Portugal’s Golden Visa programme allows investors to relocate to the EU. However, living in Portugal permanently is not required for investors, nor is proficiency in Portuguese.
Cosmopolitans holding Portuguese residence permits can travel without visas to other Schengen countries and open accounts in EU banks.
Let’s explore all the perks of being a resident of Portugal and how much it costs to become one as an investor.
About Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa grants residents the right to live permanently in Portugal, where they can study, work, and start businesses.
Safety. The Portuguese citizens are law-abiding, and the country is safe to live in, holding 7th place in the Global Peace Index 2025. Residents feel safe walking late at night and allowing their children to play outside alone.
Beautiful nature and places of interest. The country boasts clean beaches, picturesque parks, and attractions, such as pieces of mediaeval architecture. Portugal was recognised as the best tourist destination in Europe, having won 28 World Travel Awards.
Quality of life. Portugal has a developed economy and a high standard of living. It ranks 56th on the IMF list for GDP per capita at $32,166.
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Check your eligibility for the Portugal Golden Visa
1. Visa-free Schengen countries with Portugal residency
The Portugal Golden Visa enables holders to visit the states of the Schengen Area without a visa. With a Portuguese residence permit card, it is possible to stay there for 90 days out of every 180, similar to the conditions of a Schengen visa.
Among the available Schengen Area countries are:
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Austria.
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Belgium.
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Bulgaria.
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Croatia.
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The Czech Republic.
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Denmark.
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Estonia.
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Finland.
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France.
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Germany.
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Greece.
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Hungary.
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Iceland.
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Italy.
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Latvia.
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Liechtenstein.
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Lithuania.
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Luxembourg.
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Malta.
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The Netherlands.
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Norway.
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Poland.
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Portugal.
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Romania.
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Slovakia.
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Slovenia.
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Spain.
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Sweden.
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Switzerland.
Discover the benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa and a unique way to EU citizenship
2. Portugal's benefits for families
Portugal is child-friendly. Most beaches, restaurants, parks, and shopping centres are equipped to accommodate visiting families with children.
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is 3rd in the rankings of the best cities for living with children. Lisbon hosts about 500 outdoor family events every year.
Local vegetables and fruits are available all year round, most often delivered from the island of Madeira, which boasts a unique microclimate. Portugal is very fond of seafood and fish. In a reputable restaurant, there is always a display or an aquarium where the selection is presented, ensuring guests can be certain of the freshness of the fish and seafood.
3. Portugal Golden Visa tax benefits
The general tax system benefits for individuals in Portugal are as follows:
- No inheritance tax. However, when a distant relative or a non-relative enters into an inheritance, a stamp duty of 10% must be paid.
- No wealth tax. Portugal is distinct from other countries because it has no wealth tax and there is no popular demand for introducing one.
- Low property taxes. When buying property in Portugal, the transfer tax is 0—8%. Property owners pay 0.3—0.8%, with a range of exemptions depending on what you do with the profit and where the house is located.
Сryptocurrency taxes. Income from the sale of crypto assets held for less than one year is taxed at a rate of 28%. If they were held for more than one year, the taxpayer is exempt from paying any tax.
Reduced corporate tax rates apply to resident small and medium-sized businesses on the first €50,000:
- 15% in mainland Portugal;
- 12.5% in inland areas and for startups;
- 10.5% in Madeira and the Azores.
Taxable income exceeding €50,000 is subject to the standard CIT rate of 19% in mainland Portugal and 13% in Madeira and the Azores.
The Madeira Free Trade Zone hosts businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, trading, and telecommunications, among others. Companies registered there with a Free Trade Zone licence enjoy a 5% corporate tax rate on transactions with licensed or foreign entities, but deals with other Portuguese companies are taxed at the standard 13% rate.
4. Affordable and prestigious education
Not only citizens of the country but also foreigners with residence permits can send their children to a free public kindergarten or school. Babies are admitted to a kindergarten from the age of 3 months and enrol in school from 6 years.
There are no queues in paid kindergartens, and children study in small groups of up to 10. You can send your child to a kindergarten with English-speaking teachers or opt for mixed-language education in English and Portuguese.
Public schools are free for citizens and residents of the country. A Portuguese school’s secondary education certificate is recognised across all EU countries. Parents can also choose a private or boarding school where their children study and live throughout the year.
Unlike public schools, which teach in Portuguese, private schools offer lessons in English, German, French, and other languages.
In Portugal, you can obtain a prestigious higher education: 5 universities are ranked among the best in the world.
Alejandro, 42
Director of a financial fund
Portugal Golden Visa for safety and children’s education
Alejandro, his wife Isabella, and their children lived in Lima, where concerns about safety had grown in recent years.
Considering a move abroad, an old friend invited them to Cascais, Portugal. Captivated by the town’s safety, comfort, and educational opportunities, the couple purchased an apartment, obtained Golden Visas, and relocated to Portugal.
Now, the family enjoys a secure environment, and their children have the prospect of studying at European, British, and American universities after Portuguese school.
5. Savings in Portuguese and other EU banks
More than 150 banks operate in Portugal, providing financial services to individuals and businesses.
The Portugal Golden Visa grants access to the services of EU banks. Bank Due Diligence for residents of Portugal is more relaxed than for third-country nationals, and the likelihood of being refused by a bank is lower.
Investors with Portugal Golden Visas can freely use the services of European banks: open accounts, conduct foreign exchange transactions, and keep savings. This facilitates settlements and protects assets.
6. High-quality healthcare
Portugal has a strong healthcare system by European standards. In the 2024 World Index of Healthcare Innovation, it ranked 23rd overall and 11th for healthcare quality. Earlier WHO research also placed Portugal 12th globally for overall health system performance.
Medical care is available free of charge at public hospitals for citizens and Portugal Golden Visa residents.
In private clinics, appointments are typically available more quickly than in public ones, and the level of service, including telephone consultations with your doctor, is higher. Private health insurance policies cover part or all of the treatment costs.
Public health insurance in Portugal generally covers some of the costs of prescription drugs. However, you usually need to contribute a payment of 10 to 85% towards medical expenses
7. Portugal’s passport in 10 years
Investors holding Portugal Golden Visas can apply for citizenship after 10 years. Portugal is a member of the European Union, and the country’s citizens can stay in any EU member state without time limits and special permits to work or study.
With a Portuguese passport, an investor can move to any EU country to open a business, change tax residence, or educate their children.
To obtain citizenship, the applicant must meet several conditions:
- Be of legal age.
- Complete the required period of legal residence in Portugal: 10 years for most applicants, or 7 years for EU and Portuguese-speaking country nationals.
- Pass a Portuguese language test at A2 level.
- Pass an integration test covering Portuguese culture, history, civic values, and the political system.
- Have no criminal convictions punishable by imprisonment.
- Not pose a threat to Portugal’s national security or public order.
Newborn children of residents can become Portuguese citizens, provided that one of the parents has lived in the country for at least 5 years before the child’s birth. There are no clear rules for Golden Visa holders. However, Immigrant Invest lawyers believe that to register newborn children of investors, it is sufficient that the residence permit was issued at least 5 years ago.
However, it is not necessary to wait for citizenship: you can apply for permanent residency after 5 years or continue using the benefits of the temporary residence card.
Other benefits of holding a Portugal temporary residence permit
Portugal enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers, boasting 300 days of sunshine annually. The average temperature is +22°C.
In Lisbon, temperatures are generally comfortable. During the winter, it rains periodically and daytime temperatures average around +10°C. The central and northern parts of Portugal experience colder winters, but temperatures usually do not fall below 0°C.
In summer, the average temperature reaches about +29°C. Along the coast, the sea breeze moderates the heat.
Friendly locals. Portugal is renowned as one of the most hospitable and foreigner-friendly countries, offering a warm welcome that helps newcomers quickly adapt.
Geographically, Portugal is known as the gateway to Europe due to its strategic location at the crossroads of sea routes between Europe, Africa, and North and South America.
From Portugal, travelling to other European countries is convenient. Flight times from Lisbon to various European capitals are as follows:
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1.5 hours to Madrid;
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2.5 hours to Paris and London;
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3 hours to Rome;
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3.5 hours to Berlin.
Additionally, sea cruise enthusiasts can embark on transatlantic journeys from the port of Lisbon to New York, with stops in various European and American cities.
A total of 398 Portuguese beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for their pristine sands and waters. Among these sites is Vale do Lobo beach in the Algarve
Conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Portugal: how to get a Portugal Golden Visa
A Portuguese residence permit can be obtained in various ways. For example, one can secure employment with a local company, enrol in a Portuguese educational institution, or marry a citizen of the country.
However, participating in Portugal’s Golden Visa programme is the fastest and easiest method to acquire a residence permit.
Requirements for applicants. The investor must meet the following criteria:
- be over 18;
- have no criminal record;
- have no debts in Portugal;
- have investment funds earned outside Portugal;
- have health insurance.
The investor’s spouse, children under 25, and parents can also be included in the Portugal Golden Visa application. Children over 18 must be financially dependent on the main applicant, live at the same address, and study at university.
Parents aged 65 or older are usually eligible without proof of financial dependence, while parents under 65 must provide documents confirming that they depend on the investor financially.
Investment options for obtaining a residence permit in Portugal are as follows:
- Purchasing shares of investment and venture funds — €500,000.
- Supporting the restoration and conservation of national cultural heritage — €250,000.
- Investment in research activities — €500,000.
- Investments in a new or established Portuguese business that will provide or keep at least 5 jobs — €500,000.
- Creating a business that will provide at least 10 new jobs — no minimum investment required.
The investment requirement remains the same regardless of the family’s composition: both single applicants and large families must contribute the same amount. However, for a family, obtaining a Portugal residence permit incurs higher fees due to additional charges.
Residency validity and renewal. The residence permit is initially granted for 2 years and can be renewed.
To maintain the status, an applicant must keep the investment and spend 7 days per year in Portugal.
Holding a Portugal Golden Visa for 5 years gives investors the right to apply for permanent residence, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. To apply for citizenship, investors generally need 10 years of legal residence.
Step-by step obtaining process for a Portugal Golden Visa
Obtaining residency in Portugal through investment takes at least 12 months. Investors are not required to take a language test, and most procedures can be conducted remotely.
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
The check helps reduce the risk of failure to 1%. Certified Anti-Money Laundering officers at Immigrant Invest conduct the preliminary Due Diligence.
Immigrant Invest only signs an agreement with the investor once the check has been passed and both lawyers and the investor are informed of the potential opportunities and risks.
The check helps reduce the risk of failure to 1%. Certified Anti-Money Laundering officers at Immigrant Invest conduct the preliminary Due Diligence.
Immigrant Invest only signs an agreement with the investor once the check has been passed and both lawyers and the investor are informed of the potential opportunities and risks.
1—2 weeks
Selection of an investment option
Depending on the option, the investor must choose a fund, a company, or a cultural project. This can be done remotely with the assistance of our lawyers, who are able to send reports and other necessary information.
Depending on the option, the investor must choose a fund, a company, or a cultural project. This can be done remotely with the assistance of our lawyers, who are able to send reports and other necessary information.
1—2 weeks
Registration of a tax number
An investor is issued a unique nine-digit number, known as the Número de Identificação Fiscal, NIF. This number is necessary for various activities, including opening a bank account, purchasing or renting property, registering a business, and conducting many other transactions in Portugal.
An NIF can be obtained through a tax representative in Portugal.
An investor is issued a unique nine-digit number, known as the Número de Identificação Fiscal, NIF. This number is necessary for various activities, including opening a bank account, purchasing or renting property, registering a business, and conducting many other transactions in Portugal.
An NIF can be obtained through a tax representative in Portugal.
1—1.5 months
Opening a bank account
Under the Portugal Golden Visa programme, the investment must be made from the applicant’s account in a Portuguese bank.
Immigrant Invest assists in opening and activating a bank account. However, the investor’s presence in Portugal is required.
Once everything is set up, the applicant can transfer the necessary funds for the investment.
Under the Portugal Golden Visa programme, the investment must be made from the applicant’s account in a Portuguese bank.
Immigrant Invest assists in opening and activating a bank account. However, the investor’s presence in Portugal is required.
Once everything is set up, the applicant can transfer the necessary funds for the investment.
2—3 weeks
Fulfilment of the investment condition
The investor transfers money and obtains the required documents. For example, in the case of purchasing investment fund units, this includes the confirmation of the transfer and the agreement with the fund.
The investor transfers money and obtains the required documents. For example, in the case of purchasing investment fund units, this includes the confirmation of the transfer and the agreement with the fund.
5—6 months
Collection of documents and application
The investor receives an individual list of documents from the lawyers to prepare. Subsequently, the applicant has the relevant state form completed, and documents translated and certified.
Electronic copies of the documents are sent for consideration to AIMA, the Agency of Integration, Migrations, and Asylum.
The investor receives an individual list of documents from the lawyers to prepare. Subsequently, the applicant has the relevant state form completed, and documents translated and certified.
Electronic copies of the documents are sent for consideration to AIMA, the Agency of Integration, Migrations, and Asylum.
1—2 weeks
Submission of biometric data
The investor and their family travel to Portugal to submit the original documents and their biometric data for residence permit cards. The appointment for fingerprinting must be booked in advance in the electronic register.
The investor and their family travel to Portugal to submit the original documents and their biometric data for residence permit cards. The appointment for fingerprinting must be booked in advance in the electronic register.
6—8 months
Due Diligence
Once the original documents and biometrics are submitted, AIMA begins the Due Diligence check. If approved, AIMA issues a confirmation document that allows the holder to reside in Portugal until the residence permit cards are ready.
Once the original documents and biometrics are submitted, AIMA begins the Due Diligence check. If approved, AIMA issues a confirmation document that allows the holder to reside in Portugal until the residence permit cards are ready.
2 weeks
Obtaining residence permit cards
Once approval is received, the investor pays the fee for the residence permit cards. These are prepared within 2 weeks and are issued personally to the investor or to their lawyer by proxy.
Once approval is received, the investor pays the fee for the residence permit cards. These are prepared within 2 weeks and are issued personally to the investor or to their lawyer by proxy.
Every 2 years
Residence permits renewal
Residence permit cards must be renewed every 2 years. The procedure mirrors the initial application: you need to collect the same documents and submit them electronically, submit biometrics and originals, and obtain new cards.
The Institute of Registries and Notary extends residence permits.
To maintain a residence permit, the investor and their family must spend at least 7 days a year in Portugal. Investors must also retain their investments.
Residence permit cards must be renewed every 2 years. The procedure mirrors the initial application: you need to collect the same documents and submit them electronically, submit biometrics and originals, and obtain new cards.
The Institute of Registries and Notary extends residence permits.
To maintain a residence permit, the investor and their family must spend at least 7 days a year in Portugal. Investors must also retain their investments.
Portugal Golden Visa programme statistics
The Portugal Golden Visa Programme has been operating since 2012 and is often ranked among the world’s leading residence-by-investment options.
Between its launch in October 2012 and September 2023, Portugal issued 12,718 residence permits to investors and more than 20,000 permits to their family members. In 2024, the programme remained active, bringing the annual total to 4,990 Golden Visa-related residence permits.
As a result, almost 40,000 people benefited from the programme, with most applicants coming from China, Brazil, the US, Türkiye, and South Africa. Over the same period, the programme contributed around €7.3 billion to Portugal’s economy.
Key points about Portugal Golden Visa benefits
- The Portugal Golden Visa programme offers numerous benefits for cosmopolitans seeking to invest and reside in the country. For example, it allows investors to obtain residency in Portugal, with the opportunity to gain citizenship after 10 years.
- One of the primary advantages is the opportunity to travel visa-free to Schengen countries and access EU banking services.
- Portugal also offers a safe and attractive living environment with beautiful natural landscapes, a high quality of life, and a welcoming local community.
- The Portugal Golden Visa programme has a straightforward application process, typically completed within 12+ months, and does not require investors to pass language tests or reside permanently in Portugal.
- Investors have various investment options, including investments in funds and job creation initiatives.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in the EU, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global 15-year expertise — schedule a meeting with our investment programs experts.
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