Portugal Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program (commonly known as the Portugal Golden Visa Program) is a five-year residence by investment program for non-EU nationals. The residence permit gives the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and allows free circulation in Europe’s Schengen Area. Furthermore, the program only requires an average of seven days per year stay in Portugal over this period. 

Benefits of a Portuguese Golden Visa

• Visa-free travel in Europe’s Schengen Area and the right to live, work, and study in Portugal
• Eligibility to apply for citizenship after five years while keeping other citizenship(s)
• Low physical presence requirement (14 days during the first two years and 21 days for the subsequent three years)
• Excellent international and Portuguese schools and universities
• High quality of life, local cuisine and wines, rich culture, mild climate, and a high level of security
• International quality healthcare clinics and hospitals

Portugal Golden Visa Requirements

Applicants can choose any one option in any one of the following categories:

Capital transfer

One of the following options:

1. EUR 500,000 for the acquisition of investment fund or venture capital fund units committed to the capitalization of companies incorporated under the Portuguese law, with a maturity of at least five years and with at least 60% of the investment portfolio in companies with a registered office in the national territory (real estate entities do not apply)
2. EUR 500,000 for research activities of public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system
   • EUR 400,000 in a low population density area*
3. EUR 250,000 in support of artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage
   • EUR 200,000 in a low population density area*

Business

One of the following options:

1. Creation of a minimum of ten new jobs
   • Eight new jobs in a low population density area*
2. EUR 500,000 for the incorporation of a commercial company that is registered and headquartered in Portugal, creating a minimum of five permanent jobs for a period of three years (or for the increase of the share capital of a company already incorporated and headquartered in Portugal, creating at least five permanent jobs or maintaining at least ten jobs for three years)

*A low population density area is defined as less than 100 inhabitants per km² or with a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.

Procedures for the Portugal Golden Visa

Applicants are introduced to the Portugal team to commence the process, either remotely or in person. This includes preparing legal documents, obtaining a taxpayer number, selecting a qualifying investment option, and opening a bank account. Once the investment is finalized and personal documents are collected, the application is submitted online and accepted by the government authority.

The client and family then visit Portugal to provide biometric data and original documents at the immigration office.

Upon application approval and payment of the residence card(s), a two-year residence permit is issued, renewable for one subsequent period of three years. The client can thereafter either extend the temporary permit again, apply for permanent residence, or apply for citizenship.

Citizenship in Portugal

Portuguese citizenship grants the right to settle, work, and study in all EU countries and allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 destinations worldwide. Portuguese citizenship can mainly be acquired by those who are descended from Portuguese parents or grandparents, by marriage or civil union, or by birth in a Portuguese territory.

In relation to those who are resident in Portugal, including those who follow the residence by investment program, it is possible to apply for citizenship after five years of legal residence in Portugal, if:

• The applicant is at least 18 years of age
• The applicant has been a resident in Portugal for at least five years
• The applicant has basic (A2 international level) knowledge of the Portuguese language
• The applicant has not been convicted for a crime that corresponds to a penalty equal to or more than three years according to Portuguese law

In order to create more favorable conditions for citizenship approval, the applicant may demonstrate tangible connections with the Portuguese community. Portugal allows dual citizenship.

Henley and Partners assists private clients in applying for citizenship on the basis of the requirements listed above.