Portugal

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portugal Golden Visa Program, also known as the Residence Permit Program, is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU nationals. It’s part of Portugal’s immigration move to welcome investors in the country.

From its mesmerizing Atlantic coastline and luscious landscapes to its year-round sunshine, Portugal’s charm is irresistible. The golden visa grants qualifying investors and their family members the right to live, work and study in Portugal and permits free movement in Europe’s Schengen Area.

Opportunities to become a permanent resident or citizen are possible, provided that the qualifying investment is kept for at least five years, and that all requirements set forth by the Portuguese immigration and nationality laws are obeyed.

Benefits of the Program

The benefits of a Portuguese Golden Visa are one of the main reasons why foreign investors are so vested in applying and seeking residency.

Some top benefits of the program include:

  • Access to 26 nations in the EU & visa-free travel to 183 nations
  • Affordable investment options starting from 250K
  • 5-years until you qualify for a European passport
  • A sound investment in a buoyant market that can lead to real returns
  • Option to become a non-habitual resident and pay little to no tax for 10 years
  • Short stay requirement

Family benefits

A winning benefit of the golden visa is that your dependent family can be included in the application. Meaning, your family can also enjoy the same freedom of opportunities and a second residence in a safe and stable country!

The following family members can be included in the application:

  • Spouse or legal partner
  • Children under 18 years of age
  • Dependent children under 26 as long as they are single and enrolled as full-time students or can demonstrate that they continue to be financially dependent on the parents
  • Parents of either spouse if over 66 years old (or 55 and dependent)
  • Siblings under the age of 18 years from either spouse or partner if they are legal guardians, as determined by the courts

Golden visa requirements

To qualify for the program, you must fulfil the following Golden Visa requirements for Portugal:

  • Be either non-EU, non-Swiss, or non-EEA.
  • Minimum investment of €250,000. Range of investment routes to pick.
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Spend a minimum of seven days in Portugal for the first year, then no less than 14 days each subsequent two-year period (this is called the stay requirement)

Portugal Golden Visa Processing Time

The processing time is relatively quick and straightforward.

Can Portugal’s Golden Visa get me citizenship?

The golden visa can absolutely get you citizenship. You must hold your investment for at least five years before you’re eligible to apply for permanent residency and a Portuguese passport. With citizenship under your belt, you can enjoy the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU and travel visa-free to over 182 destinations. Keep in mind that to acquire citizenship you must have a clean criminal record, have an A2 Portuguese language certificate (or be willing to undergo a Portuguese language test), and demonstrate to have genuine links to the country (simply provide evidence of your investment, along with documents that prove your registration in Portugal like your NIF number and Portuguese bank account).