Portugal Residency

Portugal, esteemed for its global connectivity and peaceful atmosphere, offers an efficient route for non-EU citizens to obtain residence permits through its Golden Residence Permit Program, with eligibility for citizenship after five years of investment maintenance.

Renowned for its outstanding reputation, Portugal is recognized as one of the world’s most globally connected and peaceful nations, boasting a high standard of living and impressive Human Development Index ranking. With a rich history, vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, breathtaking beaches, and picturesque countryside, Portugal captivates visitors with its charm and allure. Offering streamlined legislation, Portugal provides an efficient process for non-EU citizens to obtain residence permits based on investment through its Golden Residence Permit Program, requiring funds to be maintained for a minimum of five years. After this period, residents become eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Processing Time

Around 18 months

Investment Requirement

EUR 500,000 minimum

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program (commonly referred to as the Portugal Golden Visa Program) offers a five-year residence by investment program for non-EU nationals, granting the right to reside, work, and study in Portugal, as well as allowing free movement within Europe’s Schengen Area. Additionally, the program mandates only an average of seven days per year spent in Portugal over this period, which can contribute to eligibility for citizenship after five years.

Key Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa

• Visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area and the privilege to reside, work, and study in Portugal
• Ability to apply for citizenship after five years of legal residency while retaining other citizenship(s)
• Minimal physical presence requirement (seven days during the initial year of residence and 14 days for the following two years), which can contribute to citizenship eligibility after five years
• Exceptional international and Portuguese educational institutions
• Superior quality of life, local cuisine and wines, vibrant culture, temperate climate, and high security level
• Internationally acclaimed healthcare clinics and hospitals

Portugal’s Golden Visa Requirements

Applicants may select one option from any of the following categories:

1. Capital Transfer

Choose one of the following options:

• Invest EUR 500,000 in units of investment funds or venture capital funds dedicated to capitalizing companies registered under Portuguese law, with a minimum five-year maturity and at least 60% of the investment portfolio in companies headquartered in Portugal (excluding real estate entities).
• Invest EUR 500,000 in research activities conducted by public or private entities within the national scientific and technological system. Alternatively, invest EUR 400,000 in a low population density area.*
• Invest EUR 250,000 to support artistic production or the preservation of national cultural heritage. Alternatively, invest EUR 200,000 in a low population density area.*

2. Business

Choose one of the following options:

• Generate a minimum of ten new jobs, or alternatively, eight new jobs in a low population density area.*
• Invest EUR 500,000 in establishing a commercial company registered and headquartered in Portugal, leading to the creation of a minimum of five permanent jobs for a three-year period. Alternatively, increase the share capital of an existing company registered and headquartered in Portugal, resulting in the creation of at least five permanent jobs or the maintenance of at least ten jobs for three years.

*A low population density area is characterized by having fewer than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer or a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.

Procedures and Time Frame

Upon receiving the residence permit, the client must provide biometric data and updated original documents at each renewal. The initial permit, typically issued for one year but now extended to two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, can be renewed for two subsequent periods of two years.

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program entails the main applicant making two trips to Portugal during the application period:

• one to select the qualifying investment, initiate the legal process, and open a bank account,
• to provide biometric data and original documents.

Acquiring a Portuguese residence permit through investment involves a process spanning over 18 months.

If you would like to learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa Program, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Tsavorite as we would love to connect with you.