Ways to Invest in
Portugal
Portugal Investment Visa
Portugal’s investment-based residence program is commonly called the Portugal Golden Visa (officially the Residence Permit for Investment Activity – ARI). It allows eligible non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to obtain Portuguese residency through qualifying investments. Since major reforms in 2023, real estate purchases no longer qualify for the Golden Visa.
- Purpose: Obtain Portuguese residency by making a qualifying investment.
- Who can apply: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with a clean criminal record and legally sourced funds.
- Real estate: No longer qualifies for the Golden Visa.
Main Investment Options:
- €500,000 – Investment in a qualifying Portuguese investment fund (most popular).
- €500,000 – Scientific research investment.
- €500,000 – Investment in a Portuguese business that meets job-creation/maintenance requirements.
- €250,000 – Donation to approved cultural or heritage projects (lowest investment threshold).
- Job creation – Create the required number of jobs (subject to current legal requirements).
Application Steps:
- Check eligibility.
- Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
- Open a Portuguese bank account.
- Make a qualifying investment.
- Gather required documents.
- Submit the Golden Visa application.
- Attend a biometrics appointment in Portugal.
- Receive the residence permit.
- Renew the permit as required while maintaining the investment.
Residency Requirement:
Portugal’s Golden Visa has relatively low residence requirements:
- Approximately 7 days during the first year
- Then 14 days during each subsequent two-year renewal period
Family Inclusion:
- Spouse
- Dependent children
- Dependent parents (subject to eligibility rules)
Long-Term Benefits:
- Live, work, and study in Portugal.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
- Potential eligibility for permanent residence and, eventually, Portuguese citizenship, subject to meeting legal requirements.
Path to Permanent Residence and Citizenship
Maintaining the investment, complying with residence requirements, and meeting legal conditions can eventually lead to eligibility for permanent residence and, later, citizenship. However, Portugal’s nationality rules have been under legislative review, and the timeline has been changing, so applicants should verify the current law before relying on a specific citizenship date.
Best Option
For most investors, the €500,000 qualifying investment fund route is considered the most practical because it is relatively passive and may offer investment returns. The €250,000 cultural donation route has the lowest investment threshold but is generally non-refundable.