Residency by Investment
in Portugal
- •One of the most popular programmes in the world
- •Route to EU citizenship within five years
- •Favourable tax benefits
Minimum Investment Amount
€500,000
Processing Time
3 - 8 Months
Key Residency Benefit
Visa Free Travel
Why is Portugal a popular investment location?
Portugal is the westernmost European country. Its colonies extended across Africa, Brazil, Persia, Indochina and the Malay Peninsula, creating one of the world’s most globalised and peaceful nations. Portugal is considered very safe and has a low crime rate. Although Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist regions.
Portugal is a member of the Schengen area and began using the Euro as its currency in 2002. While Portugal is shifting towards offering business-oriented services, it remains deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage and traditional industries. The country is renowned for its wine production, as well as its seafood cuisine and vibrant festivals.
About the Portugal Residency by Investment programme
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency by investment programme aimed at non-EU/EEA citizens seeking permanent residency.
The Portuguese government launched the Golden Visa programme in October 2012 to boost the country’s economy by driving foreign investment. Today, the programme is one of the most popular of its kind in the world and has raised over €7.5 billion.
With a range of investment options, including capital transfers, the programme grants you a residency permit to live, work and study in Portugal. The country offers a high quality of life and affordable living costs. Those who qualify also benefit from greater freedom of movement, with visa-free access to 188 countries, including European Union countries in the Schengen Area.
The programme also offers long-term benefits. Applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship, permanent residence and an EU passport after holding residency status for five years. Portugal citizenship by investment is becoming increasingly popular due to the high standards of living that Portuguese residents enjoy.
What are the Benefits of Residency by Investment in Portugal?
Live, work and study in Portugal
Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area
Path to EU citizenship
Low minimum stay requirements
Multiple investment options from €250,000
Highly favourable tax system
Live, work and study in Portugal
Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area
Path to EU citizenship
Low minimum stay requirements
Multiple investment options from €250,000
Highly favourable tax system
How to obtain Residency by Investment in Portugal
Capital Transfer
A capital transfer of at least €500,000 in research activities can be made, or €250,000 in preserving national heritage in Portugal. Unlike business-based routes that focus on employing staff and building enterprises, this pathway involves contributing funds directly without the need to establish a business.
Capital transfer of at least €500,000 for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital funds for the capitalisation of companies whose maturity at the time of the investment is at least 5 years, and at least 60% of the value of investments will be realised in commercial companies based in Portugal.
€500,000 constitution of a commercial society with head office in Portugal and creation of 5 permanent working jobs.
Invest into funds
Capital transfer of €500,000 or higher to invest in an investment fund or venture capital fund incorporated under Portuguese law which is dedicated to the capitalisation of companies, whose maturity at the moment of the investment is at least five years and with 60% of the investment portfolio realised in commercial companies with their head office in national territory.
Investment options
Investment routes generally require a minimum of €500,000.
However, innovative financing options have emerged, allowing for reduced initial capital outlay:
A provider now offers a financing solution, lending the full €500,000 investment for a seven year term at a cost of €168,000.
This option provides a lower-cost alternative to the €250,000 donation route, appealing to those looking to minimise upfront capital requirements.
Profit-Generating Investment Opportunity
As of now, investors can access an opportunity with an upfront return of €101,000, which can be applied towards the €500,000 investment:
Initial capital required: €399,000.
Additional loan facilities are available to cover up to €74,000, reducing the total upfront investment to €325,000.
This option not only qualifies investors for the Golden Visa but also allows them to offset costs and potentially cover related expenses, such as golden visa card fees.
Track your application from start to finish in our App
Key Benefit of Residency by Investment in Portugal
The Portugal Golden visa is a popular route to obtaining EU citizenship. It is possible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after the 5th year of holding the Portuguese Golden Visa.
As Portugal is an EU country, obtaining Portuguese citizenship gives the investor and their family access to additional EU benefits. These include the ability to live, work and study anywhere in the EU. Portugal passport holders are also granted visa-free travel to 188 countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Portugal Application Process
Your investment is secured, and your application is submitted
Your investment is secured, and your application is submitted
Golden Visa application is approved
Golden Visa application is approved
Golden Visa cards are issued for a 2 year period
Golden Visa cards are issued for a 2 year period
Your Golden Visa is renewed for two years, providing that all the requirements have been met
Your Golden Visa is renewed for two years, providing that all the requirements have been met
Your Golden Visa is renewed for another two years, providing that all the requirements have been met
Your Golden Visa is renewed for another two years, providing that all the requirements have been met
Application for citizenship is submitted
Application for citizenship is submitted
Citizenship is obtained and EU passports are granted
Citizenship is obtained and EU passports are granted
Which programme is right for you?
| Citizenship or Residency Programme? | No | - | - |
| Minimum Investment Amount | €500,000 | - | - |
| Minimum Stay Requirement | 5 weeks per 5 years | - | - |
| Initial Permit Duration | 5 years | - | - |
| Time to Residence | 12 months | - | - |
| Time to Citizenship | 5 years | - | - |
| Family Inclusion? | Spouse, children under 21 and parents | - | - |
| Right to Work? | Yes | - | - |
| Type of Document Received | Residency permit, leading to passport | - | - |
| No. of Visa-Free Countries with Passport? | 188 | - | - |