Portugal Golden Visa Program 2025 – A Complete Guide for Residency & Citizenship

What is Portugal Golden Visa Program ?

The Portugal Golden Visa Program is a residency permit program designed for non-EU citizens. By engaging in specified investment activities (ARI) , applicants can obtain Portugal permanent residence and eventually have the opportunity to acquire Portuguese citizenship. For those investors aspiring to immigrate to Portugal, the Golden Visa stands as a gateway to the life of Europe. Compared to other countries, Portugal has the lowest residency requirements, no stringent stay mandates and offering tax- exempt status for fund investments, making the path to citizenship more straightforward and advantageous. This program is highly recommended for investors seeking greater flexibility while aiming to unlock the potential for residency and eventual portuguese citizenship within this vibrant country.

Portugal Golden Visa Program Requirement

Qualifying Investment:

• €500,000 in fund investment

Portugal Residency Requirements:

• No need to live in the country. Minimal stay for 14 days per 2 years
• Permanent residence: after 5 years of Portugal Golden Visa
• Citizenship: after 5 years of Portugal Investor Visa

Portugal Golden Visa Features

✓ Part of the EU and Schengen Area

✓ Residence Permit

✓ Right to work and start business

✓ Access to residency benefits such as public healthcare and education

✓ Dependents – spouse, children, and parents

Portugal Golden Visa Program Benefits

1. Visa-Free Travel

Enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, allowing for travel across  27 European countries. This offers greater ease and flexibility to explore Europe for business, leisure, or visiting friends and family.

2. Residency and Work Authorization

Unlike other countries,  the Portuguese Golden Visa allows the applicant the right to live, work, and study in the country. This opens doors for career opportunities or educational goals.

3. Enjoy Residence Welfares

 The Golden Visa Portugal provides applicants with free public healthcare and public education.

4. Higher Freedom of Movement

Compared to other residency programs, Portugal Golden Visa maintains a very minimal stay requirement, —staying in Portugal for just seven days in the first year and fourteen days in subsequent two-year periods.

5. Pathway to Citizenship and EU Passport

After 5 years of maintaining the Portuguese Golden Visa and adhering to stay requirements, Golden Visa investors can apply for permanent residency and, ultimately, Portuguese citizenship. This grants the benefits from Portugal Residence Permit, including the right 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 countries.

6. Able to exit your investment after 5 years

Most Golden Visa 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 sell your investment freely.

7. High Quality of Life

The Portugal Gold Visa offers a high quality of life with  pleasant climate,  rich culture, and  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 a Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme that can deliver substantial tax advantages for up to ten years. Through the NHR program, foreign-sourced income, such as pensions, dividends, and royalties, may be exempt from taxation.

Portugal Golden Visa Overview 2025

Get in Touch with a Portugal Golden Visa Specialist

We offer a free complimentary consultation via video calls to address your unique needs and questions. To book your initial consultation, simply click here, or complete the form below.

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. 

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

~3 Months

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.​ Your five-year Golden Visa residency period commences from the date ​o​f your payment.

Step 7 – Biometrics

We’ll receive a notification ​for your biometric appointment to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and photo. You’ll need to submit the original application documents during this appointment.​ 
you’ll be required to pay the Golden Visa issuance fee to the governmen​t at the appointment by a debit card (no credit card or cash is accepted)

Step 8 – Approval and Residence Cards

Once your application is approved​.  We will collect your residence cards on your behalf and arrange for them to be sent to you. 

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.