Portugal Golden Visa Program

Program Overview

The Portugal Golden Visa Program, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), is an active investment-based immigration pathway that allows non-EU investors to obtain Portuguese residency through qualifying financial investments. Launched in October 2012 during Portugal’s economic recovery, the program has evolved to attract international capital while providing investors with EU residency benefits and a pathway to European citizenship.

Key Benefits

• EU Residency: Full residency rights in Portugal for investors and their families
• Schengen Access: Visa-free travel throughout the 26-country Schengen Area
• Pathway to Citizenship: Route to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years
• Family Inclusion: Coverage for spouse/partner, children, and dependent parents
• Minimal Stay Requirement: Only 7 days per year average (14 days in any 2-year period)
• Work and Study Rights: Permission to live, work, and study in Portugal and EU
• EU Passport Access: After citizenship, visa-free travel to 190 countries

Investment Requirements

Cultural Heritage Donation

Minimum Investment: €250,000 donation to approved cultural heritage organizations

• Focus: Direct contribution to preservation of Portuguese national cultural heritage
• Structure: Full donation amount allocated to government-approved projects
• Benefits: Most accessible investment option for Golden Visa qualification

Investment Fund Option

Minimum Investment: €500,000 in government-regulated investment funds

• Requirements: Fund must allocate at least 60% of capital within Portugal
• Fund Types: Venture capital, private equity, or qualifying investment funds
• Options: Range from new Golden Visa-specific funds to established institutional funds
• Investment Period: Minimum 5-year holding period required

Research and Development Investment

Minimum Investment: €500,000 in public or private scientific research institutions

• Focus: Supporting advancement of Portuguese scientific research and development
• Target: Institutional research activities and innovation projects

Discontinued Options

Real Estate Investment: No longer available as of October 2023

• Previous property investment routes have been permanently discontinued
• Applicants must choose from current active investment categories

Additional Requirements

• Non-EU citizenship and minimum age of 18 years
• Clean criminal record from country of residence and Portugal
• Portuguese NIF (Tax Identification Number)
• Portuguese bank account
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Proof of sufficient financial means beyond investment
• Valid passport and properly translated/apostilled documentation

Application Process

Documentation Requirements

• Valid passport and passport-sized photographs
• Proof of qualifying investment and legal source of funds
• Criminal record certificates from Portugal and country of residence
• Portuguese NIF (Tax Identification Number)
• Health insurance coverage
• Bank account statements and financial documentation
• Professional translation of all documents into Portuguese

Application Costs

• Single applicant: €5,000-€8,000 in fees and legal representation
• Family applications: Additional costs for dependents aged 18+
• Government processing fees
• Legal and professional service fees
• Translation and apostille costs

Renewal and Permanent Residency

Initial Permit Duration: 2 years, renewable for 2-year periods Renewal Requirements: Maintain qualifying investment and minimum stay Minimum Stay: 7 days per year average (14 days in any 2-year period) Permanent Residency: Available after 5 years of legal residence Citizenship Eligibility: After 5 years with A2-level Portuguese language proficiency

Financial Considerations

Direct Costs

• Minimum investment: €250,000 (cultural donation) to €500,000 (funds/research)
• Application fees: €5,000-€8,000 for single applicant
• Legal and professional services
• Translation and documentation costs
• Ongoing fund management fees (for investment fund option)

Tax Implications

Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Status: Favorable 10-year tax regime available

• Foreign Income: Potentially tax-exempt under NHR
• Portuguese Income: 20% flat rate on qualifying high-value activities
• Investment Returns: Subject to Portuguese tax regulations
• Capital Gains: Applicable taxes on investment fund profits

Investment Analysis

Fund Investment Considerations:

• Minimum 5-year holding requirement
• 60% Portuguese capital allocation requirement
• Potential returns vs. management fees
• Risk assessment of venture capital vs. private equity options

Family Inclusion

Eligible Family Members

• Spouse/Partner: Legal marriage not required for life partners
• Children: Under 18 years (included at no extra charge)
• Adult Children: Any age if unmarried, studying full-time, and financially dependent
• Parents: Over 65 years of age (main applicant and/or spouse)
• Dependent Parents: Under 65 if financially dependent

Family Benefits

• Same residency rights as main applicant
• Access to Portuguese healthcare and education systems
• Schengen Area travel privileges
• Pathway to Portuguese citizenship after 5 years

Contact Us Today To Begin Your Journey

The Portugal Golden Visa is a valuable investment that can open up a world of opportunities for you and your family. Contact Alliance Visas today to learn more about how you can qualify for this prestigious visa or fill in our eligibility form below.

We look forward to helping you make Portugal your new home.

FAQs

What are the current investment options for Portugal’s Golden Visa in 2025?

Portugal offers three main investment routes: €250,000 cultural heritage donation, €500,000 investment in qualifying funds (allocating 60% in Portugal), and €500,000 investment in research and development institutions. Real estate investment is no longer available since October 2023.

What are the minimum stay requirements for Portugal’s Golden Visa?

The minimum stay requirement is only 7 days per year on average, specifically 14 days in any 2-year period. This is one of the most flexible residency requirements among European Golden Visa programs, allowing investors to maintain their primary residence elsewhere while building towards Portuguese citizenship.

How long does it take to process a Portugal Golden Visa application?

The total processing time is typically 10-14 months from initial application to final approval. This includes the expression of interest, pre-approval stage, document submission, biometric data collection, and final analysis by SEF (Portuguese Immigration Service). Processing times may vary based on application volume and complexity.

What tax benefits are available to Portugal Golden Visa holders?

Portugal offers the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, providing up to 10 years of favorable taxation. Foreign-sourced income may be tax-exempt under NHR status, while Portuguese income from high-value activities is taxed at a flat rate of 20%. This regime is particularly attractive for retirees and high-income professionals.

Can family members be included in the Portugal Golden Visa application?

 Yes, the program includes extensive family reunification benefits. Eligible family members include spouse/life partner, children under 18 (at no extra charge), adult children who are unmarried and financially dependent, and parents over 65. Dependent parents under 65 are also eligible if financially dependent on the main applicant.