Portugal Golden Visa for US Citizens
Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers non-EU investors the opportunity to reside, work, and study in Portugal by either donating a minimum of EUR 250,000 or investing a minimum of EUR 500,000. For those exploring international residency options, the Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens has become an increasingly popular choice in America, offering a straightforward path to permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
Benefits portugal golden visa for us citizens
Residency and Family Inclusion
- Member of the Schengen Area and the EU
Dependents included:
- Spouse or common law partner.
- Dependent children; and
- Parents.
Travel and Quality of Life
- Right to live, work and study in Portugal.
- High standard of education and healthcare system.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
Ease of Access
- Short physical residency requirement.
- No language, education or management requirements.
- Pathways to obtaining Permanent Residency and Citizenship in Portugal after 5 years.
Request a price breakdown
and eligibility evaluation
Requirements portugal golden visa for us citizens
- Be over 18 years of age and a Non-EU/EEA Citizen.
- Make a qualifying investment in Portugal using funds from abroad.
- Hold the investment for a minimum of 5 years after issue of residence permit.
- Have no debt to Portuguese authorities.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Have private health insurance.
- Not have entered or stayed illegally in Portugal.
- Obtain a tax identification number and open a bank account in Portugal.
- Must meet residency requirements in Portugal of an average of seven days a year. (or 14 days every 2 years), with at least 7 days in the first year.
- Russian / Belarusian not eligible.
Residency in Portugal for us citizens: Investment Options
Investment or Venture Capital Fund
Invest a minimum of EUR 500,000 into a Portuguese Investment Fund or Venture Capital Fund:
- Maturity of at least 5 years.
- Minimum 60% of the investments realized in commercial companies headquartered in Portugal.
Donation
EUR 250,000 Donation by way of capital transfer which is applied in investment or support to artistic production, recovery or maintenance of the national cultural heritage, through qualified public entities or private foundations with public utility status.
Process of portugal golden visa for us citizens
Processing Time : To be Announced
Due Diligence And Application
- Obtain a tax identification number in Portugal.
- Open bank account in Portugal.
- Complete the qualifying investment.
- Meet all application documentation requirements.
- Submit application to Portugal border agency now known as the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).
Approval And Investment
Upon approval, the applicant must visit Portugal for biometric submission before the residence permit issuance.
Residency
- The applicant receives the Portugal Golden Visa.
- The residence permit is valid for a period 2 years, renewable every 2 years subject to conditions.
Contact us
With over 30 years of immigration experience, each of Harvey Law Group’s lawyers carefully studies each client’s needs, resources and determines the immigration solution that best aligns with our client’s vision and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment required for Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens in 2025?
The minimum investment for Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens in 2025 is EUR 250,000 for cultural heritage donations, EUR 350,000 for research activities, or EUR 500,000 for investment funds. Real estate options remain available at EUR 500,000 (EUR 400,000 in low-density areas) but are restricted from metropolitan areas like Lisbon and Porto since January 2022. Harvey Law Group, with over 32 years of immigration expertise and offices in 20 countries, guides US citizens through all investment options to maximize returns and minimize risks while ensuring compliance with US tax obligations.
How long does Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens take to process in 2025?
Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens takes 12-18 months to process in 2025, significantly improved from previous delays. AIMA has implemented a fully digitized system and aims to clear all backlogs by June 2025. Harvey Law Group's established relationships with Portuguese authorities and comprehensive document preparation specifically for US citizens often help reduce processing delays. Our proven track record with American clients and detailed application management ensure your case moves through the system as efficiently as possible.
Do US citizens need to live in Portugal to get or keep their Golden Visa?
No, Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens requires only 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period - the most flexible residency requirement in Europe for Americans. This averages to just 7 days per year, making it ideal for busy US professionals. Harvey Law Group helps US citizens optimize their minimal stay requirements while maintaining compliance with both Portuguese and US obligations. Our global office network in 20 countries ensures continuous support for American clients regardless of where they reside.
Can US citizen families get Portugal Golden Visa through one application?
Yes, Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens offers the most generous family inclusion in Europe, covering multiple generations for American families. US citizens can include their spouse, children under 18, dependent adult children up to 26 (if students and unmarried), parents over 65, and even siblings under 18 with legal custody. All family members receive individual residence cards with same rights as the main applicant. Harvey Law Group's comprehensive family inclusion strategies specifically for US citizens ensure no eligible family member is overlooked, providing detailed documentation guidance for complex American family situations.
What countries can US citizens travel to visa-free with Portugal Golden Visa?
Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens provides immediate visa-free access to all 26 Schengen countries for unlimited time in Portugal and 90 days per 180-day period elsewhere in Schengen. After obtaining Portuguese citizenship in 5 years, US citizens gain visa-free access to over 180 countries worldwide, making it one of the strongest passports globally. Harvey Law Group helps American clients understand travel benefits and plan international mobility strategies to maximize global access beyond their US passport limitations.
Why is Portugal Golden Visa better for US citizens than other European programs?
Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens offers the fastest EU citizenship path at 5 years versus 7-10 years elsewhere, plus minimal residency requirements of just 7 days annually versus full-time residence in other programs. The program provides multiple investment options from EUR 250,000, comprehensive family inclusion, and maintains strong government support. Harvey Law Group's expertise across all European programs helps US citizens compare advantages: Portugal's superior citizenship timeline, tax benefits through NHR programs for Americans, and flexible residency requirements make it the optimal choice for most US investors seeking European residency.
What are the specific tax benefits of Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens?
Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens offers significant tax advantages despite US global tax obligations. American holders who remain Portuguese non-tax residents (under 183 days annually) pay no Portuguese tax on foreign income while benefiting from Foreign Earned Income Exclusion up to $130,000 for 2025. Tax residents may qualify for NHR 2.0 with reduced tax rates on Portuguese income. Harvey Law Group's US tax specialists work with international advisors to optimize American clients' global tax strategy, ensuring compliance with both IRS and Portuguese obligations while minimizing overall tax exposure through strategic residency planning.
Can US citizens work anywhere in Europe with Portugal Golden Visa?
Portugal Golden Visa allows US citizens to live and work anywhere in Portugal immediately, with travel rights throughout Schengen for up to 90 days per 180-day period. After 5 years, Portuguese citizenship provides US citizens with full EU employment rights in all 27 member states, a significant advantage over their American passport alone. Harvey Law Group helps US citizens understand European employment regulations and plan career strategies across Europe, leveraging our 20 global offices to support American clients' international business expansion and professional opportunities throughout the European Union.
Should US citizens choose investment funds, real estate, or cultural donation for Portugal Golden Visa?
For Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens, investment funds at EUR 500,000 offer potential returns and investment recovery but require complex PFIC reporting to the IRS, while cultural donations at EUR 250,000 provide the lowest entry cost with simpler US tax compliance but are non-recoverable. Real estate remains available at EUR 500,000 outside metropolitan areas, offering tangible assets but with liquidity constraints. Harvey Law Group's investment specialists analyze American clients' financial profiles, risk tolerance, and US tax situations to recommend the optimal route, ensuring proper due diligence and selection that maximizes benefits while managing IRS compliance requirements.
When can US citizens apply for Portuguese citizenship through Golden Visa?
US citizens can apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of maintaining their Golden Visa status, with the countdown starting from their Portugal Golden Visa application submission date, not approval date. US citizens must demonstrate at least 35 days total presence in Portugal over 5 years, pass A2-level Portuguese language requirements, and maintain clean criminal records. Harvey Law Group manages the entire citizenship process for American clients, from language requirement planning to application preparation, ensuring US citizens meet all requirements for the fastest possible EU citizenship acquisition while maintaining their American citizenship.
Are there any restrictions on US citizens applying for Portugal Golden Visa?
Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens has no nationality-based restrictions, with Americans being welcome applicants who need clean criminal records from all countries of residence, legal source of funds documentation, and valid health insurance. US citizens face streamlined background checks and constitute a significant portion of successful applicants seeking EU rights and global mobility enhancement. Harvey Law Group's comprehensive due diligence services for American clients identify and address potential issues early, including FBI background checks and IRS compliance verification, ensuring smooth application processing for US citizens.
Do US citizens need a lawyer for Portugal Golden Visa application?
While not legally mandatory, professional legal representation is highly recommended for Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens due to complex documentation requirements, AIMA communication protocols, investment due diligence needs, and US tax compliance obligations. The digitized application system requires precise document formatting and submission protocols. Harvey Law Group brings over 32 years of immigration expertise, proven success rate, and specialized Portugal Golden Visa knowledge for American clients. Our comprehensive services include US-specific document preparation, investment selection with IRS considerations, AIMA representation, dual-jurisdiction tax planning, and ongoing support through citizenship acquisition.
What happens to US citizens if Portugal Golden Visa program closes?
Portugal Golden Visa shows strong stability with government commitment, economic success generating over EUR 7.5 billion since 2012, and continued strong approval rates in 2024, providing security for US citizens considering the program. No immediate termination threats exist from current administration, and the program continues to evolve rather than close. Even if closed to new applicants, existing US citizen Golden Visa holders retain all rights and citizenship pathways under acquired rights principles. Harvey Law Group monitors political developments and provides strategic guidance to protect American clients' interests while the program remains active and attractive for US citizens seeking European residency options.
How do US tax obligations affect Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens?
Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens involves complex US tax reporting including FATCA compliance, FBAR requirements for Portuguese bank accounts, and PFIC reporting for investment funds, as Americans must report worldwide income to the IRS regardless of residency. However, benefits include Foreign Earned Income Exclusion up to $130,000 for 2025, potential Portugal tax optimization through non-residency status (under 183 days annually), and Foreign Tax Credits. Harvey Law Group's US tax specialists provide comprehensive planning specifically for American clients to navigate dual tax obligations while maximizing available benefits and ensuring full IRS and Portuguese compliance.
Is Portugal Golden Visa worth it for US citizens with current investment options?
Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens remains highly valuable with diverse investment options starting at EUR 250,000, offering Americans Europe's fastest citizenship path, minimal residency requirements perfect for busy US professionals, comprehensive family inclusion, and multiple investment strategies. The program continues to attract strong international interest with streamlined processing and government support. Harvey Law Group helps US citizens understand that the variety of investment options - from recoverable funds to cultural contributions to real estate outside metropolitan areas - provides flexibility to match different financial goals while maintaining all residency and citizenship benefits essential for American global mobility strategies.
How much do total costs amount to for US citizens getting Portugal Golden Visa?
Total government fees for Portugal Golden Visa for US citizens include application fees, residence permit issuance and renewals over 5 years, plus investment amounts starting from EUR 250,000. American families pay fees per person for all included family members. Additional US-specific expenses include FBI background checks, document apostilling, translations, and ongoing tax compliance costs. Harvey Law Group provides transparent fee breakdowns and comprehensive cost analysis specifically for US citizens, ensuring American clients understand all expenses upfront including government fees, investment amounts, legal representation, and ongoing compliance costs with no hidden charges throughout the process.
Why should US citizens choose Harvey Law Group for Portugal Golden Visa?
Harvey Law Group brings over 32 years of immigration expertise with offices in 20 countries globally, including major US hubs like Miami and Montreal, specifically serving American clients seeking Portugal Golden Visa solutions. We maintain a nearly bulletproof success rate in complex immigration cases and provide customer-driven strategies aligned with US citizens' global mobility goals and tax considerations. Our specialized Portugal Golden Visa knowledge for Americans, comprehensive family inclusion expertise, investment due diligence capabilities with US tax implications, and ongoing support through citizenship acquisition ensure optimal outcomes for US citizens navigating both Portuguese immigration and American tax requirements.