Golden Visa (Residence Permit for Investment) – Update 2025
Portugal’s Golden Visa Residency Programme was launched in 2012, to offer investors from non-EU countries a fast-track route to a residency permit and eventual passport for Portugal. This permit extends to dependent children and parents and allows the investor and family to enter and/or live in Portugal, and to travel freely within the majority of European countries (Schengen Area).
*It is considered one of the most attractive residency programs for foreigners in the world, since investors are not required to reside in Portugal, and following the initial investment requires a stay of just 7 days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent 2-year period.*
[**UPDATE 2025**] The core programme remains for existing applicants, but: **the residential real-estate investment route is no longer available for new applicants as of 7 October 2023.**
The initial stay requirements (7 days in year one + 14 days in each subsequent two-year period) **still apply** to cases submitted before the rule change; all new route eligibility must be confirmed with legal advice.
Eligibility – Who may apply?
All third country citizens who invest as an individual, businessperson, or through a company set up in Portugal (or in another EU Member State) and who, in addition, are stably settled in Portugal may apply for a Residence Permit for Investment, by one of the following routes:
- I. Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €1.5 million.
- II. The creation of, at least 10 job positions.
- III. The purchase of residential real estate property with a value equal to or above €500,000. …
- IV. The purchase of real estate property, with construction dating back more than 30 years or located in urban regeneration areas, for a total value equal to or above €350 000. …
- V. Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €500 000 for investing in research activities …
- VI. Capital transfer with a value equal to or above €250 000 for investing in artistic output …
- VII. Capital transfer of the amount at least €500 000 for the acquisition of units of investment funds …
- VIII. Capital transfer of the amount of at least €500 000, for constitution of a commercial society …
[**UPDATE 2025**] **Routes III and IV (real estate purchase routes) are no longer available for new Golden Visa applications as of 7 October 2023.** The eligible investment routes now focus on: capital transfer, job creation, fund investment, research and cultural/heritage contributions. Existing applications submitted before the change remain protected under the prior rules.
How to prepare and apply for the Portuguese Golden Visa
While the process isn’t very complicated, it does involve gathering a lot of documentation—both in Portugal and in your country of origin. It will be beneficial to work with a native Portuguese speaker if you don’t already know the language. Quintas & Casas can support you throughout the process.
In summary, the steps are as follows:
1. Obtain a Portuguese fiscal number (NIF) and open a local bank account.
2. Select your investment (and appoint a local lawyer before finalizing anything)
3. Gather all required documentation from your country of origin and have it all legalized and translated into Portuguese.
4. Gather necessary documentation in Portugal (your lawyer and/or fiscal representative can assist with this)
5. Submit the application for the Golden Visa (typically through your lawyer).
6. You will then hear back from AIMA with a preliminary approval.
7. Confirm a date for your biometrics appointment, bringing along the originals of the documentations that were submitted with the application.
8. Wait for final approval.
9. Receive residence card.
The initial application is now submitted online, including copies of the supporting documentation. After the request is approved, you will have to appear in person for an interview.
AIMA will allow you to book the interview in any district of your choice. After pre-approval, AIMA will provide access to an online calendar with available dates to do your in-person biometrics appointment. You can bring your family members to this meeting, and their application is submitted simultaneously. An application fee of €539.66 is paid for the main applicant and each member of the family.
On approval you pay a residence permit issuance fee of €5,391.56 for each applicant. After ten-to-twenty days, you should receive your residency card valid for two years, and the renewal process is a simple formality.
Please contact us if you require further information on any of the points above.
+351 289 419 572
