Portugal Golden Visa - RIF Trust

29

schengen countries

€500,000

minimum requirement

24+

months processing time

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

It also offers a path to Portugal Passport and Citizenship by Naturalization or Permanent Residence after as little as five years.

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Portuguese RBI has transformed the country and its quality of life. 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 or, if you’re feeling adventurous, on foot. Meanwhile, Portugal’s other major city, Porto, is a paradise for foodies. All thanks to the Portugal Golden Visa by Investment.

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Programme

One of the key benefits of Portugal Residency by Investment is that you can also 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 for the first year and 14 for subsequent years, 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 29 countries in the Schengen Area.

Who Can Get Portugal Residency

  • Firstly, over 18 years old
  • Secondly, have not received a custodial sentence of more than one year
  • Next, free from debts in Portugal
  • Also, source investment capital outside Portugal
  • Fifthly, able to confirm the legality of your income
  • Sixthly, no serious illnesses
  • Lastly, hold medical insurance

  • Firstly, over 18 years old
  • Plus, have not received a custodial sentence of more than one year
  • Next, no serious illnesses
  • Finally, hold medical insurance

  • Either fully financially dependent on the investor
  • Or live with the investor or study at university

  • Fully dependent on the investor
  • Over 55 years old

Programme Requirements

To be eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa, you must fulfil ONE of the following investment options AND meet other requirements:

OPTION 1. Make one of the following capital contributions:
  • Contribute €250,000 in support of either artistic output or maintenance of national heritage (€200,000 in a less densely-populated area)
  • Donate €500,000 to activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions
  • Invest €500,000 in either Portuguese investment funds or venture capital funds
OPTION 2. Realize a business investment in Portugal

You can incorporate a company or, as an alternative option, increase the share capital of an existing Portuguese company for €500,000. This must also create five local jobs for a three-year period. Another way to obtain a Portuguese Golden Visa this way is to create a minimum of 10 new jobs.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS

You must spend at least seven days per year in Portugal during your first term of residency. In each extra two-year period, you must reside in Portugal for 14 days. In terms of benefits, an attractive tax regime accompanies a high living standard. You can also add dependent children and dependent parents to your application.

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 1-24+

    Client onboarding process and your first Portugal Golden Visa

    We commence our process, naturally enough, with Form 1. This is the initial RIF Trust due diligence. After a successful screening, we will give you a Client Agreement (CA) to review and sign.

    Upon receiving the signed agreement and retainer payment, our case processing team next complete all the government forms. They also collate supporting documents. This includes documentation establishing a good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and Social Security system. What's more, we help you with opening a Portuguese bank account.

    We liaise with the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras - SEF) on your behalf as the Golden Visa applicant. You then receive your Golden Visa.

  • Year 2

    Golden Visa issued for two years

    Once the initial period of your Golden Visa Programme ends, we will assist you with the renewal. This means that you still qualify for the two-year extension. Our expert team will guide you through all the steps.

  • Year 4

    Renewing your Portuguese Golden Visa

    As the fourth year of your Portuguese Golden Visa programme approaches, we help you with the renewal. This ensures that you remain eligible.

    You will renew your Golden Visa for two years. This means you to keep your residency status in Portugal and, furthermore, enjoy all the benefits.

  • Year 5

    Achieving permanent residency or citizenship

    In year 5 of the Portugal Golden Visa Programme, you qualify for permanent residency or citizenship. Choose from either long-term residency or nationality options in Portugal. So, while the Golden Visa is not a Citizenship by Investment as such, you become eligible for Portuguese citizenship after five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Portugal Golden Visa Programme is a five-year Residency by Investment securing visa-free travel to all EU Schengen Area countries. Portuguese residency allows you to live in Portugal and study and work there too. It provides a path to either citizenship or permanent residence after five years.

The Portuguese Golden Visa requirements are minimal regarding physical presence, with seven days during the first year of residence and 14 days over the next two years. This benefits those seeking the residency for business purposes.

With the payment of additional required fees to the invested amount, spouses and dependants can also enjoy the same benefits of Portuguese residency as you. This means 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. In addition, you need to demonstrate a basic understanding (A2 level) of the Portuguese language.

Yes. For 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 Program” requires that you renew your residency every two years. After five years, if you have kept your investment, you will qualify for permanent residence or citizenship.

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

  • Firstly, be over the age of 18
  • Secondly, make a significant investment
  • Next, have not received a custodial sentence of more than one year
  • Lastly, commit to keeping your investment for at least five years.

There are a few routes to Portuguese Residency by Investment. The main two methods are as follows:

  1. Investment – €500,000 for units of either investment funds or venture capital funds
  2. Job Creation – create at least 10 employment positions within Portugal.

Subject to all requirements being fulfilled, of course, you can obtain residency from 24 months onwards. You must, however, 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.

  • 29 schengen countries to explore
  • Minimal physical presence
  • Pathway to portuguese citizenship