The Portugal Golden Visa offers a unique combination of freedom, security, and long-term opportunity in the European Union. It stands out among global residency-by-investment programs for its flexibility, accessibility, and lifestyle appeal.
Here are the key benefits:
Fast Track to European Union Citizenship
The Portugal Golden Visa allows investors to apply for citizenship or permanent residency after just five years – one of the shortest timeframes in Europe. Unlike many other programs, this five-year period starts counting from the date of application submission, not approval, allowing applicants to gain time even while the process is ongoing.
Minimal Stay Requirements
You are not required to relocate to Portugal. To maintain your residence permit, you only need to spend 14 days in the country for the first residence permit period of two years and 21 days for the second residence permit of three years. This makes the Portugal Golden Visa ideal for investors with global lifestyles or business commitments elsewhere.
Read also: Compared with the other visa alternatives like D2, D7 and D8, this is the biggest advantage of the Golden Visa. Which is the right visa for you to choose?
Family Reunification
The program includes your spouse or partner, children (under 18 or financially dependent and studying), and dependent parents. Portugal also recognizes unmarried couples and LGBT+ families under equal terms.
Visa-Free Travel
With the Portugal Golden Visa, you and your family gain full access to the Schengen Area — currently composed of 29 European countries — for short-term travel, business, or leisure.
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Portugal permits dual citizenship, enabling you to retain your original nationality while enjoying the benefits of a European Union passport and one of the most highly rated in the world.
Access to Healthcare and Education
Golden Visa holders have access to Portugal’s public and private healthcare system and education, including top international schools and universities. Children can study in Portugal or later benefit from European Union tuition rules across member states.
Read also: Who are the Best International Schools in Portugal?
Tax Optimization Opportunities
Portugal offers favorable tax regimes for new residents, including the new IFICI program, that offers unique opportunities for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to benefit from a competitive tax environment. While contributing to Portugal’s thriving economy, you are only taxed on your worldwide income if you reside in Portugal for more than 183 days per year.
Read also: What are the tax benefits for Portugal Golden Visa Investors?
Investment Flexibility and Security
With various eligible options — such as investment funds, scientific research, or cultural donations — the Portugal Golden Visa allows investors to tailor their path to residency based on risk profile and financial goals.
High Quality of Life
Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world to live. With over 300 sunny days per year, a beautiful landscape with many officially classified world heritage places, low crime rates, a welcoming culture, and affordable living, with the cost of living being significantly lower than in countries like USA, UK or Canada. It also offers a peaceful and fulfilling environment for families, retirees, and entrepreneurs. English is a widely spoken language.
What are the conditions for a fund to be eligible for Golden Visa purposes?
Currently, several conditions must be met for a fund to be eligible for Golden Visa purposes:
- The fund cannot invest directly or indirectly in real estate.
- The investor must invest a minimum of €500,000 in one or several funds.
- The investment must be maintained for at least the duration of the Golden Visa.
- At least 60% of the capital of the fund must be invested in Portuguese companies.
- The funds must have a minimum maturity of 5 years.
- The fund must be registered with CMVM.
The exclusion of direct real estate investments may seem significant. However, it’s essential to note that funds focused on renovating properties for sale or lease no longer qualify, while sectors like tourism, agriculture, elder care, and student housing remain eligible. Traditional Private Equity Funds investing in SMEs or startups across various sectors are still firmly embedded within the Golden Visa framework.
Investments need to be made in Euros, using your Portuguese bank account.
Can you invest in Cryptocurrencies in order to obtain your Golden Visa?
You can sell your investment at any moment if you don´t need it for the Golden Visa program or for attaining the Portuguese citizenship.A note for US investors who can use their IRA accounts to invest in some Portuguese funds that are eligible for the Golden Visa program. For those investors it is also important to smoothly navigate IRS requirements, particularly on the PIFC statements. Read also: Investment in Portugal´s Golden Visa Program using U.S. Retirement Accounts.
