Why Are Creatives Moving to Portugal?
Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers residency through investment, with minimal physical stay requirements, just 14 days every two years (including at least 7 days in the first year). The Golden Visa is renewable every 2 years provided the investment is maintained. For creatives who work remotely and are required to travel often, the Portugal Golden Visa offers an attractive EU option for residency without being compelled to spend substantial time in Portugal or to become a local tax resident.
Under Portugal’s Golden Visa program, one of the most popular investment options is the fund route. Prior to the introduction of the Mais Habitação Law, qualifying investments included buying real estate. However, now applicants are required to invest at least €500,000 into a qualifying Portuguese fund.
What Is the Portugal Golden Visa Fund Route?
Investing in a Portuguese investment fund is one of several approved options to qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa.
All funds used for Golden Visa purposes are regulated by Portugal’s Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários (CMVM), which ensures compliance with national investment standards and safeguards investor interests.
Investing in a Portuguese investment fund is just one way to qualify for the Golden Visa, but it has quickly become the most popular. Other options include creating jobs or making an approved donation.
The Portugal Golden Visa fund option has become increasingly popular because it is simple, low-maintenance, and easy to manage from abroad. Now that real estate is no longer on the table, more and more investors are turning to funds as the most straightforward and secure path to residency in Portugal.
What is the €500,000 Portugal golden visa funds options?
Eligible investments under the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI) require investors to invest a minimum of €500,000 in a qualified investment or venture capital fund. The selected fund must satisfy the following criteria to qualify as eligible:
- Be certified by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários (CMVM))
- focus on the capitalization of Portuguese companies,
- have a minimum maturity of five years, and
- allocate at least 60% of its portfolio to businesses headquartered in Portugal.
It is important to note that any funds linked to real estate are no longer eligible. On October 6, 2023, the Portuguese government introduced the Mais Habitação Law, which made significant changes to the Golden Visa program. One of the key changes was the removal of several investment options, including the purchase of real estate and investments in funds that are directly or indirectly tied to real estate.
Investors should note that there is no official list of government approved funds for the Portugal Golden Visa. To ensure your investment meets the legal requirements and aligns with your personal requirements, Harvey Law Group can help. Our experienced team can help you identify the most suitable fund options for your needs, while also satisfying the eligibility requirements.
What is the difference between fund vs the donation option?
Two of the most straightforward ways to qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa are through the investment fund route and the donation route.
When applying through the fund option, applicants must invest at least €500,000 in a regulated Portuguese investment or venture capital fund. One of the key advantages of this route is the potential for financial returns, with funds often offering solid annual returns, although, like any investment, it is also subject to typical market risks.
American applicants should also consider the complex US tax reporting requirements for US Citizens. Harvey Law Group’s investment specialists can help and recommend the best route, ensuring proper due diligence and fund selection for maximum benefits.
Read Also: Portugal Golden Visa for US Citizens
The donation option under the Portugal Golden Visa requires a one-time contribution of €250,000 (€200,000 if the project is in a low-density area) to support cultural or artistic initiatives in Portugal. While this route is the lowest investment option, the contribution is a donation, which is non-refundable and does not generate any returns.
What are the Main Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa?
For creatives seeking greater global mobility, flexibility, and long-term security, the Portugal Golden Visa offers an excellent opportunity. The Portugal Golden Visa offers the following key benefits:
Residency in Portugal with Access to the Schengen Area
Holders of Portugal’s Golden Visa have the right to live in Portugal while enjoying freedom of movement within the Schengen Area. Residency in a Schengen country typically grants visa-free travel across 29 nations (25 EU countries and 4 non-EU countries being Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).
Family inclusion
Portugal’s Golden Visa allows family members of the main applicant (and spouse) to be included in the application. Family members also receive the right to live, work, travel, and study in Portugal, with the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Portugal or citizenship over time.
Eligible family members include:
- Spouse/partner (partners do not have to be legally married)
- Children under 18
- Children of any age who are unmarried, studying full-time, and financially dependent on their parents
- Parents over 65 (of the main applicant and/or spouse)
- Parents under 65 (if financially dependent on the main applicant and/or spouse)
- Right to work, study, and access healthcare
Golden Visa holders and their family members have the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, including access to public schools and universities. They are also entitled to use Portugal’s public healthcare system, where medical care is often available at little to no cost.
Pathway to EU citizenship
After holding the Portugal Golden Visa for five years and meeting the minimum stay and language requirements, investors become eligible to apply for Portuguese permanent residency and citizenship.
Portuguese citizenship grants the holder the same full residency and legal rights as a local Portuguese individual. However as an added bonus, it also provides the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere within the European Union.
Read Also: Portugal Golden Visa: A Strategic Investment in 2025
Why Do Filmmakers, Journalists, and Creatives Choose It?
Although the Portugal Golden Visa is an investment-based residency program, not a work visa, it places no restrictions on the applicant’s profession. This makes it an attractive option for freelancers, creatives, and filmmakers, who can qualify by investing through one of the eligible pathways, such as the investment fund option.
Creative professionals who have successfully received a Portugal Golden Visa may also choose to set up a Portuguese LDA (private limited company) as part of their move. This structure offers several benefits, including intellectual property protection, the ability to invoice international clients, and a legal presence within the EU.
Portugal is a great option for creatives and business owners who want a solid base in Europe. It offers strong IP protection and tax-friendly structures.
Portugal has strong IP laws backed by EU rules and global treaties like the Paris Convention and TRIPS. Trademarks, patents, and copyrights are protected through registration and automatic rights. Recent reforms have improved online copyright enforcement and introduced measures for emerging technology like AI. Together, these frameworks help ensure that creators’ rights are protected and that unauthorized content use can be addressed.
When it comes to taxes, Portugal is known for being both business-friendly and internationally competitive. Setting up a Portuguese LDA (limited company) offers real advantages, such as access to EU tax benefits, including reduced or exempt withholding taxes and participation exemptions on things like dividends and capital gains (as long as certain conditions are met).
For creatives and entrepreneurs managing IP or working across borders, Portugal makes it easier to coordinate operations and reduce global tax liability, thanks to its double tax treaty agreement and supportive tax rules.
How Much Time Do I Need to Spend in Portugal?
One of the most appealing aspects of moving to Portugal using the Golden Visa is its flexibility, especially for remote investors or those who are not ready to relocate full-time. To maintain and renew a Golden Visa, the physical presence required is limited to 14 days in every 2 years period (including at least 7 days in the first year).
Meeting the minimum physical presence requirement will also be required later down the line, for those planning to apply for Portuguese permanent residency or citizenship after five years.
The residency requirement of just 7 days per year, makes it one of the most flexible investment residency programs in Europe. This is ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads who want a foothold in the EU without having to uproot their lives.
Many Golden Visa holders spend time in other EU countries part of the Schengen area (such as Italy, Spain, or France), since they are permitted to spend up to 90 days in every 180 day rolling period.
Can I Include My Family in the Portugal Golden Visa Application?
Portugal’s Golden Visa allows family members of the main applicant (and spouse) to apply. Family members also receive the right to live, work, travel, and study in Portugal, with the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Portugal or citizenship over time.
Eligible family members include:
- Spouse/partner (partners do not have to be legally married)
- Children under 18
- Children of any age who are unmarried, studying full-time, and financially dependent on their parents
- Parents over 65 (of the main applicant and/or spouse)
- Parents under 65 (if financially dependent on the main applicant and/or spouse)
After five years of legal residency, both the main applicant and eligible dependents may apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization, a process that provides full EU rights, including the ability to live, work, and travel freely across the European Union.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Maintain legal residency in Portugal for at least five years (starting from the date of application submission).
- Have a clean criminal record in both Portugal and their country of residence.
- Have an A2 level of basic Portuguese language proficiency.
- Have no outstanding tax or social security obligations in Portugal.
How Long Does the Portugal Golden Visa Process Take in 2025?
The Portugal Golden Visa application process typically takes around 12 to 18 months from submission of the Golden Visa application. The first step involves gathering the required documents, this includes proof of identity, financial statements, and confirmation of your qualifying investment.
Once everything has been prepared, the application can be submitted online through Portugal’s immigration authority, AIMA.
After the application has been submitted, a biometrics appointment, either in Portugal or at a Portuguese consulate abroad, will be arranged. During this appointment, the fingerprints and other biometric data of the applicant (and dependents) will be collected and the investor will be required to pay the residency cards issuance fees. Residency cards are then expected to be received after 6 months or so. The initial residence permit is valid for two years, and must be renewed every two years in order to maintain residency status.
Permanent Residency and Citizenship
After five years of legal residency, investors may decide to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
How to Get Started with the Right Legal and Fund Team
While hiring a lawyer for the Portugal Golden Visa fund route isn’t legally required, professional legal support is strongly recommended. The process involves complex documentation, investment compliance checks, and navigating communication with AIMA, Portugal’s immigration authority.
Harvey Law Group has offices in 20 countries and brings over 32 years of global immigration experience. We have a near 100% success rate in handling complex immigration cases and offer tailored strategies that align with your long-term mobility and investment goals.
Our services include:
- Full document preparation and application management
- AIMA coordination
- Assistance with fund selection and due diligence
- Ongoing guidance through to permanent residency and citizenship
Since there’s no official list of approved Golden Visa funds, working with a proper legal team is recommended to ensure your investment is eligible and secure. Contact Harvey Law Group to assess your eligibility and explore the right investment strategy for your Portugal Golden Visa.
Portugal Golden Visa Fund FAQ
What is the Portugal Golden Visa fund investment option and how much do I need to invest?
The Portugal Golden Visa fund option requires a minimum investment of €500,000 in a qualified Portuguese investment or venture capital fund. The fund must be certified by CMVM (Portugal’s Securities Market Commission), focus on capitalizing Portuguese companies, have a minimum 5-year maturity, and allocate at least 60% of its portfolio to Portugal-based businesses. Real estate-linked funds are no longer eligible since the Mais Habitação Law changes in October 2023.
Why are creative professionals and digital nomads choosing Portugal’s Golden Visa program?
Portugal’s Golden Visa is ideal for creatives, filmmakers, journalists, and digital nomads because it requires only 14 days of physical presence every two years (including 7 days in the first year). It offers EU residency without restricting your profession, allows remote work, provides access to the entire Schengen Area for visa-free travel, and offers strong intellectual property protection under EU laws. This flexibility makes it perfect for professionals who travel frequently or work remotely.
What are the key requirements for Portugal Golden Visa funds approved by CMVM?
CMVM-approved Portugal Golden Visa funds must meet four strict criteria: be certified by Portugal’s Securities Market Commission (CMVM), focus on capitalizing Portuguese companies, have a minimum maturity period of five years, and allocate at least 60% of their portfolio to businesses headquartered in Portugal. Additionally, funds linked directly or indirectly to real estate are no longer eligible following the October 2023 Mais Habitação Law changes.
How does the Portugal Golden Visa fund route compare to the donation option?
The fund route requires €500,000 but offers potential returns and your investment remains yours, while the donation option requires €250,000 (€200,000 in low-density areas) as a non-refundable contribution to cultural or artistic initiatives. The fund option provides investment growth potential but carries typical market risks, whereas donations offer no financial returns but have a lower upfront cost and are completely risk-free from an investment perspective.
Can I include my family members in my Portugal Golden Visa application?
Yes, Portugal’s Golden Visa allows comprehensive family inclusion for spouses/partners (legal marriage not required), children under 18, dependent adult children who are unmarried and studying full-time, parents over 65 of both the main applicant and spouse, and financially dependent parents under 65. All included family members receive the same rights to live, work, study, and travel in Portugal and throughout the European Union.
What is the minimum physical presence requirement for Portugal’s Golden Visa?
Portugal’s Golden Visa requires only 14 days of physical presence every two years, including at least 7 days in the first year. This makes it one of Europe’s most flexible residency programs, perfect for investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads who want EU access without relocating full-time. Additionally, you can spend up to 90 days in other Schengen countries every 180-day rolling period while maintaining your Portuguese residency.
How long does the Portugal Golden Visa application process take in 2025?
The Portugal Golden Visa application process typically takes 12-18 months from submission through AIMA (Portugal’s immigration authority). The process includes document preparation, online application submission, biometrics appointment at a Portuguese consulate or in Portugal, and residency card issuance (approximately 6 months after biometrics). The initial residence permit is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years to maintain status.
What benefits does Portugal’s Golden Visa offer for international professionals?
Portugal’s Golden Visa provides Portuguese residency with Schengen Area access (visa-free travel to 29 countries), the right to work, study, and access public healthcare in Portugal, comprehensive family inclusion benefits, and a pathway to EU citizenship after five years. It also offers strong intellectual property protection under EU laws, business-friendly tax structures, and the ability to establish a Portuguese LDA company for streamlined EU business operations.
Is there an official list of approved Portugal Golden Visa funds?
No, there is no official government list of approved Portugal Golden Visa funds. This is precisely why working with experienced legal counsel like Harvey Law Group is crucial for proper fund selection and due diligence. We help identify suitable CMVM-certified funds that meet all legal requirements while aligning with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and long-term residency objectives.
What are the requirements for Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa program?
After five years of legal residency through the Golden Visa, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. Requirements include maintaining legal residency for five years from application submission date, having a clean criminal record in both Portugal and your country of residence, achieving A2-level Portuguese language proficiency, and having no outstanding tax or social security obligations in Portugal. Portuguese citizenship grants full EU rights and freedom of movement.
Why should I work with Harvey Law Group for my Portugal Golden Visa fund investment?
Harvey Law Group brings over 32 years of global immigration experience with offices in 20 countries and a near 100% success rate in complex immigration cases. We provide comprehensive services including full document preparation, AIMA coordination, fund selection assistance with thorough due diligence, and ongoing guidance through permanent residency and citizenship applications. Since there’s no official fund list, professional legal support ensures your investment meets all requirements while maximizing your chances of approval.
Can American citizens benefit from Portugal’s Golden Visa fund route?
Yes, American citizens can qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa through fund investment. However, US citizens must navigate complex US tax reporting requirements for foreign investments and fund holdings. Harvey Law Group’s investment specialists understand both Portuguese Golden Visa requirements and US tax implications, helping American applicants select appropriate funds while ensuring proper compliance with both Portuguese and US jurisdictional requirements.
