Portugal
Golden Visa
Golden Residence Permit Program for living by the ocean
and travelling across Europe visa-free
€250,000+
Investment
amount
12+ months
Obtaining
period
5 years
To citizenship
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+351 21 804 7170
Portugal
Portugal introduced its Golden Visa Program in 2012, which allows investors to obtain residence permits. This initiative has gained significant traction, with over 32,000 applicants and their families securing residency since its inception.
Investors can choose from five investment options: supporting the arts and cultural heritage, funding research projects, purchasing units in investment funds, establishing a new company, or investing in an existing business. Those who opt for investment fund units can expect to recoup their investment within 5 to 10 years by selling the asset.
7 benefits of the Portugal
Golden Visa
| 1 | Visa-free travel to the Schengen countries | Portuguese residents visit the Schengen Area without a visa and spend up to 90 days out of 180 there. |
| 2 | Creating a "safe haven" | The Golden Visa grants holders the right to enter Portugal anytime, even if the borders are closed. Once in the country, residents can stay indefinitely. However, living in Portugal is a choice rather than a requirement; investors are only obligated to spend seven days per year in the country. |
| 3 | Moving to Portugal | Portugal is a developed European nation known for its warm climate, stunning landscapes, and pristine beaches. It also offers an affordable cost of living and a high level of safety, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. |
| 4 | Work or business in a European country | Golden Visa holders may work in Portugal or register companies there. |
| 5 | Access to quality healthcare and education | Residents can access medical services at Portuguese clinics and can travel visa-free to other Schengen countries for short-term treatment, with the option to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. |
| 6 | EU citizenship in 5 years | Investors can apply for permanent residence or citizenship after five years of residency without needing to live in Portugal full-time. They simply need to meet the program requirements and renew their residence permits to maintain their status.
As Portuguese citizens, they can live in any EU country and enjoy visa-free travel to 172 nations, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia. |
| 7 | Citizenship for newborn children | A child gets citizenship if born in Portugal to foreigners who have obtained a residence permit at least one year prior to the child’s birth. |
Practical guide to obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa
- Step-by-step procedure
- Requirements for applicants
- Required documents
- Frequently asked questions and answers
Who can get a Portugal Golden Visa
- Over 18
No criminal record or prosecution
- Money for investments is earned outside of Portugal
- No debts in Portugal
- Capable of confirming the legality of the income
- Medical insurance
Spouse
Children under 18
- Financially dependent on the investor
Live with the investor or study at a university
- Financially dependent on the investor
Investment options for the
Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal offers five investment options. The minimum investment threshold is €250,000: it is in action under the supporting arts option. The most popular choice is purchasing investment fund units for a minimum of €500,000.
The two real estate investment options were abolished on October 2nd, 2023. One can no longer get a Portugal Golden Visa based on the property purchase.
Purchase of investment fund units — €500,000+
An investment fund is a financial entity designed to attract and grow capital. It gathers funds to invest in various assets, such as commercial real estate, Portuguese businesses, industrial properties, or the European stock market.
The minimum investment in such a fund is €500,000, with a required holding period of at least five years. Typically, investors can expect to have their money returned within 6 to 10 years. The fund generates profits, which are distributed among investors after deducting a commission.
| Purchase of fund units | €500,000+ |
|---|---|
| Fund commission when investing | Up to 7,5% |
| Annual fund commission on profits | 0.5 to 3% |
| Tax on investment income for Portuguese tax residents | 14% |
| Tax on investment income for non-residents | 0% |
| Medical insurance | €400+ per person |
| Application fee | €605 per family member |
| Residence permit card | €6,045 per family member |
Supporting arts and restoring cultural heritage — €250,000+
Investments in research activities — €500,000+
Business investments — €500,000+
With the creation of at least 5 jobs
Opening a company
Creation of at least 10 jobs
Differences between the Golden Visa and other residence permit types
| Golden Visa | Other types of residence permits | |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory residing in the country | 7 days a year | 183 days a year |
| Permanent residing in the country to qualify for citizenship | Not required | Required |
| Mandatory owning or renting residential property | Not required | Required |
Required documents for
obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa
To apply for the Portugal investment visa, one must provide the following:
- a copy of a passport;
- a birth certificate, if applicable;
- a marriage certificate, if applicable;
- evidence and entry and legal stay in Portugal;
- a tax identification number of the country of residence;
- a certificate of no criminal record;
- a document authorising AIMA to access criminal records in Portugal;
- a sworn statement declaring compliance with the minimum quantitative and temporal requirements of the investment activity;
- evidence of proper tax filing;
- evidence of an international and effective transfer of funds for investing;
- health insurance.
The applicant must also provide documents proving the investment was made. For instance, a company registration certificate or a declaration issued by a scientific research institution. The required documents depend on the chosen option.
All documents must be translated into Portugues
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Frequently asked questions
Obtaining second citizenship allows individuals to hold multiple passports, offering a gateway to global mobility and new possibilities, even in cases where countries do not officially recognize dual citizenship. While each country may consider the person solely its citizen, high-net-worth individuals can take advantage of citizenship-by-investment programs. These second passports open doors to visa-free travel, optimized tax strategies, and enhanced opportunities for the entire family, giving them greater freedom and security on an international scale.
Dual citizenship occurs when two countries have established a formal agreement, allowing an individual to hold legitimate citizenship status in both nations. In contrast, second citizenship refers to situations where no such agreement exists, meaning each country recognizes the person solely as its citizen.
For high-net-worth investors, acquiring a second passport is possible through citizenship-by-investment programs, which often involve purchasing property or making a contribution to the country’s economic development. This second citizenship grants access to visa-free travel, greater flexibility to relocate, and various other appealing benefits tailored to global citizens seeking enhanced opportunities.
Citizenship-by-investment programs offer high-net-worth individuals a fast-track route to obtaining a second passport, bypassing traditional residency, language requirements, or societal integration. Applicants can secure citizenship in just a few months, often without even stepping foot in the country.
A range of nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Vanuatu, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Turkey, and Egypt, provide these programs, offering investors the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of citizenship, such as visa-free travel and enhanced global mobility, without the usual long-term commitments.
Several countries offer Citizenship by Investment (CIP) programs, with the Caribbean being a popular destination. The following Caribbean nations have established CIPs:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- St. Lucia
- St. Kitts and Nevis
For those seeking the fastest option, Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation, stands out, with investors able to obtain citizenship in just over a month.
Turkey and Egypt also provide citizenship through investment programs, while Malta offers a unique path to citizenship for exceptional services, which can be acquired after one to three years of residency. These programs provide wealthy individuals with a swift and efficient way to secure a second passport.
The advantages of obtaining a second passport vary depending on the country. For instance, a Turkish passport allows investors not only to reside in Turkey but also to enhance their global mobility, opening up travel opportunities to numerous countries.
On the other hand, a Maltese passport offers even broader benefits. Investors can live in Malta or any other EU member state, giving them access to the European Union’s robust education systems and high-quality healthcare services. Additionally, it provides visa-free or simplified access to a wide range of countries, making it a valuable asset for global citizens seeking enhanced lifestyle options.
Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment program offers a more affordable option compared to many other countries, with citizenship available in exchange for a minimum contribution of $130,000 or more. In contrast, Caribbean nations generally require a higher investment, with citizenship programs starting at $200,000. Both regions provide investors with valuable benefits such as visa-free travel, but Vanuatu stands out for its lower financial threshold and faster processing times.
Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment program is the fastest in the world, offering investors the opportunity to obtain citizenship in just 1 to 4 months. This Pacific island nation provides a streamlined and efficient process, making it an attractive option for those seeking a second passport quickly. The program not only allows rapid acquisition of citizenship but also grants investors access to global travel and various other benefits associated with holding a Vanuatu passport.
In Malta, citizenship can be obtained through naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment, but it comes with a rigorous vetting process. The Community Malta Agency conducts one of the strictest Due Diligence checks on every applicant, ensuring high standards of compliance and security. The minimum time required to acquire citizenship through this program is 14 months, reflecting Malta’s commitment to thoroughly assessing each investor before granting citizenship. This approach ensures that only eligible and trustworthy individuals gain access to the significant benefits of Maltese citizenship, such as EU residency and visa-free travel across many countries.
In the Caribbean, investors can acquire a second passport by investing in real estate in countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis. The minimum required investment for these real estate programs is $200,000.
In Europe, Turkey offers citizenship through property investment, with a minimum required investment of $400,000. Meanwhile, in Malta, citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services involves a direct investment, part of which can be allocated to real estate, requiring a minimum property purchase of €700,000. These programs provide investors with access to residency, global travel, and enhanced lifestyle opportunities.
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