Portugal Golden Visa

​Frequently asked questions

• What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

  The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency programme requiring $250,000+ investment in supporting Portuguese sports and culture, purchasing units of investment funds, or starting a business in Portugal. The status grants the right to live, work, and invest in Portugal, and travel visa-free across the Schengen Area.

• Can my family be included?

  Yes. Spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents can be included in one application.

• Do I need to live in Portugal?

  No physical residency is required. Residents must visit Portugal for at least 7 days per year to maintain the status.

• What information is included in the guide?

  The Portugal Golden Visa guide covers everything you need to make an informed decision:

  • all investment options;
  • services Immigrant Invest provides besides assisting with your residency application;
  • complete cost breakdown;
  • family eligibility rules;
  • step-by-step timeline;
  • payment structure;
  • document requirements;
  • key facts about Portugal.
• What happens after I submit a request for the guide?

  You will receive a link to a PDF-guide containing all the essential information via email that you’ve stated in the form. After reviewing the guide, you can schedule a meeting with us to discuss your situation in detail — the booking link will be in the email as well.

  If you do not see our emails, please check the spam and subscription folders or type “Immigrant Invest” in the mail search.

• Is the guide updated with the latest changes?

  Yes, the guide is updated regularly to reflect current terms, including latest pricing, changes, and current processing times.

• How long is the guide, and how much time will it take to read?

  The guide is designed to be read in 15—20 minutes. It covers all essential information: investment options, costs, timeline, eligibility, and benefits, and gives you everything needed to make an informed decision in a single PDF you can save, print, or share.

• Does the guide include information about other Golden Visas?

  This guide focuses exclusively on the Portugal Golden Visa.

  You can download a comparison guide on all Golden Visas or ask any questions during the consultation.

• How long does the application process take?

  Based on Immigrant Invest lawyers’ experience, obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa requires at least 12 months from signing an agreement with us to receiving resident cards. Application processing usually takes 6 months from complete document and biometrics submission. Timelines may vary based on government processing.

• How do I get started with the application process?

  To start the process, do the following:

  1. Download the guide — you’ll receive it by email within several minutes.
  2. Book a free consultation — we’ll contact you within 1—2 business days to discuss your situation.
  3. Complete preliminary Due Diligence — we check for any red flags before you commit funds.
  4. Sign service agreement and begin document collection if approved.

  No commitment is required from you for steps 1—3.

• How does the FBI background check work for US applicants?

  Portugal’s immigration authority, AIMA, requires a criminal record certificate from the applicant’s country of origin. For US citizens and residents, this is the FBI Identity History Summary, commonly known as the FBI fingerprint clearance.

  The process involves four steps:

  1. Submit fingerprints — either through an FBI-approved channeler or directly to the FBI using a standard fingerprint card, FD‑258.
  2. Receive the FBI clearance — channelers typically return results within 1—3 business days; direct submission to the FBI takes 4—6 weeks.
  3. Obtain an Apostille from the US Department of State to authenticate the document for use in Portugal — usually 6—12 weeks, depending on current backlogs.
  4. Have the certificate translated into Portuguese by a certified translator.

  The total timeline is usually 2—4 months. Delays can occur due to fingerprint rejection, Department of State processing volumes, or peak periods. The certificate must generally be issued within the 90 days preceding submission to AIMA, so the timing of each step matters. Our lawyers coordinate the sequence to ensure documents stay valid through to the appointment.

• Are there FATCA reporting implications?

  Obtaining Portuguese residence does not change your US tax filing or FATCA reporting obligations. US citizens and Green Card holders remain subject to US tax laws regardless of their country of residence.

  Tax matters fall outside the scope of immigration services. We strongly recommend consulting a US-licensed tax advisor with experience in cross-border and expatriate taxation before and during the application process, so that your FATCA compliance and overall tax position are reviewed by a qualified professional.

• Can I maintain my US retirement accounts — IRA or 401k?

  Holding a Portugal Golden Visa does not, by itself, require you to close or restructure US retirement accounts. However, the treatment of IRA, 401(k), and similar accounts for individuals who reside or become tax resident outside the United States is a tax and financial planning matter that depends on each person’s circumstances.

  This sits outside the scope of immigration advice. We recommend consulting a US-licensed tax advisor — and, where relevant, a financial planner familiar with cross-border retirement account treatment — before making decisions about how to manage these accounts in connection with your move.