Portugal Golden Visa: Complete Guide 2025

Portugal's Golden Visa program is a residency-by-investment initiative launched in 2012 to attract foreign investment and talent into the country. It grants residence rights to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who make a qualifying investment in Portugal. With minimal stay requirements, a clear path to permanent residency and citizenship, and access to the European Union, it has become one of the most sought-after immigration programs in the world.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the program, including who can apply, investment options, the application process, post-approval obligations, tax implications, and frequently asked questions. Whether you are seeking a secure second residency or a path to EU citizenship, the Portugal Golden Visa offers an accessible and strategic opportunity.

Key Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa

• Legal residency in Portugal for the applicant and qualifying family members
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone
• Low minimum stay requirement: 14 days per 2-year period
• Eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years
• Access to Portuguese healthcare, education, and labor market
• Possibility to maintain tax residency outside Portugal
• Eligibility to apply under favorable tax regimes such as NHR 2.0 (for qualifying profiles)

Who Can Apply?

The Golden Visa is available to any non-EU/EEA/Swiss national who makes a qualifying investment in Portugal. The main applicant may include family members under the same application:

• Spouse or legally recognized partner
• Dependent children under 18
• Dependent children aged 18–25 who are unmarried and enrolled in full-time education
• Dependent parents of either the main applicant or spouse (generally over 65, or younger if financially dependent)
• Siblings under 18 if under the legal guardianship of the main applicant

Eligible Investment Routes (2025)

1.    Investment in Regulated Funds

• Minimum investment: €500,000
• Funds must be regulated under Portuguese law and not tied to real estate
• At least 60% must be invested in Portuguese companies
  

2.    Company Incorporation:Create a Portuguese company and at least 10 full-time jobs

3.    Research Funding:Contribution of at least €500,000 to a public or private research institution

4.    Support for Cultural Heritage:Contribution of at least €250,000 to preserve or promote Portuguese cultural heritage

5.    Commercial Investment:€500,000 in a commercial company, creating or maintaining 5 jobs for at least 3 years

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Obtain a Portuguese NIF (Tax ID Number)
2. Open a Portuguese bank account
3. Transfer funds and finalize the chosen investment
4. Submit the application online via AIMA
5. Await pre-approval (average 10–18 months)
6. Attend in-person biometrics appointment
7. Receive residence card (within ~6 months after biometrics)

All applications are now submitted digitally, except for the in-person biometrics step.

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Criminal record certificate from country of residency and nationality if different for over 16yo applicants (main applicant only needs from the country of residency)
• Portuguese NIF (all applicants)
• Foreigner taxpayer number (main applicant only)
• Proof of qualifying investment
• Sworn statement of compliance with investment requirements
• Proof of family connection with the investor (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc).

All foreign documents must be legalized (with the Hague Convention Apostille or by a Portuguese Consulate) and, if not in Portuguese, translated and certified.

Residency and Citizenship Pathway

Golden Visa residence cards are issued for 2 years, renewable every 2 years.

After 5 years of legal residence, the applicant may:

• Apply forPermanent Residency(requires A2 Portuguese)
• Apply forCitizenship(same as above)

Recent legislative discussions defines citizenship eligibility may begin from thedate of application, not residence permit issuance -potentially shortening the timeline.

Options and Considerations After 5 Years

1. Continue Golden Visa Renewal:Maintain investment, minimal physical stay
2. Apply for Permanent Residency:Requires A2 Portuguese 
3. Apply for Citizenship:Requires A2 Portuguese 
4. Convert to Another Visa Type (e.g., D7, Digital Nomad, or Entrepreneur Visas): Requires full-time residence in Portugal and tax residency

Note: Converting to another visa is a formal process and must meet new category eligibility requirements.

Timeline Overview

Government Fees (subject to change)

• Pre-analysis: €773.74 per applicant
• Approval: €7,730.11 per applicant
• Renewal: €3,865.79 per applicant
• AIMA appointment fees (varies)

Tax and Financial Planning

Golden Visa residents are not automatically tax residents. However, if spending over 183 days/year in Portugal, they may trigger residency.

Those relocating full-time may benefit from NHR 2.0, Portugal’s special tax regime, offering:

• 20% tax on Portuguese-sourced employment/self-employment income
• Tax exemptions for many foreign-source incomes for 10 years

Mobility and Schengen Access

Golden Visa holders may:

• Travel visa-free within the Schengen Area
• Use Portugal as a base for international residence

However, the Golden Visa does not grant the right to reside or work in other EU countries.

Conclusion

Portugal’s Golden Visa remains a highlystrategic path for global investors, offering flexibility, security, and access to EU benefits. With expert legal guidance and proactive planning, it is possible to navigate the application efficiently and unlock long-term opportunities for residency, citizenship, and family legacy.

For personalized support:
FRESH Portugal
immigration@freshportugal.com
www.freshportugal.com