Experienced
Being in the industry since 2006, we can handle it all — from Due Diligence to investment — and resolve issues fast.
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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.
1
The Global Talent Programme has a 100% approval rate thanks to its close coordination with AIMA and accredited universities.
The Global Talent Programme has a 100% approval rate thanks to its close coordination with AIMA and accredited universities.
2
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.
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
Portugal residents can spend up to 90 days out of 180 in any Schengen country without a visa.
Portugal residents can spend up to 90 days out of 180 in any Schengen country without a visa.
4
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.
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
After 5 years, residents may apply for permanent residency or citizenship, gaining full access to EU rights and freedoms.
After 5 years, residents may apply for permanent residency or citizenship, gaining full access to EU rights and freedoms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We will assist you in preparing the required documents and opening an account in a Portuguese bank.
Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits
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We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.

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