Portugal Golden Visa: EU Residency Through Investment
Secure EU Residency for Your Family Through Portugal Golden Visa
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Discover the charm and opportunity Portugal offers.
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Start your journey with an investment from €500,000.
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Gain residency — and a path to EU citizenship for your whole family.
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Enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone.
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We guide you through every step — from assessing eligibility to permanent residence or citizenship.
Why Choose Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa offers what international families need: residency by investment with the very lowest residency requirements of any EU program.
Key Benefits:
Flexible Investment Options
Includes fund investments starting from €500,000, and job creation business investment options with minimum investment according to job creation targets.*
Family Inclusion
Single application process for the main applicant, spouse, dependent children, and parents aged 65 or above.
Citizenship Eligibility
Opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years with only 7 days of stay per year required.
EU Benefits
Immediate rights to live, work, and travel within Portugal and the Schengen zone.
Flexible Residency Options
Only 7 days stay per year in Portugal for a pathway to citizenship and passport.
Broad Access and Quality of Life
Access to one of the top healthcare systems and educational opportunities within Portugal's schooling system.
*All investments carry risk and it's important to do thorough due diligence engaging the professional advisors as necessary.
Your Portugal Golden Visa Journey
step
01
Opening a Bank Account
A key milestone in your Golden Visa journey involves setting up a local bank account in Portugal; essential for all your investment transactions. We'll guide you through each phase of this process, ensuring a smooth setup.
step
02
Securing a Tax ID
To progress with banking and investment in Portugal, a foreign taxpayer ID is necessary. We're on hand to assist you in obtaining this credential, making the process straightforward and hassle-free.
step
03
Assessing Your Golden Visa Options
We walk you through the details of the different Portugal Golden Visa paths including funds, job creation investments and cultural donations, so you have a thorough understanding of the various paths the Portugal Golden Visa program.
step
04
Renewing Your Residence Permit
Keeping your residency status up-to-date is crucial, with renewals required once every two years. Lean on us to oversee this process, guaranteeing no detail is overlooked.
step
05
Navigating Towards Permanent Residence or Citizenship
For those looking for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, we're with you every step of the way. From ensuring compliance with the minimal stay requirements to prepping for your application after five years, consider us your steadfast ally.
What Is The Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa program offers a fast track for non-EU individuals to obtain legal residency in Portugal, leading the way to citizenship under certain conditions. This residency by investment initiative was introduced by the Portuguese government in 2012 to boost the Portuguese economy by attracting foreign capital and promoting cultural diversity.
Investors and their families can enjoy the freedom to live, work, and study in Portugal and benefit from visa-free access to the 27 countries within the Schengen Area. The Portugal Golden Visa also stands out for having the very lowest residency requirements of any EU Golden Visa Program with a path to permanent residence or citizenship. This feature differentiates it from many other residency programs, making it particularly appealing for those seeking a more flexible arrangement.
Who Can Apply For A Portugal Golden Visa?
1
The
INVESTORS
Individuals making a qualifying investment in Portugal, such as real estate, investment funds, or establishing a business in Portugal that meets certain criteria in terms of job creation.
2
The
ENTREPRENEURS
Establishing a business in Portugal that meets certain criteria in terms of job creation.
3
Family
MEMBERS
Including spouses or partners, dependent children, and dependent parents.
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Spouse
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Children Under 18
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Children Aged 18 to 26: Must be financially reliant on the primary applicant. Must reside with the primary applicant or be enrolled in higher education.
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Parents: Aged 65 or older. Must be financially dependent on the primary applicant.
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Siblings (if under the primary applicant's legal custody): Aged up to 26. In the custody of the primary applicant.
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Eligibility
Requirements
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Minimum age of 18 years
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No criminal history
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Investment capital legally sourced from outside Portugal
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Comprehensive medical insurance coverage
The Portugal Golden Visa program is aimed at non-EU/EFTA nationals. The following groups are eligible:
Investment Pathways
Comprehensive Investment Options for Portugal Golden Visa
Invest €500,000 in regulated funds supporting Portuguese businesses, managed by licensed professionals, with a five-year term.
Invest €500,000 (€350,000 in low-density areas) to incorporate or expand a company, creating 5 permanent full-time jobs (35+ hours/week) maintained for 3 years.
Create at least 10 full-time jobs (35+ hours/week) with a flexible investment based on the business plan, approved by Portuguese authorities.
Contribute to preserving Portugal’s cultural heritage through approved institutions.
Support innovative scientific research projects with a significant financial commitment.
Your Portugal Golden Visa Journey
Assessment & Planning
(1 to 2 weeks)
We assess your eligibility and help you choose the right investment option for your goals.
Investment Selection
(1-2 months)
We guide you through available investment options - funds, cultural projects, or business opportunities.
Legal Setup
(1 to 2 months)
We help you get your Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a Portuguese bank account.
Make Investment
(1-3 months)
Complete your chosen investment with our legal team guiding all procedures and documentation.
Submit Application
(1 to 3 months)
We prepare and submit your Golden Visa application to Portuguese authorities online.
Biometrics in Portugal
(1-2 months)
Travel to Portugal for biometric appointment with Portuguese immigration (SEF).
Receive Golden Visa
(within 2 years of applying)
Get your Portuguese residency cards allowing you to live, work, and travel in the EU.
Investment Fund Option
Investing in a qualified investment fund is increasingly favored by those seeking a balance between risk management and potential growth within the Golden Visa framework. An investment fund is essentially a collective investment scheme that aggregates capital from multiple investors to acquire a diversified portfolio of assets.
These assets can span various classes, including but not limited to:
Shares in dynamic Portuguese companies
Industrial or logistics facilities
Stocks or bonds traded on European markets
KEY FEATURES
✓ Minimum Investment
The entry point for fund investment is €500,000, directed towards funds especially designed for Golden Visa investors.
✓ Diversification
By pooling resources with other investors, individuals can access a broader range of assets than would typically be possible alone, diluting individual investment risk through diversification.
✓ Management
Funds are managed by seasoned professionals who aim to identify high-potential opportunities and manage investments to ensure optimum returns.
✓ Duration
While the minimum holding period for maintaining Golden Visa eligibility is 5 years.
✓ Returns
Investors periodically receive distributions from the fund's profits, with the frequency and amount contingent on the fund's performance and strategic decisions.
COST CONSIDERATIONS
✓ Purchase Of Fund Units
€500,000+
✓ Medical Insurance
€400+ per person
✓ Application Fee
€582 per family member
✓ Residence Permit Card
€400+ per person
Support and Commitment
End-to-End Support
From the initial exploratory process to the moment you achieve your residency or citizenship goal, we're by your side. We manage the details so you can focus on the excitement of your new venture.
A Network of Trust
Establishing a new future in a foreign land involves many moving parts and reliable partners. We've cultivated strong relationships with trusted partners, including business management, attorneys, and accountants, ensuring access to a robust support network.
Commitment to Your Peace of Mind
We understand the weight of your investment, both emotionally and financially. Our mission is to alleviate your concerns, answer your questions, and support every step of the way with confidence and peace of mind.
Portugal Golden Visa vs EB5: Choose Your Investment Path
Many investors consider both the Portugal Golden Visa and US EB5 program. Compare these residency by investment options to understand which better suits your family's needs.
Comparison Factor | Portugal Golden Visa | EB5 Visa |
|---|---|---|
Total Cost Range | €250,000 - €500,000+ (plus application and permit fees) | $800,000 - $1,050,000+ (plus administrative and government fees) |
Language Requirements | Basic Portuguese for citizenship | No language requirements |
Global Access | Travel freely across 27 EU countries + Schengen zone | US residency with global travel on US passport after citizenship |
Job Creation | No personal job creation required | Must create 10+ full-time jobs for US workers |
Citizenship Path | EU citizenship after 5 years with minimal stay | US citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency |
Processing Timeline | 8-12 months total timeline | 9 months - 3+ years depending on country of origin |
Family Inclusion | Spouse, children under 21, AND dependent parents included | Spouse and children under 21 included |
Residency Requirements | Only 7 days per year required to maintain residency | Must live in the US to maintain permanent residency |
Investment Requirements | €250,000 - €500,000 depending on investment type | $800,000 - $1,050,000 depending on project location |
Explore All Your Residency Options
Many families consider multiple investment immigration programs. Compare Portugal Golden Visa with our other proven pathways to find the best fit for your family's goals.
Your Questions, Answered
Find the information you need to make an informed decision about your residency application.
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How long does the Green Card application process take?The length of the Green Card application process varies depending on the visa you’re applying for. The EB-3 visa typically takes around 12–18 months, while the EB-5 visa may take longer due to the investment verification process.
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Can I bring my family with me when I apply for U.S. residency?Yes, both the EB-3 and EB-5 Green Card applications allow you to include your spouse and children under 21 years of age in your application, ensuring they can enjoy U.S. residency alongside you.
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What are the eligibility requirements for residency through the EB-3 program?The EB-3 visa is for skilled workers, unskilled workers, and professionals with a valid job offer from a U.S. employer. Skilled workers must have at least two years of experience or training, and unskilled workers must be offered full-time, non-seasonal jobs.
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Can I apply for U.S. residency through investment?Yes, the EB-5 visa offers a path to U.S. residency through investment in U.S. businesses. It allows individuals and their families to receive a Green Card once the investment creates U.S. jobs and meets program criteria.
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How do I know if I qualify for U.S. residency under the EB-3 or EB-5 program?Eligibility for the EB-3 and EB-5 programs depends on various factors such as job offer requirements (for EB-3) or investment criteria (for EB-5). We’ll help you assess your eligibility and guide you through the process to ensure your path to residency is clear.
*Initial consultations cover Portugal Golden Visa application eligibility assessments, application process overview and general introduction to investment types. In accordance with Portuguese securities law, introductions to investment managers offering Portugal Golden visa qualifying investments are made solely upon client request, and investment managers can only introduce Golden Visa qualifying investments upon verification that the client is qualified / accredited under the securities laws of Portugal and any other relevant jurisdiction.