Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is an attractive type of residence permit for international investors.

• Who can apply for a Golden Visa

Foreign citizens who are not nationals of countries belonging to the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland may apply individually, or through a Portuguese single member company, for a golden visa.

This requires that the applicant has previously made an investment and that they intend to keep it for a minimum period of five years.

• Investment options eligible for the Golden Visa

It is not any type of investment that may be the basis for requesting this residence permit. Find below the options provided by law:

1. Capital transfer-> in the minimum amount of 1.5 million euros;
2. Acquisition of real estate in Portugal -> in the minimum amount of 500 thousand euros;
3. Acquisition of real estate in Portugal, whose construction was concluded at least 30 years ago or which is located in an area of urban rehabilitation and carrying out works -> in the minimum amount of 350 thousand euros;
4. Transfer of 500 thousand euros aimed at the acquisition of participation units/quotas in investment funds or venture capital funds focused on the capitalization of companies, which are incorporated under the Portuguese legislation, have a maturity, at the time of the investment, of at least five years and at least 60% of the value of the investments is made in commercial companies based in Portugal;
5. Creation of 10 permanent jobs;
6. Transfer of 500 thousand euros for the incorporation of a commercial company with headquarters in Portugal, combined with the creation of five permanent jobs, or for the reinforcement of the share capital of a commercial company with headquarters in Portugal, already established, with the creation or maintenance of jobs, with a minimum of five permanent jobs, and for a period of three years;
7. Investment of 500 thousand euros in certain research activities;
8. Investment of 250 thousand euros in certain artistic activities or in the Portuguese cultural heritage.

• WARNING:

Lawyer How to get golden visa Portugal Obtain your golden visa

Investments in residential properties will only be eligible for Golden Visa when located in the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira or in the interior territories, in accordance with Ordinance number 208/2017, of 13 July. Therefore, properties with distinct purpose, for example commercial and tourism have no restrictions regarding location.

*Which areas in the interior of Portugal are eligible for housing investment?

Click here to check the full list.  

• Family reunification

Close relatives of Golden Visa holders may apply for a temporary residence permit under the family reunification regime.

The following are considered family members for the purpose of family reunification based on the Golden Visa:

1. Spouse or common-law partner;
2. Minor or incapacitated children;
3. Adult children, who are dependent, single and studying;
4. 1st degree ascendants, who are dependent;
5. Minor siblings, provided they are under the guardianship of the Golden Visa holder and provided that the decision regarding guardianship is recognized by Portugal.

• Minimum stay and renewal periods

Golden Visa holders and their family members who obtain a residence permit through family reunification must stay at least 7 days a year (indicative length of stay) in Portuguese territory.

Residence permits based on the Golden Visa are valid for 2 years and, successively, renewable for equal periods.

• Permanent residence permit and Portuguese nationality

After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal and provided that the other requirements foreseen by law are fulfilled, such as sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language, the interested parties may request a permanent residence permit or the acquisition of Portuguese citizenship.

*WARNING: This publication has been prepared without regard to the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular client. Always consult a lawyer to advise you on your decisions.

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Lawyer How to get golden visa Portugal Obtain your golden visa