MORE ABOUT Portugal

Portugal's Economic Residency

Economic Residency in Portugal (also known as the Portuguese Golden Visa) offers residency permits to qualified investors who make substantial economic contributions to Portugal through various investment options.

MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT

Discover Economic Residency in Portugal

The Golden Visa Program in Portugal provides a pathway to residency and potential citizenship for non-EU/EEA citizens looking to invest in Portugal. This program is designed to attract foreign investment to contribute to Portugal's economic growth and development.

Portugal
Mobility Asset Index Score
59.70%
Mobility Asset Type
Economic Residency
Official Name
Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program
Launched in:
2012
Online Submission:
Yes
Residency Privileges
(in months)
60
Adjudication Time
(in months)
9
Minimum Stay Requirement
(in days)
7
In-Country Presence Requirement
(in months)
12

Overview

A Snapshot of Economic Residency in Portugal

A fast-track to residency for qualified investors in Portugal

Eligibility Requirements

Substantial investment in approved sectors

Anchor Ancestor restrictions

Months to citizenship

Length of Visa

2 years, renewable every 2 years

Months to Visa

6-18 months

Physical Presence Requirement

7 days per year

Availability

Medium

Family Allowance

Spouse and children

Overview

How to Apply for the Golden Visa Program in Portugal

Submit application online through the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) website

Overview

Discover How GlobalPassport Simplifies the Application Process for Portugal's Economic Residency

Step-by-Step Guidance

Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.

Document Preparation

We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.

Application Submission

Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

How long does it take to process a Golden Visa application?

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Can I include my family members in my Golden Visa application?

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What are the investment options under the Golden Visa Program?

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How often do I need to renew my Golden Visa?

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Can Golden Visa holders apply for Portuguese citizenship?

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benefits

Benefits of Economic Residency in Portugal

Economic Residency in Portugal (the Golden Visa Program)

The Golden Visa offers numerous advantages for investors looking to establish their presence in Portugal and gain access to the EU.

  • Residency permits for you and your immediate family
  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
  • Potential pathway to Portuguese citizenship after 5 years

Path to EU citizenship

Affordable investment options

High quality of life

Cheap investment options (compared to other Residence by Investment Programs)

Long term program (compared to other Residence by Investment Programs)

Online Submission Allowed

Visa-Free Travel Countries

158

Passport Validity

5 years

Overview

Why Portugal

Portugal offers a high quality of life, rich culture, and a welcoming environment for investors and their families.

Benefits:

  • Political and economic stability
  • Beautiful landscapes and mild climate
  • High-quality healthcare and education systems

Advantages:

  • Affordable cost of living
  • Safe and peaceful environment
  • Rich history and vibrant culture

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

How long does it take to process a Golden Visa application?

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Can I include my family members in my Golden Visa application?

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What are the investment options under the Golden Visa Program?

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How often do I need to renew my Golden Visa?

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Can Golden Visa holders apply for Portuguese citizenship?

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REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Portugal - Economic Residency

Check if you qualify based on your family history

Direct Ancestral Connection

Not applicable

Documentation

Proof of investment: supporting documents of the investment made in any of the eligible investment types

Unbroken Chain of Citizenship

Not applicable

Legal Compliance

Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required from both the country of origin and Portugal+Compliance with Visa Conditions: Applicants must agree to maintain the investment and comply with all other residency conditions.

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Portugal's Golden Visa Program

To qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria and make a qualifying investment.

  • Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Make a qualifying investment (e.g., real estate, capital transfer, job creation)
  • Maintain the investment for a minimum of 5 years
  • Spend at least 7 days in Portugal during the first year and 14 days in subsequent 2-year periods
  • Provide proof of investment and other required documents

PROCESS

Economic Residency Process

#1

Initial Assessment

• Verify investment capacity

• Review investment options

• Complete preliminary eligibility check

#2

Investment Selection

• Choose qualifying investment type

• Perform due diligence on investment options

• Engage legal/financial advisors

#3

Application Preparation

• Gather source of funds documentation

• Prepare investment documentation

• Complete background verification

• Obtain required certifications

#4

Investment Execution

• Make qualifying investment

• Obtain investment verification

• Complete any required registrations

#5

Submission & Approval

• Submit residency application

• Complete biometrics (if required)

• Receive residency card/approval

Start now by taking our free assessment

START ASSESSMENT

PROCESS

Timeline for Portugal - Economic Residency

DOCUMENTS

Documents Needed for Portugal - Economic Residency

Important Notes
• All documents must be original or certified copies
• Non-English documents require certified translations
• Documents must be apostilled where applicable
Personal Identification Documents
Core identity documents required from the applicantis is some text inside of a div block.

Passport+Passport-sized photographs+Biometrics

Vital Records Documents
Birth, marriage, and death certificates from applicant and ancestors

Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)

Proof of Residence Documents
Evidence of current residence status

Proof of current address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.) may be required

Criminal Clearance Documents
Background check documentation

Criminal Record: Police clearance certificates from the country of origin and any country where the applicant has lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years+Portuguese criminal record certificate (obtained after arrival).

Financial Documents
Proof of payment and financial requirements

NIF (Portuguese tax identification number)+Proof of Investment: Purchase agreements, bank statements, or other documents verifying the investment (e.g., real estate, government bonds, business)+For real estate investments, a land registry certificate showing ownership+Proof of Funds: Documentation demonstrating the source of the investment funds (e.g., tax returns, bank statements)+Declaration from a Portuguese bank confirming the transfer of funds.

DOCUMENTS

Costs Associated with Portugal - Economic Residency

Pre-Application Costs
Essential document preparation and verification costs

Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences

Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization

Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services

Government Application Fees
Official fees charged by government authorities

Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees

$5,325

Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing

Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing

Post-Submission Costs
Costs after submitting your application

Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates

Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)

Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests

Professional Services
Optional external support services

Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees

Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services

Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services

Post-Acceptance Costs
Costs after approval

Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates

Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees

Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees

Rankings

GlobalPassport™ Mobility Asset Index

121

Overall Rank

Cost

Based on application fee

Residency Requirements

Based on residency requirements

Residency Privileges Length

Based on programs’s term

Processing Speed

Based on estimated processing time

Eligibility Requirements

Based on entry requirements

Program Stability

Based on years of activity

Time to Permanent Residency

Based on permanent residency timeline

Rankings

Global Rankings/ Comparisions

Safety

Portugal

7

Cost of Living

Portugal

50

Quality of Life

Portugal

19

Healthcare Quality

Portugal

29

Internet Speed

Portugal

24

Human Freedom

Portugal

23

IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS

Other Immigration Programs in Portugal

Explore alternative pathways to live and work

Discover More About Portugal

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