Residency by Investment
in Portugal
One of the most popular citizenships in the world, with a route to citizenship within 5 years.
$500,000
3-8 Months
Route to citizenship
Why is Portugal a popular investment location?
Portugal is the westernmost European country. Its colonies extended across Africa, Brazil, Persia, Indochina and the Malay Peninsula, creating one of the world’s most globalised and peaceful nations. Portugal is considered very safe and has a low crime rate. Although Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist regions.
Portugal is a member of the Schengen area and began using the Euro as its currency in 2002. While Portugal is shifting towards offering business-oriented services, it remains deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage and traditional industries. The country is renowned for its wine production, as well as its seafood cuisine and vibrant festivals.
About the Portugal Residency by Investment programme
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency by investment programme aimed at non-EU/EEA citizens seeking permanent residency.
The Portuguese government launched the Golden Visa programme in October 2012 to boost the country’s economy by driving foreign investment. Today, the programme is one of the most popular of its kind in the world and has raised over €7.5 billion.
With a range of investment options, including capital transfers, the programme grants you a residency permit to live, work and study in Portugal. The country offers a high quality of life and affordable living costs. Those who qualify also benefit from greater freedom of movement, with visa-free access to 188 countries, including European Union countries in the Schengen Area.
The programme also offers long-term benefits. Applicants can apply for Portuguese citizenship, permanent residence and an EU passport after holding residency status for five years. Portugal citizenship by investment is becoming increasingly popular due to the high standards of living that Portuguese residents enjoy.
How to obtain Citizenship by Investment in Portugal
Capital Transfer
A capital transfer of at least €500,000 in research activities can be made, or €250,000 in preserving national heritage in Portugal. Unlike business-based routes that focus on employing staff and building enterprises, this pathway involves contributing funds directly without the need to establish a business. Capital transfer of at least €500,000 for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital funds for the capitalisation of companies whose maturity at the time of the investment is at least 5 years, and at least 60% of the value of investments will be realised in commercial companies based in Portugal. €500,000 constitution of a commercial society with head office in Portugal and creation of 5 permanent working jobs.Invest into funds
Capital transfer of €500,000 or higher to invest in an investment fund or venture capital fund incorporated under Portuguese law which is dedicated to the capitalisation of companies, whose maturity at the moment of the investment is at least five years and with 60% of the investment portfolio realised in commercial companies with their head office in national territory.
Investment options
Investment routes generally require a minimum of €500,000.
However, innovative financing options have emerged, allowing for reduced initial capital outlay:
– A provider now offers a financing solution, lending the full €500,000 investment for a seven-year term at a cost of €168,000.
– This option provides a lower-cost alternative to the €250,000 donation route, appealing to those looking to minimise upfront capital requirements.
Profit-Generating Investment Opportunity
As of now, investors can access an opportunity with an upfront return of €101,000, which can be applied towards the €500,000 investment:
– Initial capital required: €399,000.
– Additional loan facilities are available to cover up to €74,000, reducing the total upfront investment to €325,000.
– This option not only qualifies investors for the Golden Visa but also allows them to offset costs and potentially cover related expenses, such as golden visa card fees.
Contact our Citizenship by Investment Expert
Portugal FAQs
How much do the Portugal Golden Visa cost?
The minimum investment amount for the Portuguese Golden Visa is €500,000.
There is also a donation option available of €250,000. This donation must be made into artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage, arts or culture.
Be aware that other costs such as government application fees and legal processing fees also apply. One of our specialists will discuss this with you in more detail, so you are aware of all costs upfront.
Do I need to live in Portugal with the Golden Visa?
No. You do not have to live permanently in Portugal to renew your Portugal Golden Visa or receive permanent residence or citizenship.
The minimum stay requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa are that you must stay in the country for at least seven days in the first year. You must remain in the country for 14 days for the following two-year period. Over the course of five years, this works out to five weeks in Portugal to get your permanent residence permit.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa process?
The initial Portuguese Golden Visa grants temporary residence for two years after the initial application. You can renew your temporary residence visa for two successive periods of two years at a time, as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
Obtaining a Golden Visa and citizenship in Portugal takes approximately five years.
What is the criteria for the Portuguese Golden Visa?
The requirements for the Golden Visa are quite simple:
You and your immediate family have a clean criminal record
You aren’t currently a citizen of an EU country (this applies if you are from the United Kingdom following Brexit, meaning UK citizens can apply for Portugal citizenship by investment program.)
You have the required investment amount – the amount will change depending on the type of investment you choose.
As long as you meet the criteria above, we can start your application.