Portugal Golden Visa
Program History
Launched in 2012 to attract capital and strengthen Portugal’s economy post-crisis, the Golden Visa became very popular. However, as of October 7, 2023, real estate investments (including residential, commercial, and rehabilitation property, and property-linked funds) are no longer eligible routes for new Golden Visa applicants, mainly to address concerns around housing affordability. Existing permits under the old rules continue to be honored.
Investment Options
€500,000 in qualifying investment or venture-capital funds
€250,000 (or €200,000 in low-density areas) donation for cultural heritage or arts initiatives
Key Benefits
Basic Portuguese (A2 level) is only required at the citizenship stage, not for residency permits.
Minimal stay requirement: just 7 days per year on average, or 14 days per two-year permit period
Family Inclusion: The spouse, children, and dependent parents including those of the spouse, can also be included in the same application.
Requirements
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens aged 18+ with clean criminal records
Investment must be maintained for seven years
Document verification, legal translations, apostilles, and proof of funds are mandatory
Application Process
Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a local bank account
Choose a qualifying investment and transfer funds accordingly
Prepare and legalize documents then submit via the AIMA online portal
Receive your residence card valid for two years and renewable thereafter
Provide biometric data during a visit to Portugal
Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a local bank account
Choose a qualifying investment and transfer funds accordingly
Prepare and legalize documents then submit via the AIMA online portal
Due Diligence Review
Provide biometric data during a visit to Portugal
Processing & Potential Delays
There’s growing evidence of significant backlogs in the system, with delays caused by overwhelming application volumes—some cases experiencing extreme wait times due to high demand.