Portugal Golden Visa Program

A highly valuable quasi–EU status, enabling one principal applicant to obtain immigration eligibility for three generations.

Processing Time

1.5-2 years

Status Type:

Temporary Residents

Investment Requirement:

€500,000

Residency Requirement:

A minimum of 35 days of residency over a five-year period

Language Requirement:

None

Project Overview

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, commonly known as the Portugal Golden Visa Program, is a five-year residence-by-investment initiative for non-EU nationals. The program grants the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, while also allowing visa-free travel throughout Europe’s Schengen Area.

Applicants must invest a minimum of €500,000 in a fund established in Portugal that focuses on non–real estate collective investments. At least 60% of the fund’s capital must be allocated to commercial companies headquartered in Portugal, and the investment must be maintained for a minimum period of five years.

Project Advantages

Quasi–EU Status
Simplified requirements
- No background checks required
- No language proficiency requirements
- No verification of the source of funds
- No medical examination required
Low residency obligations
- Only 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each of the following two years
Citizenship benefits for children
- Children born in Portugal automatically acquire EU citizenship if either parent has held legal residency for at least one year
Extensive eligibility for dependents
- One application can cover three generations
No taxes or ongoing maintenance fees
Full ownership of investments
- All fund investments are made solely with the investor’s own capital
- Investors retain full ownership of all assets

Eligibility Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old
Must be a non-EU citizen
No criminal record
Must have a qualifying investment
Private health insurance is required (requirements vary by region; applicants must follow the rules in effect at the time of submission)
Eligible Dependents
- The principal applicant’s legal spouse
- Children under 18 years old
- Unmarried, dependent children aged 18–25 who are enrolled in education
- The principal applicant’s parents and the parents of the legal spouse can also be included as dependents

Application Process

Sign the Agreement
Open a Portuguese bank account
- Typically completed within one month
Subscribe to the Fund and Transfer Investment Capital
- Transfer the investment funds to the Portuguese personal bank account
Transfer funds to the Fund Account
Prepare immigration documents & submit online pre-approval
- Document preparation and online submission usually take 8–12 months
Submit commercial contract & formal application
- Typically completed within 1–2 months after pre-approval
Travel to Portugal for document submission & biometrics
Await approval
- Final approval generally takes 4–8 months