Who can get a Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is intended to encourage investment in Portugal’s economy. It offers a fast track to residency in Portugal for non-EU/EFTA investors who invest a minimum amount as defined by law. Since the launch of the program in 2012, over 4,200 Portuguese Golden Visas have been issued. This article explains the requirements for a Golden Visa in Portugal and the benefits after you obtain Portuguese citizenship through this route.
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements
Any non-EU/EFTA national can apply for a Portugal Golden Visa (also called the Portugal investor visa or business visa) if they make at least one of the following qualifying investments, either as an individual or via a company established in Portugal or another EU member state:
- Meet one of the following categories to claim residency by investment:
- Transfer at least EUR 1,000,000 into Portugal capital.
- Create at least 10 jobs in Portugal.
- Purchase real estate in Portugal worth at least EUR 500,000.
- Invest at least EUR 350,000 in scientific research in Portugal.
- Invest at least EUR 250,000 in arts, culture, or heritage in Portugal.
- Invest at least EUR 500,000 in small and medium businesses in Portugal.
Portugal investor visa benefits shareholders in a company set up in Portugal (or another EU state) with stable residence in Portugal and compliance with tax obligations. The qualifying investment must typically be maintained for a minimum of five years from the date the Portugal Golden Visa is granted.
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
The program’s inaugural year saw 318 visas issued, most to Chinese nationals, with others to Russian, Angolan, and Brazilian nationals. Golden Visa holders are permitted to live, work, and travel within Portugal without needing additional work or travel documents.
Because Portugal is part of the Schengen Area (26 European countries), Golden Visa residents can travel visa-free within Schengen for up to 90 days per trip.
Documents Required for a Portuguese Golden Visa
Submit the following with your Portuguese Golden Visa application:
- Passport / valid travel ID
- Proof of legal entry into Portugal (e.g., short-stay visa)
- Health insurance (issued within the last three months)
- Criminal record certificate from country of origin/residence (issued within the last three months)
- Proof of compliance with social security and tax obligations
- Payment receipt for the Golden Visa fee
Additionally, applicants must show a commitment to maintain the investment for at least five years and provide evidence of the investment, for example:
- Bank statements for financial transfers
- Employment contracts for job creation
- Legal deeds of purchase for real estate
For renewals, applicants may be asked to prove they meet the minimum stay requirements during the period. Processing time for the Portugal Golden Visa typically takes several months.
Portuguese Golden Visa Citizenship and Permanent Residence
After five years holding the Golden Visa, the investor (and family) can apply for Portuguese permanent residence. The application generally must include proof of a clean criminal record, financial self-sufficiency, proof of domicile in Portugal, and basic knowledge of the Portuguese language.
After being a resident for six years (counting the five years as a Golden Visa holder), the investor can apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization. On approval, the investor can obtain a Portuguese passport and live, work, study, and travel in Portugal without restrictions.
Importantly, Portugal permits dual citizenship and does not require new citizens to renounce their previous nationality.
Portugal Golden Visa is a significant opportunity. International investors are encouraged to contact XIPHIAS Immigration for assistance with this citizenship by investment pathway. Our Portugal Golden Visa consultants can help you choose the right property and location aligned with your family’s immigration goals.
To Know More About the Application Process and Your Eligibility
Please get in touch with our expert consultants at +91-9019-400-500 or email [email protected].
FAQs
1) Who is eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa? Non-EU/EFTA nationals who make a qualifying investment in Portugal and meet good-character and minimum-stay rules.
2) What are the main investment options? Common routes include capital transfer, job creation, real estate purchase, scientific research, arts/culture/heritage, or investment in SMEs, each with specified EUR thresholds.
3) How long must I keep the investment? You generally need to maintain the investment for at least five years to remain eligible for residency and progression to permanent residence.
4) When can I apply for citizenship? After six years of residency (including the five Golden Visa years), you may apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization, subject to meeting language and good-character requirements.
