Portugal
Golden Visa Program

Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program


Processing Time (from application to residence permit):
Currently 18 to 24+ months (until issuance of residence cards).

Pathway to Citizenship:
Eligibility to apply for citizenship after 5 years of legal residence, subject to the following conditions:
  • Minimum Stay: 7 days per year (or 14 days every 2 years) in Portugal.
  • Language Proficiency: Certification of Portuguese language skills at A2 level.

Eligible Family Members:
Main applicant, spouse, children (including financially dependent adult children), and parents under certain conditions.

Key Benefits:
  • Right of permanent residence in Portugal.
  • Right to work in Portugal.
  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
  • Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after just 5 years.
  • During the application process, the applicant and family can live and study in Portugal.

Physical Presence Requirement:
Minimum of 7 days spent in Portugal per year.

Minimum Investment Options (as of 2024):
Note: Real estate investment is no longer available.
  • €500,000 — Investment in investment or venture capital funds.
  • €500,000 — Investment in scientific research.
  • €500,000 — Creation of a Portuguese company with a share capital of €500,000 and creation of 5 jobs, OR investment in an existing company.
  • €250,000 — Donation to support culture, arts, or national heritage (non-refundable, no income generated).
  • *A 20% reduction in the minimum investment applies to projects located in low-density population regions.*

Investment Holding Period:
Minimum of 5 years.

Travel Privileges:
  • With Residence Permit: Visa-free travel to Schengen Area countries.
  • With Citizenship: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 countries, including all EU nations, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Right to Live and Work:
Full right to live and work in Portugal.

Taxation:
Taxation is based on residency status:
  • Tax Residents: Taxed on worldwide income.
  • Non-Residents: Taxed only on Portuguese-source income.

Excluded Nationalities:
There are no restrictions based on the applicant's nationality.

Important Note:
Applying for citizenship requires proof of Portuguese language proficiency at the A2 level.