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Portugal Golden Visa – A Complete Guide

We have helped more than 500 families on their Portugal Golden Visa journey.

We are also the pioneer agency to help clients to invest through funds back from 2020 until now. We provide a one-stop solution. Start your streamlined application process today with us.

New Citizenship Law

Great news on Portugal Golden Visa.

The new law has been published. For Golden Visa applicants, the 5 years clock for applying citizenship will start ticking from the moment you submit your online application.

Portugal Golden Visa

The Portuguese Golden Visa, also known as the residence permit for investment activity (ARI), stands out as one of the most sought-after Golden Visa programs globally, especially for those seeking a European Union passport. Launched in 2012, it offers non-EU citizens a pathway to Portuguese residency and, eventually, citizenship through strategic investments.

Unlike other residency-by-investment programs, the Portuguese golden visa has a very low residency requirements.

Further, the program provides a direct pathway to Portuguese citizenship, allowing individuals to obtain a European passport after five years of the Portugal golden visa.

Additionally, the Portuguese visa offers tax-exempt status for fund investments, making it an advantageous choice for investors looking to diversify their portfolios while minimizing tax obligations.

Recommended for those that wants a EU passport with the greatest flexibility of stay requirements in the country.

Part of EU
Part of Schengen
Residence Permit
500,000 investment in funds
14 days every 2 years
Dependent – Spouse, children and parents
Permanent residence: after 5 years of gold visa
Citizenship: after 5 years of Portugal investor visa
Public healthcare and education
Allow to work and start business

What are the benefits of Portugal Golden Visa?

1. Visa-Free Travel: Enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, encompassing 26 European countries. This allows for greater ease and flexibility to explore Europe for business, leisure, or visiting friends and family.

2. Residency and Work Authorization: Unlike many Golden Visa, the Portuguese Golden Visa allows the applicant with the right to live, work, and study in the country. This opens doors for career opportunities or educational goals.

3. Enjoy Residence Benefits: The Golden Visa Portugal provides applicants with free public healthcare and public education.

4. No requirement to live in the country: Very minimal stay of 14 days per 2 years

5. Path to Citizenship and EU Passport: After 5 years of holding the Portuguese Golden Visa, you can apply for permanent residency and, ultimately, Portuguese citizenship. This grants access to EU passport benefits, including the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere within the European Union, plus the benefits of a local residence such as public healthcare and public education in the residing EU country.

6. Able to exit your investment after 5 years: Most golden visas are tied to your investment, meaning you will no longer be able to renew your residency if you sell your investment.  But for Portugal Golden Visa, after 5 years, you can apply for citizenship and you can sell your investment. 

7. High Quality of Life: The Portugal Gold Visa offers a high quality of life with a pleasant climate, a rich culture, and a strong healthcare system. This can be a significant advantage for those seeking a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle. Read here on why Portugal maybe the ideal country for your second passport.

8. Favorable Tax Environment: Portugal offers various tax benefits that could be attractive, such as 0% inheritence tax for spouse and direct descendent.

The Portugal Golden Visa Expert in Fund Investment

You need professional guidance in your Portugal Golden Visa journey. We provide a easy, streamline process one stop service to your Golden Visa application. Come talk to us.

Qualified Investments for Portugal Golden Visa in 2024

Termination of Real Estate Route

Note that real estate and 1.5 million capital transfer are no longer investment options for Portugal Golden Visa starting from October 7, 2023.

Invest in Funds

Capital transfer of 500,000 euros or more, towards a venture capital fund, primarily focused on funding companies with a minimum maturity of five years. Furthermore, at least 60% of this investment must be directed towards commercial companies based in the national territory.
For more info on fund investment, please check out the How to invest in Portugal Golden Visa funds and The Biggest Advantage of Investing in Fund for Your Golden Visa

Documents and general requirements from SEF for fund investment

Invest in Company

Capital transfer of the amount of 500,000 euros, or higher, for constitution of a commercial society with head office in the national territory, combined with the creation of five permanent working jobs, or for the reinforcement of the share capital of a commercial society with head office in national territory, with the creation or keeping of working jobs, with a minimum of five permanent jobs, and for a minimum period of three years.
We have a handful of selected companies for you to invest.
Documents and general requirements from SEF for investing in company.

Invest in Arts and Heritage

Capital transfer with a value equal to or above 250,000 euros for investing in artistic output or supporting the arts, for reconstruction or refurbishment of the national heritage, through the local and central authorities, public institutions, associations & foundations, private foundations of public interest, local corporate sector organisations / associations, pursuing activities of artistic output, and reconstruction or maintenance of the national heritage.
Documents and general requirements from SEF for investing in arts and heritages

Invest in Research Activities

Capital transfer with a value equal to or above 500,000 euros for investing in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions involved in the national scientific or technologic system.
Documents and general requirements from SEF for investing in research activities

Job Creation

The creation of, at least, 10 job positions.
Documents and general requirements from SEF for job creation

Portugal Golden Visa Application Procedures

After you have decided that Portugal’s Golden Visa is your ideal choice, you might want to get more information on the investment options, and to start preparing for the application.  Below is an outline of the procedures for applying for the Golden Visa, step-by-step, to give you an idea of the process.  We understand there are major decisions to be made here, and dealing in Portuguese may make things more complicated, trust us that The Golden Portugal team is here to help you along the way.  

| The Golden Portugal

Average Time For Online Application Submission (Step 1 – 6) :

3

Months

Steps to configure the How-to Schema:

Step 1 – Initial Consultation

Begin with an initial consultation to assess your unique case and explore the investment options that align with your goals.

Step 2 – NIF & Bank Account

We will assist in obtaining a taxpayer ID number (NIF) for you and your family, and introduce you to a bank manager to facilitate account opening.

Step 3 – Investment Options

Based on your needs, we’ll identify and recommend suitable investment opportunities.

Step 4 – Transfer money and make the Investment

Transfer the necessary funds to your Portuguese bank account and proceed with your chosen investment. Specific procedures may vary depending on your investment option.

Step 5 – Gather Personal Documents

Gather all required documents for the SEF submission. We’ll provide guidance and collaborate with relevant parties, such as the bank manager and fund manager, to acquire the necessary documents.

Step 6 – Online Application Submission

Your lawyer will submit your application and accompanying documents online. Be prepared to pay the visa processing fee during this step.

Step 7 – Biometrics

After receiving initial approval, we’ll receive a notification to schedule an appointment for you to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo. You’ll need to submit the original application documents during this appointment.

Step 8 – Approval and Residence Cards

Once your application is approved, you’ll be required to pay the Golden Visa issuance fee to the government. We will collect your residence cards on your behalf and arrange for them to be sent to you. Your five-year Golden Visa residency period commences from the date indicated on your initial card.

Apply Remotely

Please note that all steps and processes, except for step 7 (Biometrics), can be conveniently completed remotely without the need for you to visit Portugal. Our dedicated team is here to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Golden Visa application experience. Feel free to contact us for an initial consultation to get started on your Golden Visa journey.

Documents Requirements for Portugal Golden Visa

Documents to be obtained in your country of origin

Valid Passport: A current passport is essential.
Criminal Record Certificate: For each applicant aged 16 or older, a criminal record certificate from the country where you’ve latest resided for at least one year is required.
Proof of Residence: can be your driver’s license or ID card with address, a recent utility bill, or a recent bank statement。
Family Members’ Eligibility Documents: If you are including family members in your application, you’ll need to provide specific documents:
For the spouse, a marriage certificate.
For children, birth certificates (plus single status certificates and proof of student enrolment if they are over 18).
For dependent parents, birth certificates of the main applicant or the spouse (plus certificates of no income for those under 65).List item

Documents to be obtained in Portugal (we will prepare for you)

Applicant’s permission for the authorities to access his/her Portuguese criminal record.
A Portuguese tax identification number (note that you must appoint a local tax representative in order to obtain it).
Certificate of no debts from the Portuguese tax and national insurance offices.
Signed statement by the applicant that he/she will fulfil the investment requirements.
Evidence that the minimum investment has been made (this consists of a certificate issued by the appropriate registry office and, where applicable, a letter from a local bank confirming the transfer of the required funds).
Receipt of payment of the application fee

FAQ on Portugal Golden Visa

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