Portugal

What Is The Portugal Golden Visa Program

The Portugal Golden Visa program offers non-EU investors the opportunity to reside, work, and study in Portugal by either donating a minimum EUR 280,000 or investing a minimum of EUR 500,000. Through this program, applicants can qualify for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years.

The 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.

Requirements and Citizenship

  • 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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    The 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.

    Investment Options

    The Investment or Venture Capital Fund Option

    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.

    The Donation Option

    EUR 280,000 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.

    The Process

    Arrows process

    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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      Frequently Asked Questions

      The Portugal Golden Visa is a residence by investment program. It enables non-EU citizens who make a qualifying investment to live in Portugal.

      Yes, the following relatives may be included in the application:

      1. Spouse, including a de factor partner;
      2. Minor or incapable children into the care of one of the spouses, including legally adopted children;
      3. Children aged 18 and over, who are financially dependent of one of the spouses, provided they are unmarried and studying in a recognized teaching establishment;
      4. Parents of the main applicant or of the spouse aged 65 and above, or under 65 provided they are financially dependent of one of the spouses;
      5. Minor siblings under the custody of one of the spouses.

      All dependents should maintain the initial application requirements to renew their residence permits under the Golden Visa, apply for Permanent Residency and/or Citizenship.

      A successful applicant is granted a temporary residence permit in Portugal for an initial period of two years, which is then renewable for subsequent two-year periods as long as the investment and the other initial requirements are maintained.

      No, the language requirement will only apply to the Permanent Residency or Citizenship application.

      Yes, the applicant must stay in Portugal a minimum average of seven days per year (or 14 days for each two-year period), with at least 7 days in the first year.

      There are several investment options available, including the investment into a Portuguese investment fund for at least EUR 500,000 or a donation of at least EUR 280,000.

      In order to renew the Golden Visa, the investor and dependents must continue to fulfil the initial conditions when the visa was issued, including maintaining the qualifying investment.

      Yes. Golden visa holders can work in Portugal.

      The visa holder can travel into the Schengen area up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

      Yes, all applicants need to visit Portugal upon pre-approval in order to provide biometrics. All applicants are further required to visit Portugal a minimum average of seven days per year (or 14 days for each two-year period), with at least 7 days in the first year.

      For a minimum of 5 years, or as long as the investor wants to keep the residence permit or until he/she obtains the Portuguese Permanent Residency or Citizenship.

      Yes, the investor is totally free to make additional investments or other acquisitions.

      Applications for a permanent residence permit must be submitted to Portugal’s border agency (now known as the Integration, Migration and Asylum Agency “AIMA”) shall be granted to someone who cumulatively:

      1. Has held a temporary residence permit (including a Golden Visa) for at least 5 years and has met the minimum residency requirements;
      2. During the last five years has not been convicted of a crime punishable by a prison sentence of more than one year;
      3. Has sufficient means to support themselves and his/her dependents;
      4. Has a place of abode in Portugal;
      5. Has proof of having knowledge of “basic Portuguese” language.

      Portuguese citizenship may be acquired by someone who applies for naturalization and cumulatively:

      1. Has been a legal resident of Portugal for at least five years (amended by law 2/2018) by meeting the minimum stay requirements of a minimum average of seven days per year (or 14 days for each two-year period), with at least 7 days in the first year;
      2. Has sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language;
      3. Has not been convicted of a crime punishable by a prison sentence of more than three years under Portuguese law.

      Yes. Portugal allows dual citizenship.

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