Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, often referred to as the Portugal Golden Visa Program, offers a five-year residency option for non-EU nationals through investment. This program grants the right to reside, work, and study in Portugal, while also enabling free movement within the Schengen Area. A key advantage is that participants are only required to spend an average of seven days annually in Portugal during the program period, and after five years, they may be eligible for citizenship.

Key Benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa:

• Visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area, along with the right to live, work, and study in Portugal
• After five years of legal residency, eligibility to apply for Portuguese citizenship while retaining other nationalities
• Minimal residency requirement (seven days in the first year, followed by 14 days over the next two years, contributing to citizenship eligibility after five years)
• Access to top-tier international and Portuguese schools and universities
• A high standard of living, rich cultural heritage, exquisite cuisine, a mild climate, and a secure environment
• Access to world-class healthcare facilities and hospitals

Golden Visa Investment Requirements

Applicants can select from one of the following investment options:

1. Capital Transfer
• Invest EUR 500,000 in investment fund or venture capital units for Portuguese companies, with a maturity of at least five years and 60% of the fund dedicated to Portuguese-based companies (excludes real estate entities)
• EUR 500,000 for public or private research in Portugal’s scientific and technological sector
• EUR 400,000 for investments in low population density areas*
• EUR 250,000 for artistic production or preservation of Portuguese cultural heritage
• EUR 200,000 for cultural projects in low population density areas*
2. Business
• Creation of at least 10 new jobs
• Eight new jobs in a low population density area*
• EUR 500,000 for starting a Portuguese company or increasing the share capital of an existing one, ensuring the creation of at least five permanent jobs for three years (or maintaining at least ten jobs for three years)

*Low population density areas are defined as having fewer than 100 inhabitants per km² or a GDP per capita less than 75% of the national average.

Process and Timeline

Upon receiving the residence permit, applicants are required to submit biometric data and renew their documents periodically. The first permit is issued for two years (previously one year, but extended due to the Covid-19 pandemic), followed by two renewable periods of two years each.

The application process includes two trips to Portugal:

• To select the qualifying investment, initiate the legal process, and open a bank account
• To submit biometric data and original documentation

The entire process, from investment to obtaining residency, typically takes more than 18 months.