Portugal Golden Visa Requirements, Cost & Complete Details
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU citizens, to obtain a residence permit for yourself and family in Portugal with minimal stay requirements. Launched in 2012, with this visa, investors and their families can enjoy long-term residency and, after five years, apply for Portuguese citizenship.
Benefits
- Move freely across 27 Schengen countries.
- Apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years without full-time residency.
- Live, work, or study in Portugal with full residency rights.
- Bring spouse, children, and parents under the same visa.
- Only need to stay 7 days per year in Portugal.
- Offers several benefits in taxes.
- One of the safest and most affordable European countries.
Required Investment
| Investment Option | Minimum Investment Amount (€) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Funds | €500,000 | Invest in Portuguese venture capital or private equity funds. |
| Job Creation | €500,000 | Investment in a Portuguese company that creates at least 10 jobs. |
| Scientific Research | €500,000 | Contribution to scientific/technology research in Portugal. |
| Cultural Investment | €250,000 | Support for Portuguese arts, heritage, or cultural activities. |
The popular real estate investment option was discontinued in 2023.
Eligible Family Members
- Spouse (legal marriage or registered partner).
- Children (below 18 years old).
- Children (18–25 years old) unmarried, financially dependent, and studying.
- Parents (above 65 years old) if financially dependent.
- Parents-in-law (if financially dependent on you).
Family members of the main applicant also get the same residency rights, including access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Visa Duration
Initially this visa is provided for 2 years and you can easily renew this visa after completion. After completing 5 years in Portugal you can apply for the citizenship.
Pathway to Get Citizenship
After residing 5 years in Portugal with golden visa you can apply for permanent residency OR citizenship. If you meet the eligibility criteria, including basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level) and ties to Portugal, you have the maximum chances of getting the Portuguese citizenship. Once you get Portuguese citizenship, you can live, work, and travel visa-free across the EU and enjoy a strong passport ranked among the world’s best.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizen (Pakistanis are eligible).
- Make a qualifying investment in Portugal.
- Hold the investment for a minimum of 5 years.
- Have a clean criminal record (from Portugal and home country).
- Meet the minimum stay requirement (7 days per year).
- Demonstrate financial stability to support yourself and dependents.
Required Documents
- Passport with at least 6 months validity.
- Completed and signed Portugal Golden Visa Application Form.
- Proof of Investment.
- Criminal Record Certificate (where you lived in the past 5 years).
- Bank Statement (last 6 months, proving financial ability).
- Portuguese Taxpayer Number (NIF) (required to open a bank account).
- Portuguese Bank Account (proof of fund transfer).
- Health Insurance Policy (for you and your family members).
- Marriage Certificate (if applying with spouse).
- Birth Certificates (for children under 18).
- Declaration of No Debts from the Portuguese Tax & Customs Authority.
NOTE: Documents must be translated into Portuguese and notarized.
Application Process
- Select a qualifying investment option
- Open a Portuguese bank account and get a NIF number
- Collect, translate, and authenticate the necessary documents
- Apply through SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), Portugal’s Immigration Office
- Pay processing fees
Application fee per person: €582
Residence Permit fee per person: €5812 - Attend SEF appointment
- Processing takes 6–9 months. If approved, collect your residence permit
- Must stay 7 days per year and renew the visa every 2 years
Why Should You Choose Portugal Golden Visa?
Easiest Path to EU Citizenship – Only residency of 5 years required
Flexible Stay Requirement – Just 7 days per year in Portugal.
Visa-Free Schengen Travel – Explore Europe freely.
Tax Benefits – Access Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime.
Family Inclusion – Bring your spouse, children, and parents.
Quality of Life – Portugal is ranked among the best places to live in Europe.
Strong Portuguese Passport – Allows visa-free travel to 190+ countries after citizenship.
