Portugal Golden Visa
Portuguese Golden Visa program is Europe’s most successful investment immigration programme targeted at non-EU citizens to obtain EU residency or citizenship.
Embarking on your journey towards Portugal’s Golden Visa is a significant decision, and we’re here to guide you through the process with clarity and ease. Below, we outline the requirements and step-by-step procedures for applying for the Portugal Golden Visa, so you know what to expect.
The Benefits of Portugal Golden Visa
Minimal Stay Requirement
14 days, consecutive or nonconsecutive, for each 2-year period.
Family Reunification
Able to include your spouse, children, parents under the same application.
EU Member
Able to live and work in all 27 countries of the EU with Portugal citizenship.
Favorable Tax Scheme
Global income not taxable for non-tax resident. Most global income are not taxable under the NHR scheme for 10 years for tax resident.
Investment Options
Various investment options with investment funds as the top choice.
5 Years to Citizenship
Able to apply to citizenship or permanent residence after 5 years.
Visa Free Travel
Can travel to more than 180 countries without a travel visa.
Low investment thresholds
The lowest threshold is 500,000€ for funds.
Resident benefits
Access to free public services such as healthcare and education.
What Are The Requirements of the Portugal Golden Visa Program?
- Make an eligible investment in Portugal under the Portugal Golden Visa program, with funds from outside of Portugal
- Stay in Portugal for a minimum of 14 days, either consecutively or non-consecutively, within a two-year period.
- No age restrictions
- No educational qualifications needed.
- No specific work skills required.
- No income prerequisites
You can include the following family members as dependents in a single application:
- Spouse
- Children under the age of 18
- Children over 18 that are dependent, enrolled as student and unmarried
- Dependent parents of the applicant or spouse
- Siblings under the age of 18 in the custody of the applicant or spouse
Portuguese Golden Visa – A Brief Overview from 2012 to 2023
Since 2012, the Portugal Golden Visa program has approved over 12,037 main applications, along with more than 19,000 family members.
Investment Options
The majority of applicants, exceeding 90%, have chosen the Property investment route. Within this group, approximately 85% opted for the 500K investment option, while about 15% chose the 350K option.
For a comprehensive analysis of investment trends and Golden Visa statistics over the years, please refer to our recent post: A Look into 2022 Portugal Golden Visa Total Approvals.
The Golden Visa Portugal is ideal for you if:
You may not be able to reside in Portugal in the immediate future but want to initiate the process of securing EU residency or citizenship as soon as possible.
You seek the assurance that your immigration journey won’t be disrupted by unforeseen events that may limit your stay in Portugal.
Qualified Investments for Portugal Golden Visa in 2023
With the discontinuation of the real estate route for the Portugal Golden Visa, the primary remaining option is now investment funds. Note that along with the real estate route, capital transfer of 1.5 million has also been terminated.
The new Golden Visa Portugal rules came into effect on October 2023, with the significant changes already outlined in the summary below.
Real Estate
Note that real estate is no longer an investment option for Portugal Golden Visa starting from October 2023.
Investment 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 7 advantages of fund investment for Portugal Golden Visa and the cost comparison of fund and property investment for Golden Visa Portugal and The Biggest Advantage of Investing in Fund for Your Golden Visa
Documents and general requirements from SEF for fund investment
Job Creation
The creation of, at least, 10 job positions.
Documents and general requirements from SEF for job creation
Invest in Companies
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, already existing, with the creation or keeping of working jobs, with a minimum of five permanent jobs, and for a minimum period of three years.
Documents and general requirements from SEF for investing in company.
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
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, public corporate sector, public foundations, private foundations of public interest, networked local authorities, local corporate sector organisations, local associations and public cultural 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
Portugal’s 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.
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.
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: Investment Options
Based on your needs, we’ll identify and recommend suitable investment opportunities.
Step 3: NIF & Bank Account
We’ll 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 4: 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: 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.
Portugal Golden Visa Application Timeline Simplified
Application Processing Time:
The process of preparing and submitting your initial Golden Visa application typically spans about 3 months, covering steps 1 to 6. The exact duration may vary depending on the time required to gather all necessary personal documents.
When to Expect Your First Residence Card:
- Pre-Approval: Anticipate receiving your pre-approval approximately 9-12 months after you’ve submitted your online application.
- Biometric Appointments: The SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) will notify you to schedule biometric appointments around 1-2 months after your pre-approval.
- Final Approval: SEF will grant the final approval.
- Residence Card Arrival: You can expect to receive your residence card several months after the final approval.
Renewal Reminder:
Don’t forget that you should begin the renewal process 30 to 90 days before your current residence card expires.
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: Provide a copy of your driver’s license, a recent utility bill, or a recent bank statement (for the main applicant).
- 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).
*Most documents need to be apostilled or legalized at the nearest Portuguese consulate
*Documents not in Portuguese need to be translated and certified by a Portuguese consulate-accredited translator or by a Portuguese lawyer.
*The process for opening a bank account requires a separate set of documents, so be prepared for that as well.
Documents to be obtained in Portugal
- 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
Articles on Portugal Golden Visa
There is currently an intention expressed by the Portuguese Government to terminate the Golden Visa program in 2023.
