Portugal Golden Visa Program 2024 – A Complete Guide for Residency & Citizenship

Experience in Portugal Golden Visa

Since 2020, we have successfully assisted over 500 families in immigrating to Portugal and obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa. As the pioneer agency, we are well-versed in Portugal’s immigration policies and Portugal golden visa program requirements. Our expertise enables clients to achieve permanent residency in Portugal with ease through investment and straightforward procedures, fulfilling their dreams of living, working, and studying in Portugal.

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New Citizenship Law

Great news on Portugal Golden Visa.

The new law has been published. For Golden Visa applicants, the 5 years clock for applying citizenship will start ticking from the moment you submit your online application.

What is Portugal Golden Visa Program ?

The Portugal Golden Visa Program is a residency permit program designed for non-EU citizens. By engaging in specified investment activities (ARI) , applicants can obtain Portugal permanent residence and eventually have the opportunity to acquire Portuguese citizenship. For those investors aspiring to immigrate to Portugal, the Golden Visa stands as a gateway to the life of Europe. Compared to other countries, Portugal has the lowest residency requirements, no stringent stay mandates and offering tax- exempt status for fund investments, making the path to citizenship more straightforward and advantageous. This program is highly recommended for investors seeking greater flexibility while aiming to unlock the potential for residency and eventual portuguese citizenship within this vibrant country.

Portugal Golden Visa Program Requirement

Qualifying Investment:

€500,000 in fund investment

Portugal Residency Requirements:

No need to live in the country. Minimal stay for 14 days per 2 years
Permanent residence: after 5 years of Portugal Golden Visa
Citizenship: after 5 years of Portugal Investor Visa

Portugal Golden Visa Features

✓ Part of the EU and Schengen Area

✓ Residence Permit

✓ Right to work and start business

✓ Access to residency benefits such as public healthcare and education

✓ Dependents – spouse, children, and parents

Portugal Golden Visa Program Benefits

1. Visa-Free Travel

Enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, allowing for travel across 27 European countries. This offers greater ease and flexibility to explore Europe for business, leisure, or visiting friends and family.

2. Residency and Work Authorization

Unlike other countries, the Portuguese Golden Visa allows the applicant the right to live, work, and study in the country. This opens doors for career opportunities or educational goals.

3. Enjoy Residence Welfares

The Golden Visa Portugal provides applicants with free public healthcare and public education.

4. Higher Freedom of Movement

Compared to other residency programs, Portugal Golden Visa maintains a very minimal stay requirement, —staying in Portugal for just seven days in the first year and fourteen days in subsequent two-year periods.

5. Pathway to Citizenship and EU Passport

After 5 years of maintaining the Portuguese Golden Visa and adhering to stay requirements, Golden Visa investors can apply for permanent residency and, ultimately, Portuguese citizenship. This grants the benefits from Portugal Residence Permit, including the right to live, work, and study anywhere within the European Union, plus the benefits of a local residence such as public healthcare and public education in the residing EU countries.

6. Able to exit your investment after 5 years

Most Golden Visa are tied to your investment, meaning you will no longer be able to renew your residency if you sell your investment. But for Portugal Golden Visa, after 5 years, you can apply for citizenship and sell your investment freely.

7. High Quality of Life

The Portugal Gold Visa offers a high quality of life with pleasant climate, rich culture, and strong healthcare system. This can be a significant advantage for those seeking a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle. Read here on why Portugal maybe the ideal country for your second passport.

8. Favorable Tax Environment

Portugal offers a Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme that can deliver substantial tax advantages for up to ten years. Through the NHR program, foreign-sourced income, such as pensions, dividends, and royalties, may be exempt from taxation.

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FREE QUIZ:

Is Portugal Golden Visa the Right Path for You?

Answer 9 questions and instantly see if Portugal Golden Visa is the right path for you to get your second citizenship or permanent resident.

Qualified Investments for Portugal Golden Visa in 2024

Termination of Real Estate Route

Note that real estate and 1.5 million capital transfer are no longer investment options for Portugal Golden Visa starting from October 7, 2023.

Invest in Funds

Capital transfer of 500,000 euros or more, towards a venture capital fund, primarily focused on funding companies with a minimum maturity of five years. Furthermore, at least 60% of this investment must be directed towards commercial companies based in the national territory.
For more info on fund investment, please check out the How to invest in Portugal Golden Visa funds and The Biggest Advantage of Investing in Fund for Your Golden Visa

Documents and general requirements from SEF for fund investment

Discover Eligible Funds

Invest in Company

Capital transfer of the amount of 500,000 euros, or higher, for constitution of a commercial society with head office in the national territory, combined with the creation of five permanent working jobs, or for the reinforcement of the share capital of a commercial society with head office in national territory, with the creation or keeping of working jobs, with a minimum of five permanent jobs, and for a minimum period of three years.
We have a handful of selected companies for you to invest.
Documents and general requirements from SEF for investing in company.

Discover how to invest

PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA INVESTMENT FUND VIDEOS

Explore exclusive Golden Visa investment opportunities with our curated fund videos. Learn how to secure your Golden Visa through most poluar investment funds.

Watch Videos

Invest in Arts and Heritage

Capital transfer with a value equal to or above 250,000 euros for investing in artistic output or supporting the arts, for reconstruction or refurbishment of the national heritage, through the local and central authorities, public institutions, associations & foundations, private foundations of public interest, local corporate sector organisations / associations, pursuing activities of artistic output, and reconstruction or maintenance of the national heritage.
Documents and general requirements from SEF for investing in arts and heritages

Invest in Research Activities

Capital transfer with a value equal to or above 500,000 euros for investing in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions involved in the national scientific or technologic system.
Documents and general requirements from SEF for investing in research activities

Job Creation

The creation of, at least, 10 job positions.
Documents and general requirements from SEF for job creation

Portugal Golden Visa Application Procedures

After you have decided that Portugal’s Golden Visa is your ideal choice, you might want to get more information on the investment options, and to start preparing for the application. Below is an outline of the procedures for applying for the Golden Visa, step-by-step, to give you an idea of the process. We understand there are major decisions to be made here, and dealing in Portuguese may make things more complicated, trust us that The Golden Portugal team is here to help you along the way.

Average Time For Online Application Submission (Step 1 – 6) :

Months

Steps to configure the How-to Schema:

Step 1 – Initial Consultation

Begin with an initial consultation to assess your unique case and explore the investment options that align with your goals.

Step 2 – NIF & Bank Account

We will assist in obtaining a taxpayer ID number (NIF) for you and your family, and introduce you to a bank manager to facilitate account opening.

Step 3 – Investment Options

Based on your needs, we’ll identify and recommend suitable investment opportunities.

Step 4 – Transfer money and make the Investment

Transfer the necessary funds to your Portuguese bank account and proceed with your chosen investment. Specific procedures may vary depending on your investment option.

Step 5 – Gather Personal Documents

Gather all required documents for the SEF submission. We’ll provide guidance and collaborate with relevant parties, such as the bank manager and fund manager, to acquire the necessary documents.

Step 6 – Online Application Submission

Your lawyer will submit your application and accompanying documents online. Be prepared to pay the visa processing fee during this step.

Step 7 – Biometrics

After receiving initial approval, we’ll receive a notification to schedule an appointment for you to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo. You’ll need to submit the original application documents during this appointment.

Step 8 – Approval and Residence Cards

Once your application is approved, you’ll be required to pay the Golden Visa issuance fee to the government. We will collect your residence cards on your behalf and arrange for them to be sent to you. Your five-year Golden Visa residency period commences from the date indicated on your initial card.

Apply Remotely

Please note that all steps and processes, except for step 7 (Biometrics), can be conveniently completed remotely without the need for you to visit Portugal. Our dedicated team is here to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Golden Visa application experience. Feel free to contact us for an initial consultation to get started on your Golden Visa journey.

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Documents Requirements for Portugal Golden Visa

Documents to be obtained in your country of origin

Valid Passport: A current passport is essential.

Criminal Record Certificate: For each applicant aged 16 or older, a criminal record certificate from the country where you’ve latest resided for at least one year is required.

Proof of Residence: can be your driver’s license or ID card with address, a recent utility bill, or a recent bank statement。

Family Members’ Eligibility Documents: If you are including family members in your application, you’ll need to provide specific documents:

For the spouse, a marriage certificate.

For children, birth certificates (plus single status certificates and proof of student enrolment if they are over 18).

For dependent parents, birth certificates of the main applicant or the spouse (plus certificates of no income for those under 65).List item

Documents to be obtained in Portugal (we will prepare for you)

Applicant’s permission for the authorities to access his/her Portuguese criminal record.

A Portuguese tax identification number (note that you must appoint a local tax representative in order to obtain it).

Certificate of no debts from the Portuguese tax and national insurance offices.

Signed statement by the applicant that he/she will fulfil the investment requirements.

Evidence that the minimum investment has been made (this consists of a certificate issued by the appropriate registry office and, where applicable, a letter from a local bank confirming the transfer of the required funds).

Receipt of payment of the application fee

FAQ on Portugal Golden Visa Program

Is Portugal Golden Visa ending? Does Portugal Golden Visa Program still exist?

No, the Portugal Golden Visa program is not coming to an end. Although there was a significant legislative change on October 7, 2023, which terminated the real estate route and the capital transfer option of 1.5 million euros, the program is still active and continues to offer other investment routes. The most popular among these remaining routes is the fund option.

What are the requirements of the Portugal Golden Visa Program?

The Portugal Golden Visa requirements are very straightforward, mainly including eligible investment and the minimum stays. Please see the details as below:
– Make an eligible investment in Portugal under the Portugal Golden Visa program, with funds from outside of Portugal
– Stay in Portugal for a minimum of 14 days, either consecutively or non-consecutively, within a two-year period.
– No age restrictions
– No educational qualifications needed
– No specific work skills required
– No income prerequisites

Who can I include as dependents with my application?

Portugal Golden Visa programs allows you to include 3 generations of family members with your application. You can include the following family members:
– Spouse
– Children under the age of 18
– Children over 18 that are dependent, enrolled as student and unmarried
– Dependent parents of the applicant or spouse
– Siblings under the age of 18 in the custody of the applicant or spouse

Who is ideal for the Portugal Golden Visa?

– The Portugal Golden Visa is for non EU citizens. It is ideal for you if you want the flexibility of not having to live in Portugal full-time in the immediate future but would like to initiate the process of securing an EU residency or citizenship as soon as possible.
– You seek the assurance that your immigration journey won’t be disrupted by unforeseen events that may limit your stay in Portugal.

How long does it take to get a Portugal Golden Visa?

Here is the timeline for obtaining your first residence card for the Portugal Golden Visa, last updated in Q4 2023:
1. Pre-Approval: After submitting your online application, you can expect to receive pre-approval approximately 9-12 months later.
2. Biometric Appointments: The AIMA will contact you to schedule biometric appointments around 1-2 months after pre-approval.
3. Final Approval: AIMA will grant the final approval, and the timing for this approval depends on the location of your biometric appointments. In larger cities like Lisbon, it may take longer (more than one year as of Q4 2023), while smaller cities tend to have quicker processing times.
4. Residence Card Arrival: You should anticipate receiving your residence card several months after receiving final approval.

How to get Portuguese citizenship ? Does Portugal Golden Visa lead to citizenship ?

YES! Absolutely! Apart from Naturalization, Portuguese Descent, Marriage and Partnership, The Portugal Golden Visa program is the most popular way that can lead to Portuguese citizenship for investors. Numerous real cases have demonstrated this outcome, and the program’s minimum stay requirement is only 14 days in every 2 years, making it an accessible path to achieving residency and potentially citizenship.

How much does Portugal Golden Visa cost？

The biggest cost of the Golden Visa other than your investment would be the government fees. Here is the latest government fees

Initial application:
Processing fee: €773 per person
Card issuance fee: €7730 per person
For each renewal:
Processing fee: €773 per person
Card issuance fee: €3865 per person

Also, bear in mind that you will have other costs, like lawyer fees, and investment related fees. The actual fees will depend on the lawyer you choose and the investment you choose.

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