Portugal
Golden Visa Program
€250,000 / €500,000
Donation / Fund Investment
7-10 months
Time to Residency
Yes
Travel to Schengen ZoneGolden Visa Portugal: Your Gateway to European Residency
As of January 2024, the Portuguese Golden Visa program remains active, though with reduced real estate investment options. Applicants can still invest in government bonds to obtain a Golden Visa. Notably, the time toward citizenship has changed to begin from the date of application instead of the receipt of the visa.
Portugal is one of the most desirable European countries on the west coast of the continent. With stunning Atlantic Ocean views and a rich cultural heritage, it attracts a significant number of tourists each year. As an investor in the Golden Visa program, you can enjoy everything the country offers as a permanent resident and then a citizen after a relatively short time.
Golden Visa Portugal: 5-Year Investment for Residency
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program, officially called the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), provides a pathway to European residency. It allows non-EU/EEA citizens to obtain a special residence permit in exchange for a 5-year investment in Portugal. Introduced in 2012, this program offers various investment options for those seeking residency.
As of February 2023: The Portuguese government has announced that they will be closing their residency by investment program. However, the exact date when this will happen remains unknown and it is still possible to obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal. The rules remain in effect until the government officially closes their program. We will keep you updated with relevant information.
Portugal is one of the most desirable European countries on the west coast of the continent. Boasting incredible views of the Atlantic ocean and a rich cultural heritage, the country receives strong numbers of tourists each year. As an investor in the Golden Visa program, you can enjoy everything the country has to offer as a permanent resident and after a relatively short time a citizen.
Portugal’s Golden Visa Program – officially the residence permit for investment activity (ARI) – enables non-EU/EEA citizens to obtain a special residence permit in exchange for a 5-year investment in Portugal since its implementation in 2012.
Quick Facts
Population
>10,000,000
Capital
Lisbon
Currency
Euro
Total Area
92,212km2
Visa Free Countries
190+
Language
Portuguese
Portugal Residency Benefits
Obtaining a permanent residency in Portugal will open new opportunities to the investor and transform their life.
A Path to EU Citizenship
A Portugal Golden Visa allows the investor to apply for a permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after 5 years. This is one of the quickest paths toward European citizenship through an investment program.
A ‘Safe Haven’ for your family
Portugal enjoys a politically stable climate with a growing economy. As an investor, you and your family are not obligated to live in Portugal, but have the possibility to live there whenever you need to.
New Business Opportunities
For business owners looking to expand into the European market, a Portugal residency will create new opportunities. As a Golden Visa holder, you can register a business in Portugal and access the European Union as a market.
Live and Work in the European Union
Given its member status in the European Union and the Schengen Zone, Portugal is part of the vast network of countries in Europe that allow free travel without borders in the Union. Traveling inside the EU can be incredibly difficult and frustrating for foreigners. With a golden visa to Portugal you have the opportunity to travel freely through the EU.
Access to World-Class Healthcare
Portugal has ranked as one of the best countries for patient care and medical services innovation globally. As a permanent resident of the country, you and your family will have access to great healthcare. Additionally, public education in Portugal is incredibly strong and can provide great opportunities if you plan to have children in the future.
Why Portugal
Portugal has a strong cultural history with a solid presence and position on the world stage. With a Golden Visa in Portugal, you can enjoy a calm country to retreat to with all the benefits of being a resident in the European Union. The rules for the program are straightforward and can lead to citizenship in Portugal within 5 years.
Investment Options & Other Fees*
Portugal offers a number of investment options that can lead to a Golden Visa. With the six options below, you and your family have a wealth of choices depending on your preferences.
*Please note that the below prices are not inclusive of miscellaneous government fees and a legal management fee calculated on a case-by-case basis. Prices are subject to change based on government regulations. Please contact one of our advisors for a personalized quote.
Option 1
Purchase Real Estate
€280,000+
The cost of a real estate investment in Portugal varies depending on the age and area of the investment. For a purchase of a residence built more than 30 years ago you must invest at least €350,000 if it is located in a designated restoration area. For a low population area you pay €280,000. Real estate in new areas must be at least €500,000 while in a less populated areas it is €400,000. You can resell the property after 5 years with a return on your initial investment.
Real Estate Purchase Cost
€280,000+
Residence Card Fee
€5,340 per person
Medical Insurance
€400+ per person
Option 1
Investment Fund Units
€500,000+
Upon investing at least €500,000+ in a fund for residential or commercial real estate in Portugal, an investor is eligible to apply for a Golden Visa. The investment is held for at least 5 years with a positive return after 6-10 years on average. If you are a Portuguese resident the tax rate is 14%. For non-resident investors it is 0%
Fund Investment
€500,000
Residence Card Fee
€5,340 per person
Medical Insurance
€400+ per person
Option 2
Support cultural heritage restoration and the arts
€250,000+
You can apply for a Portugal Golden Visa with a donation into a fund that restores Portuguese cultural heritage and the arts. This investment does not provide any return or additional income.
Donation
€250,000+
Residence Card Fee
€5,340 per person
Medical Insurance
€400+ per person
Option 3
Invest in Research
€500,000+
With this option, you need to invest at least €500,000 in public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system. This option is only available for government-approved entities.
Fund Investment
€500,000
Residence Card Fee
€5,340 per person
Medical Insurance
€400+ per person
Option 4
Bank Deposit
€1,500,000+
You are eligible to apply for a Golden Visa through a capital transfer of €1,500,000 to Portugal.
Capital Transfer
€1,500,000
Residence Card Fee
€5,340 per person
Medical Insurance
€400+ per person
Option 5
Business Investment
€500,000
Upon investing €500,000 in a Portuguese business that creates at least 5 jobs, you and your family are eligible to apply for a Portugal Golden Visa.
Business Investment
€500,000
Residence Card Fee
€5,340 per person
Medical Insurance
€400+ per person
Eligibility Criteria
In order to qualify to apply for a Portugal citizenship, applicants must have:
- Clean Criminal Record
- Valid Passport (with a minimum validity of six months)
- National Identity documents from Country of Birth or Country of Residence
- Birth Certificates
- Additional Documentation including CVs, Education, and Work History
- Valid Proof of Address
Portugal allows applicants to include their close family members as dependents on their Residency application. All family members receive their Residencies together, and are eligible to apply for Citizenship together after a period of 5 years, and in consideration of all other criteria for Citizenship application set forth by the Government of Portugal.
Eligible Dependents that you can include in an application are:
- The spouse of the applicant
- Minors of the couple or of one of the members of the couple
- Adopted children by an unmarried applicant or by his/her spouse, provided such adoption was authorized by the relevant authority of the country of origin
- Children of age, who are financially dependent on one or both parents, provided they are single and studying
- First degree ascendants (parents) of the couple on the condition that they are financially dependent; Minor siblings (on the condition that they are legally under the responsibility of the resident in their country of origin).
Restrictions: All Nationalities are eligible to apply for a Golden Visa in Portugal except Russians and Belarusians.
The Process
Free Consultation
(30-60 minutes)
Vancis Capital’s Due
Diligence (1 day)
Preparing your Documents (2-4 weeks)
Making the Investment
Application for Golden Visa
(6-7 months)
Receive your Portugal Residence
Card (1-2 months)
Take charge of your future with our expert advisors
Get in touch to discuss how we can help you with your citizenship or residency by investment goals. One of our investment migration experts will contact you to discuss your case. With over 16 years of combined experience our team has helped hundreds of families achieve freedom.
