189

visa-free countries

€250,000

minimum requirement

12-18

months processing time

The Portugal Golden Visa Programme provides visa-free travel within the Schengen Area thanks to the country’s EU membership.

It also provides a flexible path to Portuguese and European Union citizenship or permanent residence after as little as five years.

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Portuguese RBI has transformed the country. From being one of the poorer countries in the EU, it has become one of the powerhouses.

The capital Lisbon is the San Francisco of Europe whose steep hills you can navigate by tram. Portugal’s other major city, Porto, is a paradise for foodies.

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Programme

One of the key benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Programme is that you can extend your application to dependants. This provides an excellent option for families seeking a European base.

With just seven days of residence required within Portugal per year, this allows you to enjoy a primary residence in a non-EU country.

The Portuguese RBI scheme provides you with a straightforward, flexible path to citizenship or permanent residence after five years.

Through the Golden Visa Programme, you and your family can travel visa-free through 27 countries in the Schengen Area.

Who Can Get Portugal Residency

  • Over 18 years old
  • With no criminal record or prosecution
  • Free from debts in Portugal
  • Source investment capital outside Portugal
  • Able to confirm the legality of your income
  • No serious illnesses
  • Hold medical insurance

  • Over 18 years old
  • Have no criminal record or prosecution
  • No serious illnesses
  • Hold medical insurance

  • Fully financially dependent on the investor
  • Live with the investor or study at university

  • Over 55 years old

Programme Requirements

To be eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa, you must:

OPTION 1. Purchase property

Buy real estate worth at least €500,000. If these are tourist developments, you are limited to Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and the coast. Investors can only purchase for personal use in lower-density areas. These are inland, and on Madeira and the Azores. This will reduce to €400,000 in low-population density areas.

Make a property purchase worth at least €350,000 in developments constructed more than 30 years ago. You can also buy in an area of urban regeneration. The programme restricts purchases to metropolitan areas. This figure will drop to €280,000 in low-population density areas.

OPTION 2. Make one of the following capital contributions:
  • Contribute €250,000 in support of artistic output or maintenance of national heritage
  • Donate €500,000 to research undertaken by public or private scientific research institutions
  • Invest €500,000 in Portuguese investment funds or venture capital funds
  • Make a €1.5 million capital transfer to a Portuguese bank.
OPTION 3. Realize a business investment in Portugal

You can incorporate a company or increase the share capital of an existing Portuguese company for €500,000. This must create five local jobs for a three-year period. Alternatively, create a minimum of 10 new jobs.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS

Spend seven days in Portugal during the first year of residency. In each subsequent two-year period, you must reside in Portugal for 14 days. There is an attractive tax regime married to a high living standard.

Speak to a global expert

The RIF Trust team has global experts in over 20 countries. We can advise in 14 languages. Let us help you find the perfect investment migration solution.

The RIF Trust team has global experts in over 20 countries. We can advise in 14 languages. Let us help you find the perfect investment migration solution.

Application Process

  • Months 1-18

    Client onboarding process and your first Golden Visa

    We commence our process with Form 1. This enables us to carry out the initial RIF Trust, part of Latitude Group, due diligence. Following the successful screening, we will provide you with a Client Agreement (CA) for review and signature.

    Upon receiving the signed agreement and retainer payment, our legal team will complete all the necessary government forms and supporting documents. We will help you open a bank account.

    If you make a property investment, you will need to execute a sales and purchase agreement with the developer. We will liaise with the property developer and Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras - SEF) on your behalf to assist where necessary. We will then arrange for you to receive your Golden Visa.

  • Year 2

    Golden Visa issued for two years

    Once the initial validity period of your Golden Visa ends, we will assist you in the renewal process, ensuring that you continue to meet the eligibility requirements for an additional two-year extension. Our expert team will guide you through the necessary steps.

  • Year 4

    Renewing your Portuguese Golden Visa

    When the fourth year of your Golden Visa programme approaches, we will once again help you with the renewal process, ensuring that you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and all requirements.

    After completing the renewal process, your Golden Visa will be renewed for an additional two years, allowing you to maintain your residency status in Portugal and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.

  • Year 5

    Achieving permanent residency or citizenship

    In year 5 of the Portugal Golden Visa programme, you become eligible for permanent residency or citizenship. You can take advantage of long-term residency or nationality options in Portugal with various benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Portugal Golden Visa Programme is a five-year residency option for those seeking visa-free travel to all countries within the EU Schengen Area. The Portuguese residency allows you to live, work, and study within Portugal. It provides a flexible path to citizenship or permanent residence after five years.

The Portugal Golden Visa requirements are relatively minimal with regard to physical presence, with just seven days during the first year of residence and 14 days during the following two years. This is beneficial for those seeking the residency primarily for business purposes, as it requires little time away from normal working conditions.

With the payment of additional required fees, spouses and dependants can also enjoy the same benefits of Portuguese residency as you, meaning access to high-quality Portuguese schools and universities.

In order to qualify for citizenship, you must have held residency status for at least five years and have a basic understanding (A2 level) of the Portuguese language.

As long as you have held residency status for at least one year, your future children will automatically receive Portuguese citizenship if they are born in the country.

The Portugal Golden Visa requirements state that residency must be renewed after every two years. After five years, provided you have maintained your investment, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

In order to make an application for a Golden Visa in Portugal, you must fulfil the following requirements:

  • Be over the age of 18
  • Make a significant investment
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Commit to maintaining your investment for at least five years.

There are a few ways of gaining Portuguese Residency by Investment, which vary in complexity and financial output. The main three methods are as follows:

  1. Purchase of property – starting from €280,000 (with conditions)
  2. Investment – €500,000 for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital funds
  3. Job Creation – create at least 10 employment positions within Portugal.

Subject to all requirements being fulfilled, you can obtain residency within 12 to 18 months. You must continue to meet requirements throughout the application process in order to retain Portuguese residency.

Speak to one of our global experts and begin your journey today

Our team operates in over 20 countries worldwide, securing second citizenship or residency in desirable locations and unlocking a brighter future.

  • 27 schengen countries to explore
  • 12-18 months application processing time
  • Minimal physical presence
  • Pathway to portuguese citizenship

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