What is a Golden Visa in Europe?

A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment programme that allows non-EU nationals to obtain a European residence permit in exchange for a qualifying financial investment. Approved investment routes typically include investment funds, business creation, or cultural donations, with thresholds varying by country. After maintaining the investment for a specified number of years, applicants may qualify for permanent residency or citizenship. One of the main advantages is that applicants do not need to give up their current lifestyle. As long as they meet the minimum stay requirements, holders can benefit from the right to live, work, and travel visa-free across the Schengen Area covering 29 countries.

Which EU countries have a Golden Visa?

In Europe, the main Golden Visa countries currently include Portugal, Greece, Italy and Hungary. In addition, non‑EU countries such as Turkey and Cyprus also offer similar residency-by-investment programs. Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive options due to its low physical stay requirement, five-year pathway to citizenship, and overall policy stability.

What Is an EU Passport?

An EU passport is issued by a member state of the European Union. Holders have the right to live, work, and study freely in all 27 EU member states without needing additional visas. In terms of travel, EU passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 180–190 countries and territories worldwide, including major destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Through Portugal’s Golden Visa program, investors may apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years, obtaining an EU passport. Citizenship can also be passed down to future generations.

Which European Golden Visa has the lowest investment requirement?

For investment immigration, Portugal currently offers one of the most accessible overall thresholds. The minimum investment typically starts at €500,000, and applicants are only required to spend an average of 14 days in Portugal every two years. There is no requirement to relocate permanently or give up an existing residence or business. For those seeking relocation based on lifestyle, Portugal’s D7 Passive Income Visa requires proof of qualifying monthly income and is considered one of the most cost-effective ways to move to Europe.

Which EU country has the easiest golden visa?

Among EU countries offering Golden Visa programs, Portugal is widely regarded as one of the easiest and most accessible options. This is due to its relatively low physical stay requirement, clear five-year pathway to citizenship, and stable, transparent legal framework. In addition, Portugal offers a high quality of life, potential tax advantages, and a welcoming environment for international families, making it a practical and attractive choice for many investors. If you are interested in learning more about Portugal’s Golden Visa benefits and requirements, you may explore further details here.

The Golden Portugal | Portugal Golden Visa Specialist

Portugal's boutique Golden Visa & residency specialists

Your Path to European Citizenship

EU residency without relocating. Schengen travel for your family. A clear, proven path to Portuguese citizenship.

Book a Free Consultation Explore the Portugal Golden Visa

800+Families served

100%Approval rate since 2020

4.8★Google rating

40+Nationalities

What Is a Golden Visa?

A golden visa is a residency-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment program established by a government to attract foreign capital.

These programs can provide access to European residency, Caribbean citizenship, second passports, and other investment-based immigration pathways worldwide. Today, "golden visa" is widely recognised as the umbrella term for the investment migration industry, offering globally minded individuals and families the opportunity to secure residency, citizenship, or investor privileges through qualifying investments.

Since 2020, The Golden Portugal has successfully guided over 800 families through this process, maintaining a 100% success rate.

Compare All Programs Download the 2026 Guide

Three Routes to Global Residency: Golden Visa, CBI & D Visa

The right programme depends on whether you want EU residency, a second passport, or to actually relocate to Portugal — each has different rights, requirements, and paths to citizenship.

EU Residency

Residency by Investment (RBI)

A European residence permit granting the right to live, work, and travel across Schengen. Citizenship is possible after 5–10 years — with Portugal being the only option requiring minimal physical presence.

🇵🇹 Portugal 🇬🇷 Greece 🇭🇺 Hungary 🇮🇹 Italy 🇵🇦 Panama

Explore Portugal RBI

Direct Citizenship

Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Skip residency entirely. A donation grants a second passport directly — typically in 2–3 months, with no residency requirement at any stage. The fastest and most cost-effective route to a second passport — and a fast track to Portuguese citizenship via CPLP membership.

🇸🇹 São Tomé & Príncipe

Explore São Tomé CBI

Full Relocation

Portugal D Visas (D7 / D8 / D2)

For those planning to actually move to Portugal. D7 is for passive income earners; D8 is for remote workers and digital nomads; D2 is for entrepreneurs starting a business in Portugal. All lead to permanent residency and citizenship.

D7 Passive Income D8 Digital Nomad D2 Entrepreneur

Explore D Visas

Why The Golden Portugal

We Do One Thing. We Do It Properly.

90% of our practice is the Portugal Golden Visa — better outcomes, fewer surprises, and a team that has handled every edge case in the process.

Boutique Portugal Focus

No generalists. No offshore processing. Deep expertise in one programme means we know every nuance, every risk, and every workaround.

Dedicated Lawyer + Account Manager

From day one through EU citizenship, one lawyer and one account manager own your case — no rotating handlers, no call centre.

48-Hour Guaranteed SLA

A formal response guarantee throughout your entire 5–7 year journey — not just during the sales process. With direct escalation to the CEO.

Portugal-Based Execution

AIMA appointments, bank introductions, NIF registration, biometrics — we're physically present in Lisbon where it all happens.

Full Journey: Visa → Citizenship

Most firms end at approval. Our structure covers residency renewal, permanent residency, and citizenship planning — end to end.

9 Languages, 4 Continents

International service standards with deep Portuguese bureaucratic expertise — bridging two worlds for our global client base.

800+Families served

100%Approval rate since 2020

17%Referral rate in 2025

€100M+Investments coordinated

Book a Free Consultation Meet the Team

Our Top Programs

Three Programmes, Three Distinct Value Propositions

EU citizenship, European property ownership, or tax-efficient non-EU residency — these three cover the most common goals of our clients.

🇵🇹

Top Rated · TGP Specialty

Portugal Golden Visa

EU Residency · Fund Investment from €500k

Europe's best citizenship pathway for globally mobile families — EU residency with minimal presence required and a clear path to an EU passport.

14 days every 2 years — lowest stay in the EU
€250k donation or €500k in CMVM-regulated investment funds
Whole family included — no upper age for children
Portuguese citizenship after 10 years
188+ visa-free countries with a Portuguese passport

🇬🇷

Real Estate Route

Greece Golden Visa

EU Residency · Real Estate from €250k

The leading EU programme for investors who want to own European property. Zero minimum stay. Direct real estate ownership with Schengen access.

Zero minimum stay — one entry per renewal
€250k–€800k depending on property location
Direct real estate ownership in Greece
Whole family included on one application
5-year renewable EU residence permit

🇵🇦

Tax Efficiency

Panama Investor Visa

Non-EU Permanent Residency · USD 300k Real Estate

Immediate permanent residency, zero tax on foreign income, and a clean investment exit after 5 years — the standout non-EU option for high earners.

Permanent residency in 30–60 days
Zero tax on all foreign income (territorial system)
One visit every 2 years to maintain status
Clean real estate exit after 5 years
Citizenship pathway after 5 years

The Process

How the Portugal Golden Visa Works

From initial consultation to EU citizenship — a clear, structured journey with The Golden Portugal at every step.

Initial Consultation

We assess your eligibility, family situation, and goals — and recommend the right programme and investment route for you.

Fund Selection & Investment

Choose from 40+ CMVM-regulated funds. We handle KYC, NIF, Portuguese bank account, and the €500k fund investment.

AIMA Application & Approval

Your lawyer submits to AIMA (Portugal's immigration authority). Upon approval, you receive a 2-year residence permit — typically in 9–15 months.

Renew, Then Citizenship

Renew every 2 years (14 days minimum stay). After 5 years: permanent residency. After 10 years: apply for Portuguese citizenship and an EU passport.

Full Golden Visa Guide Start Your Journey

Timelines are indicative and subject to AIMA processing times. Not legal or investment advice.

More Programmes

Other Routes We Manage

Depending on nationality, timeline, and goals, one of these may be a better fit — or a complement to your Portugal strategy.

🇸🇹 São Tomé CBI

Second passport in ~3 months. No residency required. USD 90k donation. CPLP fast-track to Portuguese citizenship.

Explore São Tomé

🇮🇹 Italy Investor Visa

30-day EU pre-approval — fastest in Europe. Flat-tax regime for HNW families. From €250k investment.

Explore Italy

🇭🇺 Hungary Golden Visa

Low-cost EU Schengen permit in 2–3 months. €250k fund investment. 10-year renewable. No minimum stay.

Explore Hungary

🇵🇹 Portugal D7 Visa

Relocate to Portugal on passive income. Lower cost than the Golden Visa. Full residency rights and citizenship pathway.

Explore D7 Visa

🇵🇹 Portugal D8 Visa

Live and work remotely from Portugal. For digital nomads and remote employees with non-Portuguese employers.

Explore D8 Visa

🇹🇷 Turkey Golden Visa

Affordable second passport through property investment. Full citizenship rights from USD 400k.

Explore Turkey

🇨🇾 Cyprus Golden Visa

Non-EU residency with favourable tax treatment and proximity to the EU. Fast processing.

Explore Cyprus

Not sure which fits?

Tell us your nationality, timeline, and goals — we'll recommend the right programme in 48 hours.

Get Personalised Advice

Compare All Programs Side-by-Side →

Side-by-Side

2026 Programme Comparison

Six programmes — the key dimensions at a glance. Portugal highlighted as TGP's primary focus.

Programme	Type	Min. Investment	Processing	Min. Stay	Path to Passport
🇵🇹 Portugal TGP Focus	EU Residency	€500,000 fund	9–15 months	14 days / 2 yrs	10 years*
🇬🇷 Greece	EU Residency	€250k–€800k real estate	6–9 months	None	7 years**
🇭🇺 Hungary	EU Residency	€250,000 fund	2–3 months	None	8 years**
🇮🇹 Italy	EU Residency	From €250,000	30-day pre-approval	None	10 years**
🇵🇦 Panama	Non-EU Residency	USD 300,000 real estate	2–3 months	1 visit / 2 yrs	5 years
🇸🇹 São Tomé CBI	Direct Citizenship	USD 90,000 donation	2–3 months	None	Immediate

* Requires passing an A2 Portuguese language test. ** Greece, Hungary, Italy citizenship requires full-time residency — rarely pursued by Golden Visa investors. Thresholds as of March 2026; verify before acting.

Start from your goal — not the programme.

→EU passport, minimal life disruption🇵🇹 Portugal

→Immediate residency, zero foreign-income tax🇵🇦 Panama

→Fast second passport, large family, lowest cost🇸🇹 São Tomé

→EU Schengen residency through real property🇬🇷 Greece

Not sure which fits? That's exactly what our consultation is for. There is no single right answer — only the right answer for your situation.

Full Comparison Guide → Talk to an Advisor

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Portugal Golden Visa (ARI) is a residency-by-investment programme. Non-EU nationals who invest at least €500,000 in a CMVM-regulated fund receive a 2-year renewable Portuguese residence permit. After 5 years maintaining the investment — with only ~14 days presence every 2 years — you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.

No. The Portugal Golden Visa requires approximately 7 days in year one and 14 days per 2-year renewal period. You do not need to relocate, give up your current residence, or live in Portugal full-time. This is the primary reason it remains Europe's most popular investment residency programme for internationally mobile families.

Some Americans use a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) to invest in qualifying Portuguese funds for the Golden Visa — which can unlock retirement savings without triggering an early withdrawal penalty. This requires coordination between an SDIRA custodian, the fund manager, and your legal team. TGP can make introductions. Always consult a qualified US tax advisor first.

Portugal's Golden Visa is the only EU programme that delivers citizenship after 10 years with minimal physical presence — 14 days every 2 years. Greece, Hungary, and Italy require multiple years of full-time physical residence to qualify for citizenship, which most investors do not pursue. For those wanting an EU passport without relocating, Portugal is the answer.

The Golden Visa (ARI) is an investment-based permit with minimal stay requirements — for those who don't want to relocate. The D7 Passive Income Visa requires proof of regular passive income and that you physically live in Portugal for most of the year (183+ days). The Golden Visa suits those maintaining their existing life; the D7 suits those planning to actually move.

From fund investment to receiving your residence permit: typically 9–15 months, though this varies with AIMA processing times. In some cases, the process has been completed in under 10 months. Our team actively monitors your application and advocates at AIMA to minimise delays. All timelines are estimates.

Yes. Portugal's Golden Visa includes spouse, dependent children (no upper age limit as long as they're single, studying, and financially dependent), and parents of both spouses. São Tomé & Príncipe CBI includes up to 4 generations — including grandparents aged 55+. Family rules vary by programme — we model these carefully for every client.

Generally, no. Tax residency is triggered by physical presence — usually 183+ days per year. A residence permit alone does not cross that threshold. Most Golden Visa investors spend well under 183 days in Portugal and have no Portuguese tax obligations on foreign income. Tax rules are complex and depend on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified tax advisor.

Have a question not covered here?

Ask Our Team Directly

From the Founder

Susana Yang

Founder & CEO · MBA, CFA Level III · Portugal-based since 2017

"Having lived in Portugal for 7 years, I've experienced firsthand the cultural gap between international expectations and Portuguese business pace. We realized: if we wanted to serve global families properly, we couldn't just be in Portugal. We had to bridge two worlds."

That insight is the foundation of everything we built — formal response SLAs, dedicated legal counsel from day one, and direct founder escalation. None of these are standard in this industry. For us, they're non-negotiable.

Today, The Golden Portugal has guided 800+ families from 40+ nationalities through the process — with a 17% referral rate that tells us we're doing something right.

Read Our Story Connect on LinkedIn

Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

800+ successful cases · 4.8★ Google rating

★★★★★

"Susana and her team guided us promptly and accurately through every step of the Golden Visa process. Their honest advice, strong local presence in Lisbon, and hands-on support at AIMA appointments truly set them apart."

Mark HolmanUnited States · 4 months ago

★★★★★

"We chose The Golden Portugal because of their strong communication, competitive pricing, and excellent reviews — and we have not regretted it. Communication throughout the document-gathering and application process has been straightforward and efficient."

Alexander LovtunUnited States · 8 months ago

★★★★★

"After months of searching, we felt lucky to find Susana and her team. They have been supportive, responsive, competitively priced, and exceptionally effective in handling both legal and practical matters on the ground in Lisbon."