Updated on July 1, 2025

Portugal Golden Visa

Returnable investments yielding about 10% per year and a simplified path to EU citizenship

€250,000+

Investment amount

12+ months

Obtaining period

5 years

To citizenship

Portugal has been issuing Golden Visas since 2012. Applicants choose between five options, with investments starting at €250,000. Investors who buy units in Portuguese funds can return the money in 6—10 years by selling the asset.

Investors and their family members get 2-year renewable residence permits. Maintaining Portugal residency by investment requires spending 7 days a year in the country. Applying for citizenship becomes available 5 years later.

5 benefits you can secure with the Portugal Golden Visa

  • 1

    Visa-free travel

    As a Portuguese resident, you will be able to visit the Schengen Area without visas and spend up to 90 days out of 180 there.

  • 2

    EU citizenship

    You may become eligible for citizenship after 5 years from applying for the first Portugal residence permit by investment. A child born in Portugal gains citizenship if a parent has held residency for at least 1 year.

  • 3

    Investment returns

    Units of Portuguese investment funds yield about 10% annually, depending on the assets and strategy. They are redeemable in 6—10 years to recoup investment.

  • 4

    Business expansion

    You and your family members can set up companies in Portugal and operate them throughout the European Union.

  • 5

    Plan B in the EU

    The Golden Visa lets you enter Portugal at any time and stay indefinitely. There, you can benefit from low living costs, high safety, and quality healthcare. Children may attend Portuguese schools and universities.

Is Portugal’s Golden Visa your key to quality living?

Is Portugal’s Golden Visa 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 investment, residency for all

The spouse and partner, children, and parents can get residency with the investor under one application

  • Investor

    • Over 18

    • No criminal record or prosecution

    • Money for investments is earned outside of Portugal

    • No debts in Portugal

    • Capable of confirming the legality of the income

    • Medical insurance

  • Spouse or partner

    • No criminal records or prosecutions

    • In a registered marriage or unregistered relationship with the investor

    • If not registered, being in a relationship with the investor for at least 2 years 

    • Same-sex couples included

  • Children under 18

  • Children aged 18 to 26

    • Financially dependent on the investor

    • Live with the investor or study at a university

    • Unmarried

  • Parents

    Financially dependent on the investor

Investment options for the Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Investor Visa offers five investment options. The threshold is €250,000 under supporting arts; however, most investors opt for fund units for at least €500,000. Real estate routes were abolished in October of 2023.

1 option

Units of investment funds — €500,000+

An investment fund pools capital into commercial property, Portuguese companies, industrial sites, or European stocks. The holding period is at least 5 years. Investors typically redeem after 6—10 years and receive profits net of fees.

Purchase of fund units

€500,000+

Subscription fee

Up to 7.5%

Health insurance

€400+ per applicant

Application fee

605 per applicant

Residence permit fee

€6,045 per applicant

2 option

Supporting arts and culture — €250,000+

The investor makes a contribution to the restoration of national heritage sites or to support cultural activities.

Does the Portugal Golden Visa fit your budget?

Does the Portugal Golden Visa 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.

Get the cost calculation
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Can Portugal’s Golden Visa help you reach your goals?

Compare the key terms and benefits of the Portugal residency by investment with other popular EU options — Hungary, which has an investment fund option, and Greece.

Comparison of EU Golden Visa terms

Terms and features

Investments

pt-flag

Portugal

€250,000+

hu-flag

Hungary

€250,000+

gr-flag

Greece

€250,000+

Terms and features

Other requirements

pt-flag

Portugal

Spend 7 days a year in Portugal

hu-flag

Hungary

Keep investment to renew residency

gr-flag

Greece

Keep investment to renew residency

Terms and features

Obtaining period

pt-flag

Portugal

12+ months

hu-flag

Hungary

5+ months

gr-flag

Greece

4+ months

Terms and features

Annual returns

pt-flag

Portugal

2—20%

hu-flag

Hungary

5—6%

gr-flag

Greece

Up to 10%

Terms and features

RP validity

pt-flag

Portugal

2 years

hu-flag

Hungary

10 years

gr-flag

Greece

5 years

Terms and features

Time to citizenship

pt-flag

Portugal

5 years

hu-flag

Hungary

11 years

gr-flag

Greece

7 years

Terms and features

Family eligibility

pt-flag

Portugal

Spouse or partner, children under 26, parents

hu-flag

Hungary

Spouse, children under 18, parents

gr-flag

Greece

Spouse or partner, children under 21, parents

Terms and features

pt-flag

Portugal

hu-flag

Hungary

gr-flag

Greece

Investments

€250,000+

€250,000+

€250,000+

Other requirements

Spend 7 days a year in Portugal

Keep investment to renew residency

Keep investment to renew residency

Obtaining period

12+ months

5+ months

4+ months

Annual returns

2—20%

5—6%

Up to 10%

RP validity

2 years

10 years

5 years

Time to citizenship

5 years

11 years

7 years

Family eligibility

Spouse or partner, children under 26, parents

Spouse, children under 18, parents

Spouse or partner, children under 21, parents

Our clients’ stories

All cases
Portugal D7 Visa for a British family with rental income

Portugal D7 Visa for a British family with rental income

After Brexit, I was devastated. In my twenties, I studied for a year in the Netherlands; in my thirties, I worked in Spain. Back then, it was so easy to move — just choose a country and go! Brexit took that freedom away. I felt especially sad for my son and wanted to give him the same opportunities I had and a path to EU citizenship. When the chance to earn rental income came up, I saw a way forward. My son, mother, and I moved to Portugal on the D7 Visa thanks to Immigrant Invest. I hope this becomes our permanent home and the start of our journey to EU citizenship.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for a man from Egypt to secure European residency in a month

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa for a man from Egypt to secure European residency in a month

Portugal Golden Visa for clients awaiting residency in the USA

Portugal Golden Visa for clients awaiting residency in the USA

Portugal D7 Visa for retirees to have a calm life after years of hard work

Portugal D7 Visa for retirees to have a calm life after years of hard work

How we won the court against the Portuguese migration service regarding no decision on residency

How we won the court against the Portuguese migration service regarding no decision on residency

5 main reasons to invest in Portuguese funds

1. Passive income. Investment funds can generate steady annual returns of about 10% on average and often pay dividends yearly or quarterly.

2. Asset diversification. Funds build resilience by spreading capital across multiple assets and sectors, cutting risk and offering greater stability than single-asset holdings during market volatility and downturns.

3. Tax optimisation. If a fund invests in real estate, it sidesteps Portugal’s hefty transaction taxes and incur no annual property or maintenance costs, reducing the overall tax burden.

4. Professional management. Licensed experts with deep market knowledge manage the assets, sparing investors from daily decisions on allocation, timing, or individual holdings.

5. Flexible exit strategies. Most funds allow exits after the 5-year Golden Visa holding period by selling units to other investors, having the fund repurchase shares, or waiting until maturity for full liquidation.

Timeline for investing in Portugal’s Golden Visa funds

Timeline for investing in Portugal’s Golden Visa funds

Top Golden Visa funds for investment

Eligible Golden Visa funds are registered with the Portuguese Commission for the Securities Market. 

Immigrant Invest lawyers rigorously vet each fund — assessing management history, strategy, risk profile and past performance — focusing on low-to-medium risk options that preserve capital while delivering competitive returns.

Portuguese funds selected by Immigrant Invest

Fund

Indexed Fund

Sector

80% financial, 20% alternative

Subscription period

Until April 2026

Estimated return

6—8%

Annual dividends

6% of profit

Maturity

10 years

Fund

Container Fund

Sector

AI technology

Subscription period

Until December 2025

Estimated return

15—20%

Annual dividends

6% of profit

Maturity

10 years

Fund

Private equity fund

Sector

Venture capital

Subscription period

Until December 2026

Estimated return

10%

Annual dividends

4.85% of profit after 1 year

Maturity

10 years

Fund

FCR Hospitality Fund

Sector

Luxury hotels and resorts

Subscription period

Until December 2025

Estimated return

12.5%

Annual dividends

4.5% of profit after 2 years

Maturity

10 years

Fund

Finance Fund

Sector

Renewable energy infrastructure

Subscription period

Until January 2026

Estimated return

8%

Annual dividends

8% of profit after 1 year

Maturity

10 years

Fund

Portuguese Entertainment Fund

Sector

Leisure and entertainment

Subscription period

Until April 2026

Estimated return

4%

Annual dividends

4% of profit after 1 year

Maturity

10 years

Fund

C2 Legacy Buyout Fund

Sector

Medium companies

Subscription period

Until December 2025

Estimated return

15%

Annual dividends

Not expected

Maturity

8 years

Fund

PEEIF II

Sector

Renewable energy and clean tech

Subscription period

Until April 2026

Estimated return

6%

Annual dividends

Not expected

Maturity

10 years

Fund

Sector

Subscription period

Estimated return

Annual dividends

Maturity

Indexed Fund

80% financial, 20% alternative

Until April 2026

6—8%

6% of profit

10 years

Container Fund

AI technology

Until December 2025

15—20%

6% of profit

10 years

Private equity fund

Venture capital

Until December 2026

10%

4.85% of profit after 1 year

10 years

FCR Hospitality Fund

Luxury hotels and resorts

Until December 2025

12.5%

4.5% of profit after 2 years

10 years

Finance Fund

Renewable energy infrastructure

Until January 2026

8%

8% of profit after 1 year

10 years

Portuguese Entertainment Fund

Leisure and entertainment

Until April 2026

4%

4% of profit after 1 year

10 years

C2 Legacy Buyout Fund

Medium companies

Until December 2025

15%

Not expected

8 years

PEEIF II

Renewable energy and clean tech

Until April 2026

6%

Not expected

10 years

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Step-by-step procedure for obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa

Obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa usually takes 12+ months, according to Immigrant Invest’s legal practice. Below is a step-by-step guide to how the process unfolds.

1

1 day

Preliminary Due Diligence

A certified Compliance Anti Money Laundering Officer checks the information on the investor against international databases. Our check helps to decrease the refusal risk to 1%.

The preliminary Due Diligence is obligatory as we don't sign a contract with an investor without it. If we've discovered a risk of refusal, we offer a suitable solution: add more documents or choose another investment program.

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

Evaluate chances
2

Up to 2 weeks

Preparation of documents

Immigrant Invest lawyers provide the investor with an individual list of documents required to apply for a Portugal residence permit by investment. They also fill out government forms and help translate and notarise documents.

3

1—2 weeks

Obtainment of a tax number

Applicants are issued a unique nine-digit number, Número de Identificação Fiscal, NIF. The NIF is required to open a bank account in Portugal, buy or rent real estate, register a business, and in many other cases.

4

1—1.5 months

Opening of an account in a Portuguese bank

Investment under the Portugal Golden Visa Program must be made from the applicant’s account in a Portuguese bank.

We help open an account and activate it. When everything is ready, the applicant transfers the money required for investment.

5

1 week to 1.5 months

Investment

Depending on the option the applicant chooses, they purchase investment fund units, create a company and the required jobs, or make the investment directed at supporting arts or science. 

The lawyers collect all the supporting documents to prove the investment made.

6

5—6 months

Application

E-copies of the documents are sent for consideration to the AIMA, Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum of Portugal.

7

1—2 weeks

Submission of biometrics

The investor and their family need to come to Portugal to submit original documents and fingerprints for residence permit cards. The appointment for submitting biometrics must be booked in advance in the electronic register.

8

Within 6 months after biometrics

Approval and acquisition of the residence permit cards

AIMA reviews the documents of the investor and their family within 6 months of the biometric submission date.

Once the application is approved, the investor pays the required fee for the residence permit cards.

Cards are issued within 6 months after biometrics and are collected in person by the investor or by a lawyer under power of attorney.

9

Every 2 years

Renewal of the residence permit

The investor and their family members must spend at least 7 days a year in Portugal to maintain residency. The residence permit has to be renewed every 2 years. 

The renewal procedure is similar to the initial application: one needs to collect the same documents and submit them online, pass fingerprinting, provide the original documents, and obtain new residence permit cards.

Trust your future to a reliable agent

Immigrant Invest is an official representative of the Portugal Golden Visa program, able to guide an investor through obtaining a Portugal residence permit by investment.

We know all the migration peculiarities and operate strictly under the current legal framework regulating the Portugal Golden Visa rules, namely, the Aliens Act Law No. 23/2007 amended by Act 29/2012 and the related decrees.

Industry expert since 2006

With in-depth expertise, we handle every detail — from Due Diligence to investment — and resolve issues fast

99% success rate

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

24/7 support

From the first consultation to residency, we guide every step and answer all, even the trickiest, questions

Total privacy

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 consultation to selecting a property and securing your residency.

Your Golden Visa team

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

Célia Castilho

Célia Castilho

Head of the Portuguese office

Vladlena Baranova

Vladlena Baranova

Head of Legal & AML Compliance Department, CAMS, IMCM

Priscila Carvalho

Priscila Carvalho

Investment migration expert

Eunice Machado Pais

Eunice Machado Pais

Investment migration expert

Residency and Immigrant Invest stay with you

Portuguese residents regularly renew their ID cards. Other needs may also arise over time, such as: getting a residence permit for a newborn child or a new spouse, preparing documents for citizenship, or becoming a tax resident. See how we continue to help our clients.

  • Residence permit renewal

    We help investors get new residence permit cards every two years.

  • Residence permits for family reunification

    We help the investor’s spouse, children, and parents get residence permits.

  • Replacing a lost residence permit card

    We prepare an application and accompany the investor until a new residence permit card is received.

  • Selection of real estate

    We help the investor choose a finished apartment or buy a property under construction. We closely follow each step of the purchase transaction.

  • Obtaining permanent residence or citizenship

    We prepare the required documents and help to apply.

  • Registration of tax residency

    We help investors become Portuguese tax residents, provided that they spend more than 183 days a year in Portugal.

  • Opening of bank accounts

    We prepare the required documents and fill out the forms to open personal and corporate bank accounts.

  • Registration of a company

    We help to prepare a business plan and register a company and its business activity.

  • Preparation of additional documents

    We help to obtain Portuguese Police Certificate Apostille, driver’s licence, a Tax Identification Number, and Social Security Number.

    We arrange translation services, if required.

  • Other services

    We book appointments with AIMA, offer tax fiscal representation for individuals and companies, arrange tax advisor’s consultation, and help change the address.

    We also help with relocation to Portugal.

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Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.

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Our clients’ reviews

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

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Video guide to the Portugal Golden Visa

Watch our breakdown of the benefits, investment options, and timeframes to get a full picture of the Portugal Golden Visa in just under 2 minutes. 

Frequently asked questions

  • Who can get a Portugal Golden Visa?

    An adult investor with proven legal income earned outside Portugal can get a Portugal Golden Visa, also known as a Portugal residence permit by investment. The applicant must have no criminal record and valid medical insurance.

    A spouse, children under 26, and parents can get Portuguese investment visas with the investor. Adult children must financially depend on the investor. For example, if they are students at a university, the investor pays tuition fees.

  • How much to invest in getting a Portugal Golden Visa?

    The Golden Residence Permit Program offers investors five options. Supporting arts and the Portuguese national cultural heritage requires the least investment amount — €250,000.

    The most popular investment options is buying investment fund units for €500,000.

  • Is it possible to return the investment?

    Some options provide investors with opportunities to return the money. For example, they can exit the investment in the fund units in 6 to 10 years. In the meantime, the investor can receive passive income and benefit from the asset value growth.

  • Can your company guarantee that I will get a Golden Visa?

    No one can guarantee that you will get Portugal residency by investment. Moreover, if a company guarantees success, you probably deal with scammers.

    Immigrant Invest conducts a preliminary Due Diligence to reduce the rejection risk to 1%. A certified Anti Money Laundering Officer examines investors’ documents considering the nuances of Due Diligence in the particular country. If there are any risks revealed, we search for a solution. For example, to add specific documents or choose another program.

  • Do I have to pay taxes in Portugal?

    One must pay taxes in Portugal if one earns income there or owns a property.

    You can become a tax resident in Portugal if you spend more than 183 days in a year in the country. This will lead to paying taxes on most of your income there at the rates for tax residents. 

  • What duties arise after getting a residence permit in Portugal?

    The investor must spend at least 7 days a year in Portugal to maintain residency. It is also important to renew the residence permit card on time every 2 years.

    The investor pays taxes on income derived from sources in Portugal and globally if becoming a Portuguese tax resident.

    The investor doesn’t have to live in Portugal permanently, take language proficiency tests, or serve in the Portuguese army.

  • What family members can I include in my Portugal Golden Visa application?

    The list of an investor’s family members eligible for the Portugal Investor Visa includes the following:

    • spouse or partner;

    • children under 18;

    • adult children under 26, financially dependent on the main applicant, and living with them or studying in a university, unmarried;

    • parents who are financially dependent on the investor.

  • Can I apply for a Golden Visa in Portugal through a fund investment?

    One may purchase units of a Portuguese investment fund or a venture capital fund for €500,000 to get a Golden Visa.

    At least 60% of the fund’s money must be invested in Portuguese companies, and the maturity of units at the moment of the investment must be at least 5 years.

  • What documents are required for the Portugal Golden Visa?

    The general list of documents includes the following:

    1. A passport or another valid travel document.

    2. Health insurance.

    3. Certificates of criminal record from the country of origin and the countries where the applicant resided for more than a year.

    4. Permission to the competent authorities to check criminal records in Portugal.

    5. A sworn statement in which the applicant declares that they will comply with the minimum quantitative and temporal requirements of the investment activity.

    6. Evidence of proper tax filing by submitting a no-debt issued up to 45 days in advance by the Tax and Customs Authority and the Social Security or, if this is impossible, a no-record return from these entities.

    Also, an investor must submit documents connected with the investment — there’s a list for each option. Additional documents may be required.

  • What is the cheapest option for the Portugal Golden Visa?

    The minimum cost of the Portugal Golden Visa is €250,000. This option involves supporting the arts and restoring cultural heritage. It is non-refundable.

  • What are the benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa?

    Some benefits of the Portugal investment visa include:

    • visa-free travel within the Schengen Area;

    • creation of a “safe haven”;

    • relocation to Portugal;

    • working or doing business in a European country;

    • access to quality healthcare and education;

    • EU citizenship in 5 years and automatic citizenship for newborn children.

  • Can unmarried or same-sex couples apply for a Portugal Golden Visa?

    Yes. An investor’s partner can be included provided the couple is in an unregistered partnership of at least 2 years. Same-sex couples must be in a registered marriage or unregistered 2-year relationship.

  • Can I use cryptocurrency to invest?

    No, cryptocurrencies are not accepted directly, either for making the investment or as proof of income. All investments must be made in euros from a verifiable bank account, typically one opened in Portugal.

    However, if cryptocurrency has been converted into fiat currency, such as euros or dollars, in advance and legally declared, those funds can be used — provided the source of the funds is documented. This can be done, for example, with exchange statements, tax records, and similar documents.

  • What happens if my Golden Visa application is rejected?

    The rejection decision can be appealed. There are two available routes:

    • administrative appeal submitted to the AIMA. In this case, the application is reviewed based on the objections raised and any new supporting evidence;

    • judicial appeal filed with the Portuguese administrative court. This option takes longer and requires a lawyer’s involvement, but it remains available if the administrative appeal does not succeed.

Other EU Golden Visas

Country and statusInvestmentsTime requiredBenefits

gr-flag
€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

hu-flag
€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

mt-flag
€182,000+|6+ months

€182,000+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

cy-flag
€300,000+|9+ months

€300,000+9+ months

9+ months

  • Tax optimisation

  • Property investment income

  • Prospect of obtaining citizenship in 8 years

it-flag
€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

Facts about Portugal Residency by Investment program

About Portugal Golden Visa program
Portugal Golden Visa benefits
Portugal Golden Visa Timeline
Portugal Golden Visa requirements
Investment options to obtain Portugal golden visa

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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.

Zlata Erlach
Zlata Erlach

Head of the Austrian office

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