Portugal Golden Visa
One of Europe's most popular residency by investment programs. Obtain EU residency in Portugal with minimal stay requirements, then apply for permanent residence and citizenship after 5 years.
Investment Options
Investment Funds
EUR €500,000The most popular current route. Invest in a qualifying Portuguese-incorporated and regulated fund for at least 5 years.
- CMVM-regulated funds only
- No direct property purchase
- Funds must operate in Portugal
Artistic Production / Cultural Heritage
EUR €250,000Support artistic production or maintenance of national cultural heritage. Lowest investment threshold available.
- Ministry of Culture approval required
- Donation or contract-based
- Lowest entry point
Research & Scientific Development
EUR €500,000Contribute to public or private scientific research activities by recognized institutions in Portugal.
- FCT or equivalent body must endorse
- Can be institutional or direct
- Strong alignment with EU innovation agenda
Job Creation
No minimum capitalCreate at least 10 permanent full-time jobs in Portugal, or 8 jobs if investing in a low-density territory.
- Must maintain jobs for 3+ years
- Business setup required
- Low-density areas qualify with fewer jobs
Who Is This For?
- Non-EU citizens with qualifying investment in Portugal
- Clean criminal record from country of residence and country of origin
- Investment in qualifying fund (EUR €500,000+) or cultural heritage (EUR €250,000+)
- Can include spouse, minor children, dependent adult children (students), and parents
- Health insurance coverage in Portugal required
- No income or language test at entry — Portuguese language required for citizenship after 5 years
How It Works
- 1
Investment Selection
Choose qualifying investment type: investment funds, cultural heritage donation, or scientific research. Direct real estate is no longer eligible since 2023 for Golden Visa.
- 2
Tax Number (NIF) & Bank Account
Obtain Portuguese tax identification number and open a Portuguese bank account — required before making the investment.
- 3
Investment & Documentation
Complete the qualifying investment. Gather supporting documents: passport, criminal record, proof of investment, health insurance.
- 4
ARI Application
Submit the Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento (ARI) application through SEF/AIMA — the Portuguese immigration authority.
- 5
Biometrics & Residence Card
Attend biometrics appointment in Portugal. Residence card (Golden Visa) issued — valid 2 years, renewable for 2-year periods.
- 6
Permanent Residence / Citizenship
After 5 years of continuous Golden Visa, apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship (EU passport).
Country Location
Why ITC iLand for This Program?
ITC iLand has guided over 100 families through global citizenship and residency by investment programs — from Caribbean second passports to European Golden Visas. We work with government-authorized agents in each jurisdiction and bring 25+ years of international immigration expertise to ensure your application is compliant, complete, and processed without delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of October 2023, direct residential real estate purchase no longer qualifies for the Golden Visa. Qualifying options now include investment funds (EUR €500,000+), cultural heritage (EUR €250,000+), and scientific research. Real estate in interior regions and the Azores/Madeira may still qualify in some cases — consult our advisors for the latest rules.
Golden Visa holders must spend a minimum of 7 days in Portugal in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent 2-year renewal period. This is among the lowest stay requirements of any residency program.
After 5 years of holding the Golden Visa (with minimum stays met), you may apply for Portuguese citizenship. You will need basic Portuguese language skills (A2 level) and no criminal record.
Yes. Dependent children included in the Golden Visa are eligible for Portuguese citizenship alongside the main applicant after 5 years.
Holding a Golden Visa does not make you a Portuguese tax resident. If you become a tax resident (183+ days/year), Portugal offers the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime with favorable rates for 10 years.
There is Always A Way