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Portugal residency by investment

Portugal residency by investment

Portugal Golden Visa for living, working, studying, and doing business in European Union countries

Visa-free access to:
  • 29 Schengen countries
  • 27 European Union countries
  • 6 Balkan countries

Apply now to get expert advice

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Brief overview of the program

The Portuguese residence permit through investment, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI) or Golden Visa, was introduced in October 2012 to attract foreign capital to the national economy. Since 2023, the program has undergone significant changes — investments in real estate are no longer eligible. To qualify, applicants must invest at least EUR 250,000 in cultural heritage projects or EUR 500,000 in venture capital funds. The main applicant may also include their spouse, children, and parents in the application. The residence permit is initially issued for two years and can be renewed. To maintain the status, the required minimum stay is seven days in the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period. After five years, the holder becomes eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.

Processing time from 12 months
Investment amount from EUR 250,000

Advantages of the program

  • Travel freedom within Europe

    A residence permit in Portugal allows visa-free travel to 45+ countries, including Schengen states, where you can stay for up to 90 days every 6 months. This opens excellent opportunities for business and tourism.

  • Minimum residency requirements

    The program requires only 7 days of stay in Portugal during the first year and 14 days in each subsequent two-year period, making it easy to maintain your main residence outside the country.

  • Access to education and healthcare in the EU

    Residents and their families can study at top European universities and access high-quality healthcare services—Portugal ranks 23rd globally—without the need for additional visas or permits.

  • Opportunity to obtain EU citizenship

    After 5 years of legal residence, investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship by demonstrating basic knowledge of the Portuguese language at A2 level.

  • Tax benefits

    Residence permit holders may qualify for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which offers significant tax advantages for a period of up to 10 years.

Unlock business and financial opportunities with the program

  • Taxes Double tax treaties with 78+ countries. New preferential regime for IT and research professionals. No currency control. Free movement of capital within the EU.
  • Banks and accounts Access to the EU banking system. Multicurrency accounts with English-speaking support. Online banking for non-residents. Preferential mortgage rates at 3% and loans at 9% for EU residents.
  • Asset protection Stable EU legal framework. Deposit guarantees backed by a state fund. Strict banking regulations. Full confidentiality.

Step-by-step guide to Portugal residency

  • Specific requirements and estimated costs
  • Clear outline of Portugal residency acquisition process
  • Current residency program for 2025
Step-by-step guide to Portugal residency

Fill out the form and get a detailed guide about the service from iWorld specialists

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Visa-free travel map

Portuguese residency grants visa-free access to 45+ countries, including all Schengen Area. After obtaining Portuguese citizenship, the number of visa-free destinations increases to 170+ countries worldwide.

map

Visa-free travel to 45+ countries with Portugal residency

  • Austria
  • Denmark
  • Lithuania
  • Poland
  • France
  • Albania
  • Vatican
  • Moldova
  • San Marino
  • Belgium
  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Portugal
  • Croatia
  • Andorra
  • Guatemala
  • Monaco
  • Serbia
  • Bulgaria
  • Spain
  • Luxembourg
  • Romania
  • Czechia
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Honduras
  • Nicaragua
  • Montenegro
  • Hungary
  • Italy
  • Malta
  • Slovakia
  • Switzerland
  • Armenia
  • Georgia
  • Oman
  • Germany
  • Cyprus
  • Netherlands
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • Bahamas
  • Egypt
  • Panama
  • Greece
  • Latvia
  • Norway
  • Finland
  • Estonia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Costa Rica
  • El Salvador

Obtain EU residency status
through investment
in Portugal

  • Processing time: from 12 months
  • Visa-free travel to 45+ countries
  • Investment from EUR 250,000 in cultural projects or from EUR 500,000 in venture funds
  • Minimal stay requirement — just 7 days per year
  • Option to include spouse, children, and parents in the application

Apply now to get expert advice

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The requirements to the applicants

  • Aged 18 or older
  • No criminal record in the country of residence and Portugal
  • Legal source of income
  • Medical insurance covering your stay in Portugal
  • Tax identification number (NIF) in Portugal
  • No citizenship of an EU or EEA country
  • Legally married to the investor
  • Registered civil partnership
  • Minor children
  • Children aged 18 and over who are unmarried, enrolled in full-time education, and financially dependent on the investor
  • Children from previous marriages of the investor and spouse
  • Parents of the investor and spouse over 65 years of age
  • No age restrictions when confirming the financial dependence of parents

Investment options

OPTION 1 Investment in venture capital or mutual funds
  • Minimum investment amount: EUR 500,000
  • Funds must be registered in Portugal and regulated by Portuguese authorities
  • At least 60% of the fund’s assets must be invested in companies headquartered in Portugal
  • Minimum holding period: 5 years
  • Funds must not be linked to real estate investments
OPTION 2 Support for cultural heritage
  • Minimum investment amount: EUR 250,000
  • Contribution to artistic production
  • Restoration or preservation of national cultural heritage
  • Investments must be made through accredited public or private institutions
OPTION 3 Job creation
  • Minimum investment amount: EUR 500,000
  • Creation of at least 10 permanent jobs (or 8 in low-density population areas)
  • Company must be registered in Portugal
  • Jobs must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years

Comparison of Portugal residency with other popular programs

Category
Portugal residency Portugal residency
Greece residency Greece residency
Malta permanent residency Malta permanent residency
Minimum investment
from EUR 250,000
from EUR 250,000
from EUR 182,000
Family included
yes
yes
yes
Validity of status
2+ years
5+ years
unlimited
Processing time
from 12 months
from 4 months
from 3 months

Steps for obtaining a Portugal residence permit by investment

Preliminary legal check

iWorld specialists perform an initial review of the client’s documents to evaluate eligibility for the program. At this stage, potential risks are identified, and a tailored strategy is developed to minimize them and ensure successful acquisition of Portuguese residency.

Learn more

Preparation of the investment structure

This stage includes obtaining a Portuguese NIF tax number, opening a bank account, and selecting a qualifying investment. iWorld’s legal team provides full support throughout the process and coordinates with Portuguese financial institutions.

Collection and preparation of documents

The application dossier includes proof of the legal origin of funds, a certificate of no criminal record, and valid medical insurance. All documents are translated into Portuguese and legalized with an apostille.

Submitting an application through the ARI portal

As of January 2025, all Portuguese Golden Visa applications must be submitted online via the official AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) portal. iWorld’s legal team uploads the documents and monitors the status of the application.

Making investments

Once the application receives preliminary approval, the client transfers the investment funds to the selected fund or project. All transactions must be carried out from the main applicant’s personal bank account, in full compliance with program requirements.

Submitting biometric data in Portugal

AIMA assigns a date and location for biometric submission with 30 to 90 days’ notice. The main applicant and all included family members must appear in person for the procedure in Portugal.

Obtaining a residence card

Following the final approval of the application and completion of all procedures, residence cards valid for 2 years are issued to the investor and their family members. Cards are typically ready within 2–3 weeks after biometric submission. iWorld’s team organizes the collection and delivery of the documents.

Get a customized estimate for the cost of obtaining Portugal residency

iWorld specialists will prepare a personalized estimate with stages, deadlines, taking into account your family situation, grounds for citizenship, and all necessary fees.

Get a customized estimate for the cost of obtaining Portugal residency

Why clients choose iWorld

Global expertise

iWorld specialists have extensive knowledge of international migration law and are well versed in the procedures for obtaining residence permits, permanent residency, and citizenship, offering the best solutions for each jurisdiction.

Personalized step-by-step plan

The iWorld team develops a detailed action plan for each stage — from choosing the right investment strategy to obtaining a passport or residence permit — ensuring transparency and no hidden fees.

Confidentiality and trust

iWorld builds long-term partnerships, ensuring data security and compliance with professional ethics.

The best specialists in the industry

The company employs the best experts in the field of migration and investment law, as well as specialists in administrative, accounting, and tax support.

Alternative residency
by investment programs

Greece Country Greece
Cost from EUR 250,000
Processing time from 4 months
Key advantages
  • Investments in high-liquidity real estate
  • Fast-track program
  • No language requirements
Learn more
Europe Country Europe
Cost from EUR 182,000
Processing time from 3 months
Key advantages
  • Ownership of luxury real estate
  • Immigration to a European Union country
  • Residence permits for family members
Learn more
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Media about us

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Articles and news

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FAQ

What is the minimum investment required to obtain residency in Portugal?

The minimum investment is EUR 250,000 for cultural or artistic support, or EUR 500,000 in Portuguese investment funds — the most popular route among applicants.

How long does the residency application process take?

Currently, the process takes from 12 months due to a backlog of applications. AIMA aims to reduce delays and return to the standard 9-month timeline by late summer 2025.

Is physical residence in Portugal required after obtaining the visa?

No. The residency requires only an average stay of 7 days per year — one of the most flexible residence requirements in Europe.

Which family members can be included in the application?

Spouse, children under 18, financially dependent adult children (if unmarried and enrolled in full-time education), and dependent parents of either spouse (typically 65+ or proven dependent).

Are there any additional financial or legal requirements?

Yes. Applicants must obtain Portuguese health insurance, open a local bank account, acquire a tax number (NIF), and provide proof of the legal origin of funds.

Can I apply on my own without legal assistance?

While possible, legal support is highly recommended. The process involves complex documentation, translations into Portuguese, and strict compliance with legal procedures. Errors may lead to delays or denial.

What investment options are available in 2025?

As of October 2023, real estate has been excluded from the program. Only the following options are available: investment in Portuguese funds (EUR 500,000), support for cultural projects (EUR 250,000), creation of 10 jobs, investment in scientific research (EUR 500,000), or establishing a company that creates 5 jobs.

Is due diligence required, and when can I apply for citizenship

Yes, all applicants undergo due diligence checks. You may apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of residency, provided your investment is maintained.

Get expert advice — contact us today

You can schedule a consultation with a company specialist either in person at our office or online. During the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed case analysis, a service cost estimate, and personalized recommendations tailored to your goals.

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Aleksey Nosovsky Head of Legal Department

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