Portugal

Citizenship by Investment Overview

Investment

Minimum contribution of EUR 250,000

Key Benefit

The right to live, work, and study in Portugal

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:

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)
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*
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:

Creation of a minimum of ten new jobs
- Eight new jobs in a low population density area*
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.

Procedure 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.

Portugal Residence by Investment Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program?

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, also known as the Portugal Golden Visa, offers residence to individuals and their families through significant economic contributions to the country.
What are the investment options available for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program?

Investment options include transferring capital into investment or venture capital funds, research activities, or cultural support. Applicants can also invest in low population density areas, create new jobs, or incorporate or expand a commercial company in Portugal to create or maintain jobs.
What are the benefits of obtaining Portuguese residence through investment?

Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after five years.
What is the minimum investment required for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program?

The minimum investment starts at EUR 250,000.
How long does it take to process an application for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program?

Processing times for residence by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.
Can family members be included in the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program application?

Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in the application.
What are the residence requirements for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program?

Applicants must spend at least 14 days in Portugal during the first two years and 21 days for the subsequent three years.
What documents are required for the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program application?

Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
Is it possible to obtain Portuguese citizenship through the golden visa program?

Yes, after maintaining residence for five years, investors may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.
What is the process for applying to the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program?

Applicants must make a qualifying investment, submit the application with the necessary documents, undergo a due diligence process, and visit Portugal during the application period.

Country Information

Portugal is the westernmost European country. With its rich history, it stands among the oldest countries in Europe and is considered one of the world’s most globalized and peaceful nations. Portugal is considered very safe and has a low crime rate.

Population:	10.2 million
Languages:	Portuguese, with English widely spoken
Economy:	Business-oriented services and manufacturing-based
Currency:	Euro

Living In Portugal

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe, has an excellent reputation, a very high Human Development Index ranking, and a high level of security, making it one of the world’s most globalized and peaceful nations.

Portugal is a member of the EU and Europe’s Schengen Area and has been using the euro as its currency since 2002. Portuguese is the official language, but English is also widely spoken, particularly by younger generations and especially in the tourist regions.

While Portugal is shifting towards offering business-oriented services, a third of its economy remains in manufacturing. It is also the world’s largest supplier of cork and enjoys the benefits of a strong tourism industry. With little of its own hydrocarbon energy resources, Portugal is committed to creating renewable sources of energy such as hydro, wind, and solar power. Over 40% of the energy created in Portugal is from such resources, including the most efficient wind tower in the world.

A relatively small country of approximately 10.3 million people, Portugal boasts a rich history, a lively culture, exceptional cuisine, a mild climate, stunning beaches, and an idyllic countryside.

Portugal has produced streamlined legislation to create an efficient process by which non-EU citizens may obtain a residence permit based on investment. The legislation offers three qualifying routes of committing funds to obtain residence status under the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program, which must be maintained for a minimum period of five years. After five years as a resident, the applicant is eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Explore Portugal Real Estate Opportunities

Investing in international property opens the door to lifestyle benefits, portfolio diversification, and potential residence or citizenship opportunities.

DLB Global provides access to carefully selected real estate opportunities across some of Portugal’s most desirable destinations. Each offering unique advantages — from strong investment potential to strategic mobility benefits.

Ready to Explore Your Global Opportunities?

Let DLB Global guide you in securing the right investment, residence, or citizenship solution. Connect with our experts today and start your journey with confidence.