Portugal’s Golden Visa program

Portugal's Golden Visa requires minimum €500,000 investment in qualifying funds or €250,000 in heritage preservation, providing five-year renewable residence permits with pathways to citizenship. The Investment Residence Permit (ARI) fast-tracks Portuguese residency for non-EU/EFTA nationals, offering tax advantages, fast-tracked citizenship, and flexible immigration rules alongside investment opportunities.

What Is a Golden Visa

The Investment Residence Permit (Autorização de Residência para Investimento, ARI) fast-tracks Portuguese residency at a cost. Since 2012 to 2023, more than 12,700 golden visas have been issued, injecting over €7 billion into the economy. The largest applicant numbers come from China, Brazil, and the UAE.

Golden visa holders receive a temporary residence permit for one year, with subsequent renewals lasting two years. After five years, holders can apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

Investment Requirements

Any non-EU/EFTA national can apply. Applicants must make at least one qualifying investment: minimum €500,000 subscription in a qualifying fund, create at least 10 new full-time jobs (8 in low-density areas), €250,000+ in preserving national heritage, or €500,000+ in research and development activities.

Required Documents

Submit passport or valid ID, proof of legal entry into Portugal, proof of health insurance, criminal record certificate, evidence of tax/social security compliance including tax number, and receipt of golden visa fee payment. Documents must be valid, legalized, and in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish.

Provide evidence of maintaining investment for minimum five years such as bank statements, employment contracts, or property deeds.

Application Process

Submit applications online via the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA) after pre-registration. Legal representatives can also submit applications. In-person applications are possible by scheduling appointments with Regional Directorate or local AIMA branches.

Processing typically takes several months. AIMA contacts applicants to set up appointments once processed.

Costs

The standard application fee is €806.80 in 2024. Successful applications incur an additional €8,060.20. Renewal costs €806.80 for application plus €4,030.90 for approval. Reduce fees by 25% applying online or 10-25% applying in person.

Family Members

The golden visa scheme allows family to join you. Eligible family members include spouse/registered partner, dependent children (if adult, must be studying), dependent parents, and minor dependent siblings under guardianship. Family members receive the same rights and eligibility for permanent residence or citizenship after five years.

Citizenship and Permanent Residence

With a Portuguese golden visa, apply for permanent residence and citizenship after five years of residence. Meet criteria including proof of income and accommodation, criminal record requirements, and basic Portuguese language knowledge.

Next Steps

Research investment options that suit your circumstances. Consult with specialist advisory firms. Gather required documents. Submit your online pre-registration. Maintain your investment for the required five-year period.

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