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
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.
Overview
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
Submit application online through the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) website
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process a Golden Visa application?
The processing time is typically over 18 months from the point of submission.
Can I include my family members in my Golden Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in your application.
What are the investment options under the Golden Visa Program?
Options include real estate investment, capital transfer, job creation, and investment in research or cultural activities.
How often do I need to renew my Golden Visa?
The initial visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for 2-year periods. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Can Golden Visa holders apply for Portuguese citizenship?
Yes, Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of residency, subject to meeting language and other requirements.
benefits
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.
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
Portugal offers a high quality of life, rich culture, and a welcoming environment for investors and their families.
Benefits:
Advantages:
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process a Golden Visa application?
The processing time is typically over 18 months from the point of submission.
Can I include my family members in my Golden Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in your application.
What are the investment options under the Golden Visa Program?
Options include real estate investment, capital transfer, job creation, and investment in research or cultural activities.
How often do I need to renew my Golden Visa?
The initial visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for 2-year periods. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Can Golden Visa holders apply for Portuguese citizenship?
Yes, Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of residency, subject to meeting language and other requirements.
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
Not applicable
Proof of investment: supporting documents of the investment made in any of the eligible investment types
Not applicable
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
To qualify for the Portuguese Golden Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria and make a qualifying investment.
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify investment capacity
• Review investment options
• Complete preliminary eligibility check
Investment Selection
• Choose qualifying investment type
• Perform due diligence on investment options
• Engage legal/financial advisors
Application Preparation
• Gather source of funds documentation
• Prepare investment documentation
• Complete background verification
• Obtain required certifications
Investment Execution
• Make qualifying investment
• Obtain investment verification
• Complete any required registrations
Submission & Approval
• Submit residency application
• Complete biometrics (if required)
• Receive residency card/approval
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport+Passport-sized photographs+Biometrics
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Proof of current address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.) may be required
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).
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
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
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
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
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
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
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
Safety
7
Cost of Living
50
Quality of Life
19
Healthcare Quality
29
Internet Speed
24
Human Freedom
23
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