PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM
Key Facts
Processing Time
18+ months
Visa-Free Travel
Access to the European Schengen Area
Minimum Investment
Starting from €200,000
Family Eligibility
The main applicant, spouse or legal partner, children under 18, unmarried dependent children over 18 enrolled in full-time education, dependent parents over 55, and parents over 65
Main Advantages
- Eligibility to apply for permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years
- Both permanent residence and citizenship applications require an A2 Portuguese language certificate
- Portuguese citizens enjoy full EU mobility rights, including Switzerland
- Low physical presence requirement — only 14 full days every 2 years to maintain residency
- Right to live, work, and study in Portugal
- Access to excellent education and public healthcare
- Exceptional quality of life with a mild climate, scenic wine regions, fresh local produce, and a peaceful, safe environment
- Visa-free travel access to the 29 Schengen countries
- No inheritance tax, gift tax, or wealth tax in Portugal
About Portugal
Portugal remains one of Europe’s most attractive residence-by-investment destinations, offering a unique combination of lifestyle, security, international mobility, and long-term residency benefits.
Consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, Portugal is known for its welcoming environment, excellent infrastructure, and high quality of life. English is widely spoken, and the country maintains double taxation treaties with more than 70 jurisdictions, including the United States.
Although the Portugal Golden Visa is officially a residency program, it is widely recognized as one of the most flexible pathways to European citizenship.
Application Process Overview
The application process begins remotely. It typically takes 18–24 months before AIMA invites applicants and their families for biometric data submission in Portugal.
We provide full legal support throughout the process, including obtaining a tax identification number (NIF), opening a bank account, ensuring investment compliance, submitting the application, and managing renewals.
Step 1: Initial due diligence and signing the client agreement
Step 2: Legal setup in Portugal (NIF acquisition, bank account opening, and investment compliance)
Step 3: Compilation and electronic submission of the application to AIMA
Step 4: Coordination of biometric appointment upon invitation from AIMA
Step 5: Residence permits are granted with an initial validity of 2 years
Step 6: To renew residency, applicants must spend at least 14 full days in Portugal during each 2-year period and maintain the qualifying investment
Step 7: After 5 years of temporary residence, applicants may apply for Permanent Residence. Once granted, the qualifying investment no longer needs to be maintained
Step 8: After 10 years of residence, applicants may apply for Portuguese citizenship, regardless of whether Permanent Residence has been obtained
Qualifying Investment Options
Applicants may choose from the following investment routes:
- Venture Capital Funds: €500,000 investment into qualifying venture capital funds with no exposure to real estate
- Job Creation: Creation of at least 10 full-time jobs in Portugal
- Business Investment: €500,000 investment to establish a Portuguese commercial company and create at least 5 permanent jobs
- Scientific Research: €500,000 capital transfer (donation) supporting research activities at approved public or private scientific institutions
- Cultural & Artistic Support: €250,000 donation supporting artistic production or cultural heritage preservation (reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas, subject to availability)
In certain cases, retirement funds such as a 401(k), IRA, or local equivalent may be used for the investment portion of the program.
Requirements
- Applicants must be over 18 years old
- Must have a clean criminal record
- Must present no national security or reputational concerns