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Portugal Global Talent Programme

Obtaining residency without delays and consulate applications

€170,000+

Total fees

4+ months

Obtaining period

2 years

Residency validity

The Portugal Global Talent Programme is a modern residency pathway for experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators who want to live in the EU while contributing to the Portuguese academic and innovation ecosystem.

The all-inclusive program fee covers the full 5-year residency process, including renewal after the first 2 years, and allows foreigners to apply with their family under one straightforward procedure.

5 benefits you can secure with the Portugal Global Talent Programme

  • 1

    100% approval rate

    The Global Talent Programme has a 100% approval rate thanks to its close coordination with AIMA and accredited universities.

  • 2

    Fast and predictable process

    Residency is granted in 4—6 months, far faster than traditional Golden Visa or business routes. Applications are handled directly in Portugal through AIMA appointments with full legal representation, bypassing the consulate stage of getting a D visa.

  • 3

    29 visa-free countries

    Portugal residents can spend up to 90 days out of 180 in any Schengen country without a visa.

  • 4

    Flexible stay requirement

    The time spent in Portugal depends on the applicant’s level of involvement in academic or mentorship activities. Residents maintain their status through ongoing cooperation with the university, ensuring flexibility for international professionals.

  • 5

    Path to EU citizenship

    After 5 years, residents may apply for permanent residency or citizenship, gaining full access to EU rights and freedoms.

Is Portugal’s Global Talent Programme your key to quality living?

Is Portugal’s Global Talent Programme your key to quality living?

Get our detailed guide to learn:

  • How to obtain residency smoothly

  • Rights and opportunities that come with your new status

  • Obligations to fulfil to maintain residency

  • Answers to frequently asked questions

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One fee, residency for all

The €170,000 fee includes the main applicant, spouse or partner, and two dependants. Parents and adult children over 26 may apply separately

  • Main applicant

    Bachelor’s degree or higher

    3—5 years of professional experience

    No criminal record

    Savings of €15,000+

    Property in Portugal — rented or owned

    Health insurance with coverage of €35,000+

  • Spouse

    In official marriage or partnership

  • Children under 18

  • Children aged 18 to 26

    Full-time students

Expenses for obtaining a Portugal residence permit

The Portugal Global Talent Programme uses a transparent three-stage payment system, where only the first payment of €20,000 is non-refundable, covering compliance, document preparation, and university matching. The next two payments are made only after official milestones are achieved.

If AIMA rejects the application or fails to renew residency, the later payments are refunded in full within 30 business days.

Fees — €170,000+

The fee of €170,000 covers the main applicant and up to three dependants; adding more family members increases the amount. Besides the fee, the applicants must secure a residential address in Portugal through renting or purchasing a property.

Participation fee

€170,000 for a single applicant and families of up to 4
+ €5,000 per additional dependant, starting from the 5th applicant

AIMA residence permit appointment fee

€397 per person

Biometric fee

€406.90 per adult
€58.10 per minors

Health insurance

€600 per year

Property lease in Portugal

≈ €7,200 per year

Document notarisation and translation

€2,000+

Does the Portugal Global Talent Programme fit your budget?

Does the Portugal Global Talent Programme fit your budget?

The total cost depends on family composition. We can provide a free, individualised calculation for your case, covering additional expenses like taxes, insurance, and more.

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Could the Portugal Global Talent Programme help you reach your goals?

Portugal’s Golden Visa has long been a popular route to EU residency, but it now involves long waiting times. For professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors who value speed, flexibility, and security, the Global Talent Programme offers a more practical solution.

Terms and features

Financial requirements

Global Talent Programme

€170,000+

Golden Visa

€250,000+

Terms and features

Obtaining period

Global Talent Programme

4+ months

Golden Visa

12+ months

Terms and features

Stay requirements

Global Talent Programme

Flexible

Golden Visa

7 days a year

Terms and features

First RP validity

Global Talent Programme

2 years

Golden Visa

2 years

Terms and features

Family eligibility

Global Talent Programme

Spouse or partner, children under 26

Golden Visa

Spouse or partner, children under 26, parents

Terms and features

Approval rate

Global Talent Programme

High

Golden Visa

Moderate

Terms and features

Global Talent Programme

Golden Visa

Financial requirements

€170,000+

€250,000+

Obtaining period

4+ months

12+ months

Stay requirements

Flexible

7 days a year

First RP validity

2 years

2 years

Family eligibility

Spouse or partner, children under 26

Spouse or partner, children under 26, parents

Approval rate

High

Moderate

5 main reasons to collaborate with Portuguese universities

1. Gain recognised academic affiliation. Becoming formally connected with a Portuguese university adds prestige and credibility. It strengthens your professional reputation, validates your expertise, and increases visibility in the European academic and innovation space.

2. Build international networks. Collaboration opens doors to university-led research, innovation, and entrepreneurship communities. This creates valuable contacts with professors, founders, and industry leaders across the EU.

3. Secure a lasting professional impact. By mentoring students, advising startups, or joining research teams, you help develop Portugal’s innovation ecosystem while leaving a tangible professional legacy.

4. Strengthen your position in the EU. Academic cooperation provides a credible and respected path to Portuguese residency, allowing you to live, work, and grow professionally in Europe.

5. Access flexible participation formats. The Portugal Global Talent Programme adapts to your lifestyle: contribute through online mentorship, guest lectures, or on-site workshops, whichever fits your schedule. Participation is meaningful yet compatible with global mobility.

Schedule a meeting

Individual selection of investment properties

  • Discuss your tasks and goals

  • Choose between properties from reliable developers

  • Get fully prepared and verified documents for a purchase

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Step-by-step procedure for obtaining a Portugal residence permit

The process of obtaining a Portugal residence permit typically takes 4+ months, based on Immigrant Invest’s legal practice. Below is a step-by-step guide to how the process usually unfolds.

1

1 day

Preliminary Due Diligence
and agreement conclusion

Immigrant Invest conducts 
a preliminary Due Diligence check to identify any circumstances preventing the applicant from participation in the selected programme. 

Upon successful completion of the check, Immigrant Invest prepares a service agreement 
to provide further support. 

The process is fully confidential.

Pass a quick test and learn the nuances that can prevent you from obtaining residency.

Evaluate chances
2

≈ 1 month

Collecting documents

An assigned Immigrant Invest lawyer guides the applicant through the process of collecting Portugal D3 Visa documents, including translation and certification, if applicable. 

Immigrant Invest also helps 
the applicant obtain an individual taxpayer number, NIF, and open
a bank account in Portugal.

3

2—3 weeks

University matching and obtaining a Letter of Commitment

Once the applicant provides all the required documents, lawyers submit the professional summary and CV to over 10 partner universities. Each university reviews
the profile and proposes potential collaboration areas. 

The chosen university issues an official Letter of Commitment, confirming the partnership and project participation.

4

≈ 3 months

Applying for residency

Lawyers file the complete application directly with AIMA, Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, under a power of attorney. AIMA appoints the date for biometric submission and issues an official appointment confirmation letter.

During the first visit to Portugal, applicants hand over original documents, meet the university to sign the hosting agreement, and finalise the bank account and in-person KYC. Our team prepares a tailored schedule to ensure every meeting runs smoothly.

5

1—1.5 months from appointment 
to card delivery

Submitting biometrics and obtaining residence cards

The applicant travels to Portugal and, on the scheduled day, attends AIMA in person, accompanied by a lawyer and an interpreter, to submit biometrics.

After the appointment, AIMA finalises the application and issues the residence card within 4—6 weeks. The card is delivered to the Immigrant Invest Lisbon office, where it can be collected in person or couriered to the client’s chosen address.

6

2—3 months after the main applicant's approval

Obtaining residency for family members

Family members can submit applications under the family reunification process immediately after the main applicant’s residence card is issued. 

Applicants must pay for health insurance, biometric submission, residence card issuance, and documents translation and notarisation.

Your peace of mind starts with our credibility

Immigrant Invest is an official representative of the Global Talent Programme, providing Portugal residency consultation. We are well-versed in all migration specifics and strictly follow the legal framework, including Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July, Articles 90-A and 85.

We are also government-licensed to represent investors in Malta and several Caribbean countries. Our membership in the Investment Migration Council, the leading global association for industry experts, further reflects our commitment to the highest standards of integrity.

Trust your future to a reliable agent

Experienced

Being in the industry since 2006, we can handle it all — from Due Diligence to investment — and resolve issues fast.

Diligent

Our in-house compliance team runs thorough checks upfront to ensure eligibility and protect you from rejection risks.

Dedicated

From the first consultation to obtaining residency, we will support you at every step and answer all, even the trickiest, questions.

Confidential

We protect your trust with strict confidentiality, securing your data and investment details under an NDA agreement.

Elena Ruda

Elena Ruda,

Chief Development Officer at Immigrant Invest

With almost 20 years of experience, direct partnerships, and local presence in Portugal, we ensure a smooth, secure, and transparent journey to EU residency.

Our team of legal and real estate experts will assist you at every step, from the first free Portugal residency consultation to selecting a property and securing your residency.

Your Portugal residence permit team

Our Portugal-based legal and migration experts know the law inside out and ensure a smooth residency process.

Pedro Barata

Pedro Barata

Senior Investment Migration Advisor

Mohamed Zakaria

Mohamed Zakaria

Senior Investment Migration Expert

Eymi Castro

Eymi Castro

Investment Migration Expert

Priscila Carvalho

Priscila Carvalho

Investment Migration Expert

Get more than just a residence permit

Your inside agent in Portugal

Your inside agent in Portugal

Our on-site team stays ahead of legal changes, prepares only required documents, offers in-person support, and ensures smooth coordination with Portuguese authorities.

Unity

Unity

We will help you obtain residence permits for family members, including your spouse, children, and parents.

Future

Future

We’ll remind you and guide you through the process of residence permit renewal.

Asset

Asset

We will offer property options based on your goals, budget, and liquidity, and support you through closing the deal.

Banking

Banking

We will assist you in preparing the required documents and opening an account in a Portuguese bank.

Our clients’ reviews

Clients’ names and photos have been changed to comply with a non-disclosure agreement.

All reviews

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the Global Talent Visa in Portugal?

    The Global Talent Visa in Portugal is a government-recognised residency route based on professional merit and cooperation with Portuguese universities. Instead of investing in assets, participants contribute to innovation and academic projects.

  • Is a Portugal Global Talent Programme a permanent resident permit?

    No. The Global Talent Programme first grants temporary residency for 2 years, which is then renewed for another 3 years.

    After 5 years of continuous legal residence, the holder can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

  • What are the disadvantages of a Portugal Global Talent Programme?

    GTP Portugal requires active participation with a partner university — it’s not a passive route like investment visas. Applicants must provide verified education and professional background, maintain a valid registered address, and keep their academic cooperation ongoing for residency renewal.

    However, participants can choose from different formats of collaboration, including online mentorship, research participation, or occasional on-site lectures, making it convenient for those who travel frequently or live outside Portugal.

  • Is a Portugal Global Talent visa hard to get?

    No. The programme has a 100% approval rate, thanks to close coordination with AIMA and accredited universities. Applications are pre-screened for eligibility and compliance, ensuring that only qualified professionals apply.

    For eligible candidates with a clean background and relevant experience, the process is straightforward and predictable — typically completed within four to 6 months.

  • Who can apply for a Portugal Global Talent Programme?

    Experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, and specialists with a university degree and at least 3—5 years of experience in fields such as business, technology, medicine, research, or the creative industries.

  • What is Portugal Global Talent Programme processing time?

    The average timeline is 4 months from signing the agreement to receiving the residence card.

  • Is investment in property required for the Portugal Global Talent Programme?

    No. The Global Talent Programme is not an investment visa — no real estate or capital investment is necessary.

  • What is the total cost of the program?

    The all-inclusive fee is €170,000, which covers the applicant, partner, and up to two dependent children, including residency renewal after 2 years.

  • Can family members be included in a Portugal Global Talent Programme application?

    Yes. The main applicant may include a spouse or partner and up to two dependent children under 18 or full-time students under 26.

    Additional dependents, such as a third child, parents, or adult children, can also be added for an extra fee.

  • How long is Portugal Global Talent residence valid?

    Residency is issued for 2 years, then renewed for 3 years, providing 5 consecutive years of legal residence.

  • Is it necessary to live in Portugal full-time to keep a Portugal Global Talent Visa valid?

    Portugal Global Talent Programme requirements do not include a strict minimum stay. The required time depends on the applicant’s level of participation in the university project, allowing flexible mobility.

  • What ensures the Global Talent Visa’s success rate?

    All applications are pre-screened for eligibility and compliance. Thanks to coordination with AIMA and accredited universities, the program maintains a 100% approval rate.

Other EU Golden Visas

Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits

€250,000+|12+ months

€250,000+12+ months

12+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Prospect of citizenship in 5 years after obtaining and maintaining the residence permit

  • Safe haven in a European country by the ocean

€250,000+|4+ months

€250,000+4+ months

4+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Possibility to live, study, and start a business in Greece

  • Prospect of citizenship in 7 years

€250,000+|5+ months

€250,000+5+ months

5+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen Area

  • Relocation to a European country with an affordable cost of living

  • Tax optimisation with low rates

€169,000+|6+ months

€169,000+6+ months

6+ months

  • Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries

  • Ability to live, study, start a business, and work in Malta

  • New family members can be added after the investor has received permanent residence

€300,000+|9+ months

€300,000+9+ months

9+ months

  • Tax optimisation

  • Property investment income

  • Prospect of obtaining citizenship in 8 years

€250,000+|4+ months

€250,000+4+ months

4+ months

  • Visa-free travel to the Schengen countries

  • Creating of a safe haven or moving to Italy

  • Special tax regime

Schedule a meeting

Let’s discuss the details

We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.

Zlata Erlach
Zlata Erlach

Head of the Austrian office

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