portugal

Residence | Portugal

About Portugal

Portugal is an EU member state located in the most western point of Europe and it stands as one of the oldest countries within the continent. Its serene coastal areas, warm Mediterranean climate, and diverse economic activity has made Portugal a desirable location for many wealthy individuals looking for a second residence. Its desirability is bolstered by its rich historical/cultural roots, educational opportunities, vast healthcare options, and reassured levels of safety and security. Portugal is considered as one of the world’s most globalized and peaceful countries. Its official language is Portuguese and its population stands at approximately 10.2 million.

Country Information

  • Location: Europe

  • Language: Portuguese

  • Population: 10.2 million

  • Economy: Tourism & Manufacturing

  • Currency: Euro

portugal residence by investment

The Portuguese Golden Visa program was established in 2012, allowing non - EU nationals to legally attain residence though direct financial contribution (either by government donation, fund investment, or job creation). The applicant for residency may include his immediate family (spouse, dependent children under the age of 26, and parents above the age of 65). After the fifth year of holding the Golden Visa, an applicant and his family are eligible for both Permanent Residence and Citizenship, without the need to fulfill physical residency requirements. Portugal is the only EU residence by investment program of its kind that allows citizens the eligibility for citizenship without physical residency requirements.

Investment Requirements

Options: Government Donation, Fund Investment, or Job Creation

  • Option 1: Government Donation option starts at EUR 250,000

  • Option 2: Fund Investment option starts at EUR 500,000 (Fund Investment entails the acquisition of a Portuguese investment fund or venture capital fund)

  • Option 3: Job Creation option has two routes

    Route 1: an investment of EUR 500,000 into an existing Portuguese company while creating 5 jobs for a minimum of 3 years

    Route 2: Establishing a company and creating 10 jobs

  • Please note that there are additional government and legal fees; real estate investment has additional property tax/closing costs

Process & time to residence

  • Step 1: Gather required documents

  • Step 2: Get NIF and open a bank account

  • Step 3: Choose and finalize investment

  • Step 4: Submit residency application

  • Step 5: Schedule and attend SEF appointment for biometrics

  • Step 6: Receive Portuguese Golden Visa

    *Issuance of Portuguese residence is approximately 12 months after submission of application

Eligible Dependents

  • Main applicant’s spouse

  • Children under the age of 26 (children above 18 must must be unmarried and enrolled in a full time educational institution to prove dependency)

  • Main applicant/spouse parents above the age of 65

Residence Benefits

  • Visa free mobility within Europe’s Schengen area

  • Financial planning, access to EU banking, and no global taxation

  • No physical residency requirements to maintain residency

  • No Physical residency requirements for citizenship eligibility

  • Access to both educational opportunities and healthcare

  • Ability to live in Portugal

  • Eligibility for citizenship after five years of Golden Visa issuance with minimal physical residence requirements

  • Family security in global instability

POrtugal residence by investment program FAQS

  • The Portuguese Residence by Investment Program, commonly known as the Golden Visa, allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency in Portugal by making a qualifying investment. The program offers a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after five years, without requiring full-time residency in Portugal.

  • Eligibility requirements include:

    • Being a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen

    • Having no criminal record

    • Making a qualifying investment in Portugal (fund investment or donation)

    • Meeting the minimum investment thresholds specified by the program.

  • Key benefits include:

    • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone.

    • Opportunity to apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years.

    • Minimal physical presence requirement (only seven days per year on average).

    • Access to Portugal’s high-quality healthcare, education, and business opportunities.

    • Inclusion of family members in the application.

  • The minimum investment depends on the type of investment chosen, such as:

    • €500,000 investment in a fund

    • €250,000 donation in arts or cultural heritage projects

  • The application process typically takes 4 - 6 months from submission to approval, depending on the complexity of the case and processing times at SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service).

  • Eligible investments include:

    • Company Establishment and Creation of at least 10 jobs in Portugal.

    • Minimum Investment of EUR 500,000 in a qualified Portuguese fund

    • Minimum Donation of EUR 250.000 to a scientific research or cultural projects

  • Yes, Portugal permits dual citizenship. After five years of residency, Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship without renouncing their original citizenship.

  • Golden Visa holders are not automatically subject to Portuguese taxes unless they reside in Portugal for more than 183 days in a year. Portugal also offers the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which provides significant tax benefits for new residents.

  • Commonly required documents include, but not limited to:

    • Valid passport

    • Proof of qualifying investment

    • Criminal record certificate from the country of origin

    • Portuguese tax identification number (NIF)

    • Proof of health insurance coverage in Portugal

  • Yes, family members, including a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents, can be included in the application. They will also enjoy the same residency benefits.

  • Residency cards are initially issued for one year and then renewed for two-year periods. Applicants must maintain their investment and meet the minimum stay requirement (seven days per year or 14 days every two years).

  • No, the program requires minimal physical presence. You must stay in Portugal for at least seven days per year or 14 days over a two-year period to meet residency obligations.

  • Yes, the fund investment must be maintained until you obtain permanent residency or citizenship. Afterward, you may potentially get back your investment without affecting your status.

  • Portugal is known for its affordable cost of living compared to other EU countries. Monthly expenses for a family of four can range between €2,000 and €3,000, depending on the city and lifestyle.

  • Portugal’s Golden Visa stands out due to its flexible residency requirements, relatively low investment thresholds, and the ability to gain citizenship in just five years. It also offers access to the Schengen Zone and a high quality of life.

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Aryzen Global assists clients internationally in obtaining residence, citizenship and/or real estate under the respective programs. Contact us to arrange a private consultation with one of our expert advisors.