portuguese residency

Golden Visa - Portuguese Residency for Investors:

The Golden Visa enables the respective holder to obtain a residence permit in Portugal for a period of one year in which you need to spend 7 days in Portugal, which can then be renewed for successive periods of 2 years where you need to spend 14 days in Portugal during each 2 year period. The residence permit gives the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and allows free circulation in Europe’s Schengen Area. You can then obtain a permanent residence permit after 5 years and apply for citizenship.

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Property Acquisition:

  • A real estate purchase with a minimum value of €500,000; and

  • A real estate purchase with a minimum value of €350,000 for the refurbishment of properties older than 30 years or in an area of urban regeneration, including the cost of renovations.

  • The investment threshold will be reduced by 20% should the funds be committed to a low population density area, defined as less than 100 inhabitants per km² or with a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average;

Capital Transfer:

  • Capital transfer of a minimum of EUR 1 million into a Portuguese bank account or specifically approved investment options;

  • €350,000 for research activities of public or private entities that are part of the national scientific and technological system;

  • €250,000 in support of artistic production or in the recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage; and

  • €500,000 for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital funds committed to the capitalisation 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 that have a head office in the national territory.

Business Investment:

  • Creation of a minimum of 10 new jobs; and

  • €350,000 for the incorporation or increase of the share capital of a company that is registered in Portugal, creating or maintaining a minimum of five permanent jobs for a period of three years.

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For family members

The Portuguese golden visa scheme allows family reunion, permitting the following family members to join the golden visa holder in Portugal:

  • Spouse;

  • Minor dependent children;

  • Minor adopted children;

  • Full-age dependent children who are still engaged in study;

  • Dependent parents of either the golden visa holder or spouse; and

  • Minor dependent brothers or sisters who are under guardianship of the golden visa holder.

    The Golden Residence Permit Program requires at least four trips to Portugal during the five-year period: twice at the initial application (to choose the qualifying investment and start the legal process, and to provide the biometric data) and at each renewal (year 1 and year 3). Family reunification is possible at any stage of the program. Family members receive the same rights, and will also be eligible for permanent residence after five years and Portuguese citizenship. 

    The recent change in 2018 Nationality Law enables you to apply for citizenship immediately after your permanent residency has been approved, thus reducing the number of years to apply for citizenship from six to five. There is a language proficiency test requirement before receiving citizenship. This is at a A2 CIPLE level, with proficiency being shown to authorities in a number of methods.