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Portugal’s Golden Visa

The 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. This initiative serves as a gateway for those looking to invest in Portugal, granting applicants the chance to qualify for permanent residency or citizenship after five years.

Portugal’s Golden Visa Benefits

Residency and Family Inclusion

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.

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Portugal’s Golden Visa Requirements

  • 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.

Portugal Residency by 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.

Portugal’s Golden Visa Process

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.

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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 in 2025?

The minimum investment for Portugal Golden Visa in 2025 is EUR 250,000 for cultural heritage donations or EUR 500,000 for investment funds. Real estate was eliminated in October 2023. Harvey Law Group, with over 32 years of immigration expertise and offices in 20 countries, guides clients through both options to maximize returns and minimize risks. Our expert team helps you choose between recoverable fund investments and non-refundable cultural donations based on your specific goals.

How long does Portugal Golden Visa take to process in 2025?

Portugal Golden Visa processing takes 12-18 months 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 often help reduce processing delays. Our proven track record and detailed application management ensure your case moves through the system as efficiently as possible.

Do I need to live in Portugal to get or keep my Golden Visa?

No, Portugal Golden Visa requires only 7 days per year in Portugal - the most flexible residency requirement in Europe. You must spend minimum 7 days in the first year, then average 7 days annually afterward. Harvey Law Group helps clients optimize their minimal stay requirements while maintaining compliance. Our global office network in 20 countries ensures continuous support regardless of where you reside, making Portugal Golden Visa ideal for busy international professionals.

Can my family get Portugal Golden Visa through my application?

Yes, Portugal Golden Visa offers the most generous family inclusion in Europe, covering three generations. You can include your spouse, children under 18, adult children 18-26 if students, parents over 65, and even siblings under 18. All family members receive individual residence cards with same rights as the main applicant. Harvey Law Group's comprehensive family inclusion strategies ensure no eligible family member is overlooked, providing detailed documentation guidance for complex family situations.

What countries can I travel to visa-free with Portugal Golden Visa?

Portugal Golden Visa 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, you gain visa-free access to 191 countries worldwide, making it the 4th strongest passport globally. Harvey Law Group helps clients understand travel benefits and plan international mobility strategies to maximize global access.

Is Portugal Golden Visa better than other European programs?

Portugal Golden Visa offers the fastest EU citizenship path at 5 years versus 7-10 years elsewhere, plus minimal 7-day annual residency requirements versus full-time residence in other programs. With Spain's program closed since April 2025, Portugal remains Europe's premier option. Harvey Law Group's expertise across all European programs helps clients compare advantages: Portugal's superior citizenship timeline, tax benefits through NHR 2.0, and comprehensive family inclusion make it the optimal choice for most investors.

What are the tax benefits of Portugal Golden Visa?

Portugal Golden Visa holders who remain non-tax residents pay no Portuguese tax on foreign income. Tax residents may qualify for NHR 2.0 with 20% flat tax on Portuguese income and exemptions on most foreign income for 10 years. Harvey Law Group's tax specialists work with international advisors to optimize your global tax strategy, ensuring compliance while minimizing tax exposure through proper residency planning and NHR qualification strategies.

Can I work anywhere in Europe with Portugal Golden Visa?

Portugal Golden Visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Portugal immediately, with travel rights throughout Schengen. After 5 years, Portuguese citizenship provides full EU employment rights in all 27 member states. Harvey Law Group helps clients understand employment regulations and plan career strategies across Europe, leveraging our 20 global offices to support international business expansion and professional opportunities throughout the European Union.

Should I choose investment funds or cultural donation for Portugal Golden Visa?

Investment funds at EUR 500,000 offer potential returns and investment recovery, while cultural donations at EUR 250,000 provide the lowest entry cost but are non-recoverable. Funds target 10-20% annual returns but carry market risk and complex US tax reporting. Harvey Law Group's investment specialists analyze your financial profile, risk tolerance, and tax situation to recommend the optimal route, ensuring proper due diligence and fund selection for maximum benefits.

When can I apply for Portuguese citizenship through Golden Visa?

You can apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years, with the countdown starting from your Golden Visa application submission date, not approval date. This 2024 law change significantly accelerated the timeline. You need A2-level Portuguese or 150-hour certified course completion. Harvey Law Group manages the entire citizenship process, from language requirement planning to application preparation, ensuring you meet all requirements for the fastest possible EU citizenship acquisition.

Are there any restrictions on who can apply for Portugal Golden Visa?

Portugal Golden Visa is available to non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss nationals with clean criminal records and legal source of funds. Russian and Belarusian citizens can now apply following 2024 legal changes, though enhanced due diligence applies. UK citizens face no restrictions and constitute the second-largest applicant group seeking EU rights restoration. Harvey Law Group's comprehensive due diligence services identify and address potential issues early, ensuring smooth application processing.

Do I need a lawyer for Portugal Golden Visa application?

While not legally mandatory, professional legal representation is highly recommended due to complex documentation requirements, AIMA communication protocols, and investment due diligence needs. Harvey Law Group brings over 32 years of immigration expertise, 100% success rate, and specialized Portugal Golden Visa knowledge. Our comprehensive services include document preparation, investment selection, AIMA representation, tax planning, and ongoing support through citizenship acquisition.

What happens 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 72% increase in 2024 approvals. No immediate termination threats exist from current administration. Even if closed to new applicants, existing Golden Visa holders retain all rights and citizenship pathways. Harvey Law Group monitors political developments and provides strategic guidance to protect client interests while the program remains active and attractive.

Can Americans get tax benefits with Portugal Golden Visa?

Americans with Portugal Golden Visa face complex US tax reporting including FATCA compliance and PFIC reporting for investment funds. However, benefits include Foreign Earned Income Exclusion up to $130,000 for 2025 and potential Portugal tax optimization through non-residency or NHR 2.0 qualification. Harvey Law Group's US tax specialists provide comprehensive planning to navigate dual tax obligations while maximizing available benefits and ensuring full compliance.

Is Portugal Golden Visa worth it after real estate was removed?

Portugal Golden Visa remains highly valuable despite real estate elimination, offering Europe's fastest citizenship path, minimal residency requirements, comprehensive family inclusion, and strong investment options through professional funds. The program generated 72% more approvals in 2024, proving continued attractiveness. Harvey Law Group helps clients understand that productive investments in funds often provide better returns than illiquid real estate while maintaining all residency and citizenship benefits.

How much do government fees cost for Portugal Golden Visa?

Total government fees for Portugal Golden Visa are EUR 13,906.90 per person over 5 years, including EUR 605.20 application fee and EUR 6,045.20 for residence permits and renewals. Family members pay the same fees. These costs are in addition to the minimum EUR 250,000 investment requirement. Harvey Law Group provides transparent fee breakdowns and comprehensive cost analysis, ensuring clients understand all expenses upfront with no hidden charges throughout the process.

Why should I 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 hubs like Hong Kong, Paris, Miami, and Montreal. We maintain a nearly bulletproof success rate in complex immigration cases and provide customer-driven strategies aligned with your global mobility goals. Our specialized Portugal Golden Visa knowledge, comprehensive family inclusion expertise, investment due diligence capabilities, and ongoing support through citizenship acquisition ensure optimal outcomes for our clients.