Immigration
Portugal Golden (ARI) Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa offers a residency program to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to invest in Portugal and benefit from numerous advantages. This program is designed to encourage foreign investment in various sectors such as real estate, job creation, or scientific research. By investing a minimum amount in strategic sectors, investors can obtain legal residency in Portugal for themselves and their family, with the ability to travel freely within the Schengen area. The Golden Visa also paves the way for Portuguese citizenship after five years, making it an attractive opportunity for those looking to settle in Europe and benefit from a stable and dynamic economic and social environment.
What's the benefits of the Golden visa?
Right
Visa holders gain the right to live, work, and/or study in Portugal, with access to the country's public services such as education and healthcare.
Travel
Enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, allowing unrestricted movement within 26 European countries.
Open a business
The Visa allows you to work as a freelancer or start a business in Portugal, benefiting from its growing economy and favorable business environment.
Bring your family
The visa allows you to bring your family members, including dependent children and parents, under the "family reunification" provision, offering them the same rights and benefits.
N.H.R.
Golden Visa holders can apply for the NHR tax regime, providing significant tax advantages, including exemptions on foreign income for a period of 10 years.
Permanent residency / Citizenship
After five years, Golden Visa holders can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, granting full EU rights, including free movement and work across the EU.
All you need to know
To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must meet a set of specific criteria across financial, residency, and legal areas. These requirements ensure that the investment is maintained over time and that applicants comply with Portugal’s residency and legal standards.
Investment Requirements
Applicants must make a qualifying investment in one of the approved sectors, with minimum thresholds based on the type of investment. The options are:
Venture Capital and Private Equity Funds
- Minimum investment: €500,000
- Invest in approved venture capital or private equity funds that support sectors like technology, agriculture, healthcare, or infrastructure.
Scientific or Technological Research
- Minimum investment: €500,000
- Directed towards public or private research institutions working in science and technology.
Cultural Heritage and Arts
- Minimum investment: €250,000
- Focus on preserving Portugal’s cultural heritage or supporting local arts and cultural initiatives.
Business Creation or Expansion
- Minimum investment: €500,000
- Create a new company or invest in an existing business, provided that the business creates or maintains at least five full-time jobs for a minimum of three years.
Job Creation:
- Direct creation of at least 10 full-time jobs in a Portuguese company.
Note: Direct investment in residential properties is no longer an eligible option for the Golden Visa, as per the amendments introduced in October 2023.
Investment Maintenance Period
- The chosen investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years. This applies to all investment options, including venture capital, scientific research, and business creation.
Residency Requirements
- Minimum Stay Requirement:
- Applicants must spend at least seven days in Portugal during the first year and a minimum of 14 days in each subsequent two-year period. These days can be non-consecutive and can be spread over the year.
This requirement ensures that applicants maintain a minimum physical presence in Portugal throughout the five-year period.
Application Process and Fees
The Golden Visa application must be submitted to the Agency for Investment and Mobility (AIMA). Applicants should anticipate the following stages:
- Initial Application: Submission of investment proof, personal documentation, and criminal background checks.
- Biometric Appointment: After approval, applicants will be required to attend a biometric appointment in Portugal.
- Issuance of Residency Card: Once the biometrics are completed, a residency card will be issued, granting full residency rights under the Golden Visa.
Fees:
- Application processing fees apply at each stage of the process. Applicants should budget for government fees, legal fees, and investment management fees.
Documents
- Proof of Investment
- Official documentation proving the investment (e.g., certificate of participation in investment funds, business registration documents, or proof of job creation).
NIF Number
- Applicants must obtain a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF), which is necessary for all financial transactions and investments made in Portugal.
- Applicants must obtain a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF), which is necessary for all financial transactions and investments made in Portugal.
Portuguese Bank Account
- A bank account must be opened in Portugal to facilitate the transfer of investment funds and manage ongoing transactions.
- A bank account must be opened in Portugal to facilitate the transfer of investment funds and manage ongoing transactions.
Golden Visa Application Form
- Fully completed Golden Visa application form.
Criminal Record
- Criminal record from countries where the applicant has lived for more than a year.
Request for Consultation of the Portuguese Criminal Record by AIMA
- Authorization allowing AIMA (Portuguese immigration authorities) to consult the applicant’s Portuguese criminal record.
Valid Travel Insurance
- Applicants are required to have valid health insurance that covers them for the period they spend in Portugal, unless they are registered in the Portuguese National Health Service.
Passport
- Valid passport, including all relevant identification pages.
Our team provides comprehensive assistance throughout the entire Portugal Golden Visa process, ensuring a smooth and efficient path to residency:
- Tailored Investment Strategy
- We help you identify and select the best investment option that aligns with your objectives and meets the programme’s requirements (e.g., venture capital, business creation, scientific research).
- We help you identify and select the best investment option that aligns with your objectives and meets the programme’s requirements (e.g., venture capital, business creation, scientific research).
Legal Assistance
- We handle all legal aspects, from preparing your application to liaising with authorities, ensuring full compliance with Golden Visa regulations.
- Visa Documents Checklist: We provide a detailed checklist to ensure you have all necessary documents for your application.
- Form Filling and Verification: We assist in completing application forms, verify documents, and ensure that everything is in order before submission.
- Certified Document Translation and Certification: We offer certified translations of documents (from English, French, Italian, and Spanish) and handle document certification, except for those requiring The Hague Apostille or other legalizations.
Obtaining Your Fiscal Number (NIF)
- We assist in obtaining a Portuguese Fiscal Identification Number (NIF) from the Tax and Customs Authority, essential for all financial transactions in Portugal.
- We assist in obtaining a Portuguese Fiscal Identification Number (NIF) from the Tax and Customs Authority, essential for all financial transactions in Portugal.
Bank Account Opening
- We handle the entire process of opening a Portuguese bank account on your behalf, which is required for managing your investment and other financial matters in Portugal.
- We handle the entire process of opening a Portuguese bank account on your behalf, which is required for managing your investment and other financial matters in Portugal.
Accompaniment During the Application Process
- We provide support at every step of the visa application process, including coordinating submissions, clarifying requirements, and tracking progress with authorities.
- Preparation for Interviews with Immigration Authorities: We offer guidance and preparation for your interviews with Portuguese immigration, ensuring you are ready for any questions or procedures.
Family Reunification
- Assistance with adding family members to your application, ensuring that spouses, children, and dependent parents are included under the family reunification option.
- Assistance with adding family members to your application, ensuring that spouses, children, and dependent parents are included under the family reunification option.
Tax Consultation
- Our experts help you apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, offering potential tax benefits for a period of 10 years.
- Our experts help you apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, offering potential tax benefits for a period of 10 years.
Residency and Citizenship
- We guide you through the steps for obtaining permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after five years, including all legal requirements and processes to secure EU citizenship.
- We guide you through the steps for obtaining permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after five years, including all legal requirements and processes to secure EU citizenship.
Ongoing Support
- Continued support in managing your investment, renewing your residency status, and ensuring you meet all conditions to maintain your visa.
All you need to know
To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must meet a set of specific criteria across financial, residency, and legal areas. These requirements ensure that the investment is maintained over time and that applicants comply with Portugal’s residency and legal standards.
Investment Requirements
Applicants must make a qualifying investment in one of the approved sectors, with minimum thresholds based on the type of investment. The options are:
Venture Capital and Private Equity Funds
- Minimum investment: €500,000
- Invest in approved venture capital or private equity funds that support sectors like technology, agriculture, healthcare, or infrastructure.
Scientific or Technological Research
- Minimum investment: €500,000
- Directed towards public or private research institutions working in science and technology.
Cultural Heritage and Arts
- Minimum investment: €250,000
- Focus on preserving Portugal’s cultural heritage or supporting local arts and cultural initiatives.
Business Creation or Expansion
- Minimum investment: €500,000
- Create a new company or invest in an existing business, provided that the business creates or maintains at least five full-time jobs for a minimum of three years.
Job Creation:
- Direct creation of at least 10 full-time jobs in a Portuguese company.
Note: Direct investment in residential properties is no longer an eligible option for the Golden Visa, as per the amendments introduced in October 2023.
Investment Maintenance Period
- The chosen investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years. This applies to all investment options, including venture capital, scientific research, and business creation.
Residency Requirements
- Minimum Stay Requirement:
- Applicants must spend at least seven days in Portugal during the first year and a minimum of 14 days in each subsequent two-year period. These days can be non-consecutive and can be spread over the year.
This requirement ensures that applicants maintain a minimum physical presence in Portugal throughout the five-year period.
Documents
- Proof of Investment
- Official documentation proving the investment (e.g., certificate of participation in investment funds, business registration documents, or proof of job creation).
NIF Number
- Applicants must obtain a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF), which is necessary for all financial transactions and investments made in Portugal.
- Applicants must obtain a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF), which is necessary for all financial transactions and investments made in Portugal.
Portuguese Bank Account
- A bank account must be opened in Portugal to facilitate the transfer of investment funds and manage ongoing transactions.
- A bank account must be opened in Portugal to facilitate the transfer of investment funds and manage ongoing transactions.
Golden Visa Application Form
- Fully completed Golden Visa application form.
Criminal Record
- Criminal record from countries where the applicant has lived for more than a year.
Request for Consultation of the Portuguese Criminal Record by AIMA
- Authorization allowing AIMA (Portuguese immigration authorities) to consult the applicant’s Portuguese criminal record.
Valid Travel Insurance
- Applicants are required to have valid health insurance that covers them for the period they spend in Portugal, unless they are registered in the Portuguese National Health Service.
Passport
- Valid passport, including all relevant identification pages.
Our team provides comprehensive assistance throughout the entire Portugal Golden Visa process, ensuring a smooth and efficient path to residency:
- Tailored Investment Strategy
- We help you identify and select the best investment option that aligns with your objectives and meets the programme’s requirements (e.g., venture capital, business creation, scientific research).
- We help you identify and select the best investment option that aligns with your objectives and meets the programme’s requirements (e.g., venture capital, business creation, scientific research).
Legal Assistance
- We handle all legal aspects, from preparing your application to liaising with authorities, ensuring full compliance with Golden Visa regulations.
- Visa Documents Checklist: We provide a detailed checklist to ensure you have all necessary documents for your application.
- Form Filling and Verification: We assist in completing application forms, verify documents, and ensure that everything is in order before submission.
- Certified Document Translation and Certification: We offer certified translations of documents (from English, French, Italian, and Spanish) and handle document certification, except for those requiring The Hague Apostille or other legalizations.
Obtaining Your Fiscal Number (NIF)
- We assist in obtaining a Portuguese Fiscal Identification Number (NIF) from the Tax and Customs Authority, essential for all financial transactions in Portugal.
- We assist in obtaining a Portuguese Fiscal Identification Number (NIF) from the Tax and Customs Authority, essential for all financial transactions in Portugal.
Bank Account Opening
- We handle the entire process of opening a Portuguese bank account on your behalf, which is required for managing your investment and other financial matters in Portugal.
- We handle the entire process of opening a Portuguese bank account on your behalf, which is required for managing your investment and other financial matters in Portugal.
Accompaniment During the Application Process
- We provide support at every step of the visa application process, including coordinating submissions, clarifying requirements, and tracking progress with authorities.
- Preparation for Interviews with Immigration Authorities: We offer guidance and preparation for your interviews with Portuguese immigration, ensuring you are ready for any questions or procedures.
Family Reunification
- Assistance with adding family members to your application, ensuring that spouses, children, and dependent parents are included under the family reunification option.
- Assistance with adding family members to your application, ensuring that spouses, children, and dependent parents are included under the family reunification option.
Tax Consultation
- Our experts help you apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, offering potential tax benefits for a period of 10 years.
- Our experts help you apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, offering potential tax benefits for a period of 10 years.
Residency and Citizenship
- We guide you through the steps for obtaining permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after five years, including all legal requirements and processes to secure EU citizenship.
- We guide you through the steps for obtaining permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after five years, including all legal requirements and processes to secure EU citizenship.
Ongoing Support
- Continued support in managing your investment, renewing your residency status, and ensuring you meet all conditions to maintain your visa.
Timeline
Application Timeline
ONBOARDING
We’ll start with an initial consultation to understand your specific case and review the investment options that suit your objectives. During this onboarding call, we’ll also go over the key steps, required documents, and establish a clear timeline to ensure a seamless process.
NIF & BANK ACCOUNT
We will obtain a taxpayer ID number (NIF) for you and your family and open your bank account on your behalf.
INVESTMENT
Deposit the required funds into your Portuguese bank account and move forward with your selected investment. The exact steps may differ based on the investment option you choose.
GATHER PERSONAL DOCUMENTS
Gather all necessary documents for the submission. We will guide you through the process and work with relevant parties, including the bank and fund managers, to ensure all required documents are obtained.
APPLICATION
Your lawyer will submit your application and supporting documents through the online portal. At this stage, you'll need to be ready to pay the visa processing fee.
BIOMETRICS
Once your initial approval is granted, we’ll be notified to schedule an appointment to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph. During this appointment, you’ll also need to submit the original application documents.
GET YOUR RESIDENT PERMIT
After your application is approved, you’ll need to pay the government-issued Golden Visa fee. We will retrieve your residence cards on your behalf and coordinate their delivery to you. Your five-year Golden Visa residency period will begin from the date specified on your initial card.
still some questions?
FAQ
What are the main benefits of obtaining a Golden Visa in Portugal?
Key advantages include the ability to live and work in Portugal, visa-free access to the Schengen Area, entitlement to healthcare and education, and a straightforward route to obtaining citizenship.
Can my family benefit from my Golden Visa application?
Immediate family members, such as a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents, may also qualify for residency through the main applicant's Golden Visa.
How long is the Golden Visa valid for?
The Golden Visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed for two additional periods of two years each.
Who is eligible to apply for the Golden Visa in Portugal?
Non-European Union (EU), non-European Economic Area (EEA), and non-Swiss nationals are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa program, provided they meet the required investment criteria.
What is the Golden Visa Programme in Portugal?
The Golden Visa program is a residency-by-investment initiative offered by the Portuguese government to non-EU citizens, granting residency and the right to work in Portugal in exchange for substantial financial investments in the country.
What is the current status with the Golden Visa programme?
As of now, the Golden Visa program in Portugal remains active, but significant changes have been made. The option to invest in residential real estate has been completely removed, both in high-density and low-density areas. However, other investment options remain available, such as investing in venture capital funds, scientific research, cultural projects, or creating businesses that generate jobs.
What are the alternatives?
For individuals looking to settle permanently in Portugal, the D7 Visa is an excellent alternative. Unlike the Golden Visa, which only requires a minimal presence in the country, the D7 Visa is designed for those who plan to live in Portugal on a more permanent basis. It is especially suited for retirees or people with a stable income, such as pensions, rental income, investment earnings, or dividends from stocks or private companies.
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