Portugal Golden Visa 2025: Requirements, Costs & Timeline
See who qualifies, required documents, investment fund route, and processing steps. Updated 2025 with latest rules. Start your eligibility check today.
Table of Contents
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most effective and attractive residency-by-investment programs in the world. Launched in 2012, the program granted legal residency to almost 13,000 investors and their respective families, generating over €7 billion in investment for the country.
In 2025, the Portugal Golden Visa continues to offer a fast-track route to European residency and citizenship through secure investment options such as private equity funds, cultural donations, and job creation. The program is particularly appealing for individuals and families looking for greater global mobility, long-term stability, and financial diversification in the European Union.
Read also: 2025 Updates: What’s New for the Portugal Golden Visa
With minimal stay requirements, flexible investment routes, and the possibility of acquiring later the Portuguese citizenship after just five years, the Portugal Golden Visa remains a preferred choice among Americans, Canadians, Brazilians, British, Turkish, South African, and Chinese investors.
Quick Overview: Portugal Golden Visa 2025
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Program Overview | Residency-by-investment program granting residence rights in Portugal and a path to EU citizenship after 5 years. |
| Eligible Applicants | Non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss citizens. |
| Investment Routes | 1. Investment Funds (min. €500,000) 2. Job Creation (min. 10 jobs) 3. Research Funding (min. €500,000) 4. Arts or Cultural Heritage Donation (min. €250,000) 5. Company Capitalization (min. €500,000 for incorporation or job creation) |
| Residency Timeline | 5 years to permanent residency or citizenship. |
| Residence Cards | 1st Card: valid 2 years → Renewal: valid 3 years. |
| Estimated Government Fees | Application (€618.60), Residence Permit Issuance (€6,179.40), and Renewal (€3,090.40). Use our Golden Visa Cost Calculator for a complete breakdown and personalized estimate. |
| Minimum Stay Requirement | 14 days every 2 years (can be consecutive or split). |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse/partner, children under 18, dependent adult children (students up to 26), dependent parents. |
| Dual Citizenship | Permitted by Portugal. |
| Tax Benefits | Option to apply for IFICI regime for 10 years — reduced taxation on foreign income. |
| Work & Business Rights | Golden Visa holders can work, study, or start a business in Portugal. |
| Travel Rights | Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area (27 countries). |
| Clock for Citizenship Starts | At application submission, not at approval. |
| Language Requirement for Citizenship | A2 Portuguese (basic conversational level). |
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Key Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa for Foreign Investors
- One of the shortest EU citizenship or permanent residency timelines (just 5 years)
- No relocation needed – only 14 days in Portugal for the first 2 years and 21 days for the following 3 years
- Visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries
- Allows you and your family the right to live, work, retire and study in Portugal, with access to some of the best international schools in Portugal
- Full family inclusion (spouse, children, parents)
- Dual citizenship allowed
- Multiple investment options, starting from €250,000
- Tax advantages for new residents, including special benefits for Golden Visa investors
- Free access to public healthcare and education
The Portugal Golden Visa is more than a legal residency – it’s a strategy for future generations, combining quality of life, political stability, and global access in a single program.
Ideal for Global Investors and Their Families
The Portugal Golden Visa has become the preferred residency-by-investment solution for individuals and families from around the world who seek flexibility, safety, and global mobility – often wondering: how is living in Portugal?
While investors from the United States currently lead in the number of applications, strong interest also comes from Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, Turkey, China, and South Africa. These applicants are often motivated by rising political and economic uncertainty in their home countries, as well as the opportunity to secure EU citizenship for future generations.
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?
The Portugal Golden Visa offers a highly secure legal framework, a predictable application process, and one of the few programs that do not require full relocation. Families benefit from access to public healthcare, top-ranked international schools, and the ability to live, work, and study in Portugal — or simply maintain a residency without the need to move.
For many global investors, the Portugal Golden Visa is a reliable Plan B — and a strategic way to protect assets, preserve family mobility, and gain EU citizenship through a trusted and established route. Read also: Why You Need a Plan B in Today’s Unpredictable World.
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Eligibility Requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa
To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must meet specific legal, financial, and documentation requirements. The program is open to a wide range of investors, offering an accessible and efficient path to EU residency.
Nationality and Age
- You must be a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizen.
- British citizens are eligible following Brexit – Read also: Is Portugal Golden Visa a good option for British Investors?
- The main applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Family Members You Can Include
Under the Portugal Golden Visa, you may include the following family members in your application:
- Spouse or legal partner (including same-sex and de facto unions of over 2 years)
- Children under 18 years of age, or if over 18 must be unmarried, studying, and financially dependent on the applicant
Parents over 65, or under 65 if they are financially dependent from the applicant
Criminal and Immigration Record
- You must have a clean criminal record in both your country of residence and Portugal.
- You cannot have been flagged by Schengen immigration systems (SIS) for entry restrictions.
Proof of Investment and Funds
- You must invest in an eligible route from €250,000. Eligible alternatives include private equity funds, research donation, or cultural project, and must maintain the investment for at least five years.
- Funds must come from legitimate sources, and you must provide clear proof of origin.
Portuguese Tax Number and Bank Account
- You must obtain a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF).
- You are required to open a bank account in Portugal before making the investment.
Documentation Requirements
- All documents issued outside Portugal must be legalized with an apostille or certified by the Portuguese Consulate/Embassy and, when not in English, French, or Spanish, translated to Portuguese.
- Key required documents include:
- Passport copy
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of residence
- Marriage or birth certificates (for family inclusion)
- Bank confirmation of fund transfer
- Fund manager declaration confirming investment
- Health insurance valid in Portugal or internationally
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Investment Options for the Portugal Golden Visa
To qualify for the program, applicants must make a qualifying investment and hold it for at least five years. While real estate or capital transfers to make deposits or buy Government bonds are no longer eligible, Portugal now offers a diversified set of investment routes tailored to different investor profiles.
Below are the officially recognized investment options:
Portugal Golden Visa – Eligible Investment Options
| Category | Minimum Investment | Key Conditions | Notes / Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Creation | Create ≥10 full-time jobs | Jobs must be created and maintained by a company registered in Portugal. | Can be in any sector; often used by entrepreneurs setting up a Portuguese branch. |
| Company Incorporation / Capital Injection | €500,000 to set up or recapitalize a company + 5 permanent jobs (or maintain 10 existing jobs for 3 years) | Must demonstrate sustained employment and business activity. | Good route for business expansion or tech startups. |
| Scientific Research (R&D) | €500,000 | To be invested in public or private research institutions integrated in the national R&D system (e.g., universities, labs). | Popular among investors supporting biotech, renewable energy, or tech innovation. |
| Arts & Cultural Heritage | €250,000 (or €200,000 in low-density areas) | Donation to support artistic production or cultural heritage preservation, approved by GEPAC (Ministry of Culture). | Considered the most affordable option; non-refundable contribution. |
| Investment / Venture Capital Fund | €500,000 | Subscription in regulated investment funds or venture capital funds (non-real-estate) with ≥60% of value invested in Portuguese companies and a maturity of ≥5 years. | The most common route since 2023; allows diversification and passive investment. |
| Job Creation through Company Maintenance | Maintain ≥10 jobs for 3 years | Applies if you acquire or recapitalize an existing company and keep 10 full-time employees. | Ideal for M&A or business acquisition investors. |
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Portugal Golden Visa
Applying for the Portugal Golden Visa involves several steps, most of which can be completed remotely. Below is a clear breakdown of the process, from document preparation to receiving your residency card.
1. Onboarding of applicants and respective family
The assigned Blue Portugal consultant and lawyer will clearly clarify all questions regarding the legal background, Portugal´s specificities and Golden Visa process and investment options.
2. Gather Required Documents
Start by collecting all necessary documents for both the main applicant and family members. They include:
- Visa application form.
- Copy of passport.
- Proof of residence.
- Valid criminal record certificate.
- Applicant´s permission for AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), the Portuguese Immigration Agency, to consult the Portuguese criminal record, included in the application form.
- Marriage certificate, if including a spouse/partner.
- Birth certificates, including children.
- A statement from a Portuguese bank, confirming the transfer of funds.
- A sworn statement confirming compliance with the minimum investment requirement, for a period of 5 years.
- Proof of student enrolment if dependents are over 18 years of age.
- Proof of investment, namely a declaration from the fund. management company.
- Confirmation of health coverage, if in Portugal through the Portuguese National Health System and if abroad from an insurance company with international coverage.
- Receipt of payment of the application fee.
3. Obtain a Portuguese Tax ID number (NIF)
The NIF is essential to open a bank account and complete your investment as well as buying a property, signing contracts or paying taxes. It can be obtained at a Portugal´s tax office or remotely with the help of a tax representative. The Blue Portugal provides full assistance for NIF registration and tax representation.
4. Open a Portuguese Bank Account
This account is used to fund your investment. Some banks allow remote account opening. You’ll need to provide a copy of your passport, NIF, proof of funds and address, among other documents, to proceed.
5. Choose and Fund Your Investment
Select your preferred investment route, most likely a private equity fund,) and transfer the required amount from your Portuguese bank account. You must obtain written confirmation of the investment from both the bank and the fund manager or beneficiary institution.
6. Online Application to AIMA
Once your investment is confirmed, your legal team will submit your Portugal Golden Visa application to AIMA. The five-year countdown for citizenship starts from this submission date, not the approval date. Application fees are also paid at this stage.
7. Attend the Biometric Appointment
Once AIMA approves your application, you’ll be invited to schedule a biometrics appointment in Portugal. This step includes fingerprinting, photographs, and identity confirmation. You can reschedule this appointment if needed, if a valid reason is provided.
8. Receive Your Residence Card
After your biometrics appointment, your first residency card will be issued, valid for 2 years. The second card, valid for 3 years, is issued after the first renewal.
9. Maintain Eligibility and Renew
To keep your Portugal Golden Visa, you must:
- Spend at least 14 days in Portugal for the first residence permit of 2 years and 21 days for the second residence permit of 3 years
- Maintain your qualifying investment
- Present updated documentation (e.g., criminal record, proof of investment) at each renewal
The residence card renewal application submission must be made online through the AIMA portal and select there the service place and the date for the appointment. You will receive later an email from AIMA with the checklist of all documents needed and to collect the biometric data.
10. Apply for Citizenship or Permanent Residency
After 5 years, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency.
To qualify for citizenship, the investor and any dependents must meet the following criteria:
- No outstanding tax or social security obligations in Portugal.
- Clean criminal record in both Portugal and the country of residence.
- Clean health record, meaning you don´t have serious communicable diseases.
- Basic Portuguese language certification.
Basic Portuguese language certification, only needed for dependents who are at least 10 years old.
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Residency and Citizenship Timeline
The Portugal Golden Visa offers one of the fastest, most reliable paths to European citizenship. While the legal framework is clear, the real experience depends on AIMA’s current processing speed. That’s where we come in — guiding you through each step so there are no surprises.
The Legal Advantage: 5 Years from Day One
Unlike many countries, Portugal starts your five-year clock the moment your application is submitted — not when it’s approved. That means every month under review counts toward your citizenship goal.
What to Expect in Practice
High demand has created waiting times, especially for biometrics appointments. Below is a realistic picture of the journey, based on what our clients experience today.
Key Milestones on Your Journey
- Application Submission
Once your NIF, bank account, and investment are complete, we submit your application to AIMA. From this very moment, your five-year countdown begins. - Biometrics Appointment
You’ll be invited to an in-person appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Current average wait: 12–24 months after submission. - First Residency Card
Issued shortly after biometrics, valid for 2 years. This is your official residency status in Portugal. - Renewal: Second Residency Card
Renew your residency card before it expires. The second card is valid for 3 years. - Citizenship or Permanent Residency
After 5 years from your initial submission, you’re eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency — provided all conditions are met. This is where your investment becomes a legacy.
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What Makes The Blue Portugal Different
Specialized in the Portugal Golden Visa
Our team focuses exclusively on Portugal’s Golden Visa program and D Visas. We don’t divide our attention across multiple countries — we live and breathe the Portuguese market.
Experts in Investment Funds
With real estate no longer eligible, investment funds are now the primary path to the Golden Visa. We work only with vetted, CMVM-registered funds to ensure compliance, investor protection, and long-term security.
End-to-End Support
We handle every step of the process so you don’t have to:
- NIF registration
- Bank account opening
- Investment selection
- Legal representation
- Application preparation & submission
- Biometrics scheduling & renewals
- Tax representation
- Citizenship application
Everything you need — all in one place.
Proven Track Record with U.S. Clients
We’ve successfully guided dozens of U.S. families through the Golden Visa process. We understand your unique challenges and have trusted partners to support you.
Transparent Pricing and Personalized Advice
We believe in clarity and trust. Every cost is explained upfront, and our guidance is tailored to your goals, risk profile, and family needs.
Multilingual, Multicultural Team
Our founders and legal partners have lived the expat experience themselves. We understand what it means to relocate, invest, and settle abroad — and we speak your language, literally and culturally.
What You Can Expect
- Reliable, up-to-date information
- Direct access to senior advisors
- Efficient communication
- Strategic fund guidance
- Personalized support throughout your 5-year journey — and beyond
Start Your Portugal Golden Visa Journey with Confidence
Your Golden Visa is more than paperwork — it’s a long-term investment in your family’s future. Whether you seek global mobility, a strategic relocation plan, or EU citizenship for the next generation, Portugal offers one of the most flexible and rewarding residency programs in the world.
At The Blue Portugal, we take care of the entire process so you can focus on your future, not the forms
Next Steps
- Book a consultation with one of our advisors
- Receive a personalized proposal with clear costs, steps, and timelines
- Secure your application before the next government update
The sooner you begin, the sooner your five-year citizenship clock starts ticking.
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What Our Clients Say
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Portugal Golden Visa
Here are 20 of the most common questions from investors considering the Portugal Golden Visa. Whether you are exploring your first residency-by-investment opportunity or comparing global options, these answers will help guide your decision.
The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most effective and attractive residency-by-investment programs in the world. Launched in 2012, the program granted legal residency to almost 13,000 investors and their respective families, generating over €7 billion in investment for the country.
In 2025, the Portugal Golden Visa continues to offer a fast-track route to European residency and citizenship through secure investment options such as private equity funds, cultural donations, and job creation.
To apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, you must be a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizen.The main applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Investment funds are chosen as the preferred option by practically all the applicants but other options are available like creating or buying a company, adding or maintaining jobs or donate funds for artistic projects, cultural heritage sponsoring or scientific research.
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.
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.
For the application you take almost all the steps without coming to Portugal. After we onboard the applicant and the respective family, the first steps will be for us to obtain you a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a bank account. From your side, you need to gather the documents that are in our check-list and decide on your chosen investment.
The current timeline can exceed one year, but the immigration bureau (AIMA) is taking a number of important measures to drastically reduce the backlog.
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.
The Portugal Golden Visa is issued initially for a period of 2 years and subsequently renewed for 3 years. After 5 years can apply for Portuguese permanent residency or 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.
Living in Portugal, as an expatriate, is a very popular choice, due to its high quality of life, safety, low cost of living and mild climate. Although you could have some language barriers, most of the local population speaks fluent English.
Portugal has more than 300 sunny days per year, offering a mild climate and a relaxing way of life.
Portugal is always listed in the international rankings as one of top 10 safest countries in the world.
The cost of living is significantly lower than in most of western countries.
The Portugal Golden Visa is fully available. Currently, the main investment route passes through investment funds and doesn’t include investment in real estate assets. The Portuguese Government announced recently that the program will continue and is considering sweetening the benefits of the Golden Visa to foreign investors.
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Our Founding Partners’ long and successful experience as expatriates in real estate, consulting, immigration, and financial sector areas, led them to see, in the Portuguese residency and second home for foreigners, a chance to help others who are seeking opportunities outside their home country.
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