Freedom of Movement
As a Portuguese resident within the European Union, residents enjoy freedom of movement throughout the Schengen area.
Portugal Residency by Investment Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, in good health, and without a criminal record. You are required to visit Portugal for 7 days per year in the first 5 years.
Investment options include purchasing real estate, making a capital transfer, or creating job openings in Portugal.
Who Can Apply
Main Applicant Requirements
- 18+ years of age
- Good health
- No criminal record
- Successfully pass due diligence checks
- Confirmed investment sources
Eligible Dependents
- Spouse of the main applicant
- Children (biological or adopted) under 18 years of age
- Dependent parents
Portugal Residency by Investment Benefits
Health & Education
Residents and families may study at Portuguese schools and universities while accessing world-class healthcare.
Minimal Residency Required
Physical residency requirements are minimal: visit Portugal for 7 days per year.
Pathway to Citizenship
After fulfilling minimal requirements, residents may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years.
High-Ranked Passport
The Portuguese passport ranks among the top 5 globally for travel ease.
Ease of Travel
Portuguese citizens can travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to over 185 countries and territories, including the United States, European Union nations, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Legal Basis
Order n. 1661-A/2013 and Act n. 29/2012 of August 9 amended Act n. 23/2007 of July 4, establishing a special legal resident status for investment activities. This framework allows shortened residency requirements of 7 days per year for 5 years, after which applicants and families may apply for citizenship.
Costs of Portugal Golden Visa
Investment options were revised in July 2015 through Act 63/2015 and Regulatory Decree 15-A/2015.
Investment in Investment Fund
Minimum InvestmentEUR 500,000
Application Fees
Main Applicant FeeEUR 605.10
Dependent Fee (per person)EUR 605.10
Ongoing Costs During Period of EU Residency (AIMA Authorities)
New golden visa cardEUR 6,045.20
Golden visa card application feesEUR 605.10
Golden visa card renewal feesEUR 3,023.20
Application Process For Portugal Golden Visa
Expected timeframe: 6-12 months. Document collection duration varies based on the applicant's ability to gather required materials. The review stage depends on government scheduling and factors beyond the control of authorized agents.
01
Eligibility consultation
Initial consultation between the firm and client to verify eligibility for the golden visa program.
02
Engagement & down payment
Client makes a downpayment against professional fees and signs an engagement agreement for application assistance.
03
NIF, bank account & investment
The firm assists in obtaining a Portuguese tax/NIF number and opening a personal bank account. Client transfers investment to their personal account, then to the fund company.
04
Document preparation
Once investment is completed, the firm assists in preparing and gathering required documentation.
05
Submission & pre-approval
Application is submitted to Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA) for review. Upon completion, the government issues a pre-approval notification.
06
Biometrics & final approval
After pre-approval, the client travels to Portugal for biometrics submission. Upon completion, final approval is issued and golden visa cards are printed.
Visa-free Countries for Portugal Residency
Residents gain visa-free circulation in the Schengen Area. After receiving Portuguese citizenship—which holds the 3rd most powerful passport ranking according to the Passport Index 2021—citizens receive visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to over 186 countries.
29 Countries & Territories (visa-free and visa-on-arrival)
