processing time for the Portugal Golden Visa application is typically between 12 to 18 months. This timeline covers all stages from initial submission to final approval.
Application Fee
For Portugal’s Golden Visa, legal application fees typically range from €5,000 to €8,000 for individual applicants. Dependents under 18 can be added to the application at no extra charge. However, there are additional fees of €500 to €2,000 for dependents aged 18 and older. Children under 18 are included at no additional cost.
Portugal Golden Visa Price
When considering the Portugal Golden Visa, keep in mind that there are several government fees involved, including application fees, permit issuance fees, and renewal fees.
Other Costs associated with Portugal’s Golden Residency Visa
In addition to the main investment requirement, applicants should budget for several additional costs, including government application fees, legal and advisory service charges, translation and document certification expenses, and biometric collection fees. These supplementary costs can vary depending on family size and the chosen investment route, so careful financial planning is essential to ensure a smooth and compliant application process.
Tips for a Successful Portugal Golden Visa Application
- Consult with a licensed immigration lawyer or investment advisor to ensure you choose the most suitable and compliant investment path.
- Prepare all documentation in advance, including financial statements, criminal records, and proof of funds, to avoid delays in processing.
- Verify that the investment vehicle (fund, business, or project) is officially approved and meets the current Golden Visa legal requirements.
- Stay updated on regulatory changes, especially regarding fund composition, job creation rules, and eligible geographic zones.
- Maintain accurate records of your physical presence in Portugal to ensure eligibility for residency renewal and future citizenship.
Validity and Renewal for Portugal Residency
The Portugal Golden Visa can be renewed every two years. To do so, you need to keep your investment and show proof of your required stay in Portugal, plus any other documents SEF asks for.