Portugal Golden Visa: A Strategic Move for Investors in 2025

The Portugal Golden Visa Program is a five-year investment residency program designed for non-EU citizens seeking permanent residence in Portugal. The program has become popular among high net worth individuals, as it grants the right to live, work and study in Portugal, while also allowing visa-free travel within the Schengen area.

With an average stay requirement of just 7 days per year, the Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most flexible and accessible residency pathways in Europe. Portugal is also known for its high quality of life, safety, friendly culture, warm climate, beautiful beaches and cities.

What is the Portugal Golden Visa?

The Portuguese Golden Visa Program, officially known as the Residence Permit for Investment (ARI), is a program that allows non-EU investors to obtain residency in Portugal through eligible investments. The program also provides a pathway for investors to apply for permanent residency in Portugal and, if eligible, Portuguese citizenship in the future.

Launched in October 2012 as a measure to boost economic recovery after the global financial crisis, the Golden Visa has become a significant source of income for Portugal, attracting more than €7.5 billion in foreign investment to date.

One of the main benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa program is its flexibility. Investors can qualify for the program by investing a minimum of €500,000 in an approved fund, while only spending an average of 7 days per year in Portugal. After 5 years, investors can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship. Another big plus is that Portugal recognizes dual citizenship, so applicants are not required to renounce their current nationality.

Investment Requirements of the Portugal Golden Visa Program 2025

As of October 6, 2023, the Portuguese government has introduced significant changes to the Portuguese Golden Visa program. Under the new regulations introduced in the “Mais Habitação” Law, certain types of investments have been removed from the eligibility list, including:

Capital transfer from 1.5 million EUR or more
Buy real estate directly
Invest in funds that are directly or indirectly related to real estate

In 2025, the Portuguese Golden Visa program continues to be a practical investment solution for global investors in an increasingly uncertain environment. As many countries face political instability, rising inflation and economic problems, Portugal, as a member of the European Union, offers a democratic, stable and secure environment for investors.

Golden Visa holders gain access to a stable European Union market, facilitating asset preservation and increased financial flexibility.

Main benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa program for Vietnamese citizens

For high net worth individuals in Vietnam looking for global mobility, residency flexibility and long-term security for their families, the Portugal Golden Visa program is a strategic investment channel.

Here are the outstanding benefits of the program:

Residency in Portugal and freedom of movement within the Schengen area

Golden Visa holders have the right to legally reside in Portugal and are visa-free to travel to 27 countries in the Schengen area. Traveling between European countries becomes easier and more convenient for both tourism and business purposes.

Guarantee the whole family to go together

The program allows the main applicant to bring his or her entire family to Portugal. Family members are entitled to reside, study, work and travel in Portugal, and are eligible to apply for permanent residence and citizenship after a period of valid residence.

Eligible members include:

Spouse or common-law partner (not required to be legally married)
Children under 18 years old
Children over 18 years old if they are studying full-time, unmarried and financially dependent
Parents aged 65 or older of the applicant or spouse
Parents under 65 years old if financially dependent

The right to work, study and access public health care

Applicants and their families can work and study at public schools or universities in Portugal. At the same time, they have access to a high-quality public health system at low or no cost.

Roadmap to European Citizenship

After 5 years of holding the Golden Visa and meeting the minimum residency requirements, investors can apply for permanent residency, followed by Portuguese citizenship.

Portuguese citizens enjoy the same residency and legal rights as native citizens, and have the freedom to live, study and work in any country within the European Union.

Residency in Portugal for Vietnamese Citizens: Why the Golden Visa is a Prominent Option

2024 will see a record number of millionaires emigrating, as more and more high-net-worth individuals around the world leave or consider leaving their home countries in search of a more stable living and investment environment. Among the Vietnamese elite, the trend of seeking dual citizenship is increasing as a form of asset preservation and long-term security. In this context, the Portuguese Golden Visa program is emerging as one of the most attractive paths, bringing both financial benefits and superior quality of life.

Main reasons why Vietnamese citizens with large assets are increasingly interested in Portugal

The volatile global political landscape

The political situation in many countries is becoming increasingly unpredictable, with sudden changes in tax and trade policies and increasing social polarization. This instability has led many investors to seek residency options in countries with more stable and transparent political systems.

High tax burden in many countries

The continued rise in personal income and corporate taxes in developed countries is driving the wealthy to seek destinations with more favorable tax policies to protect their assets and increase financial efficiency. Portugal, through its non-permanent residence regime (NHR), offers many distinct tax advantages, such as tax exemptions on foreign income (pensions, dividends, royalties, etc.).

Business and investment opportunities in Europe

Many entrepreneurs and investors are turning to Europe to establish or expand their businesses, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the EU single market. Portugal offers not only access to this market, but also tax incentives and business support policies, helping to reduce barriers to investment and global expansion.

Ideal living environment for family

Many wealthy families are looking for a safe environment, good education system and more reasonable cost of living. Portugal stands out for:

The quality of public and private education is highly regarded.
Universal, low-cost public health system
Low crime rate, friendly society, reasonable cost of living

Update on Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options 2025

On October 6, 2023, the Portuguese government enacted the Mais Habitação Law, officially removing certain forms of investment from the Golden Visa program’s eligibility list.

Investment forms that were once eligible but are no longer accepted include:

Capital transfer from 1.5 million EUR or more
Buy real estate directly
Invest in funds that are directly or indirectly related to real estate

Although traditional options are being phased out, the current Golden Visa program still offers investment options that comply with the new law, maintaining high flexibility and feasibility for Vietnamese investors looking for a safe settlement option in Europe.

Current Eligible Investment Forms for the Portugal Golden Visa

Invest in Approved Investment Funds

Investors can apply for a Golden Visa by investing a minimum of EUR 500,000 in an approved investment fund or venture capital fund.

Requirements for the fund include:

Focus on raising capital for Portugal-based businesses
Minimum operating period of 5 years
At least 60% of the investment portfolio must be allocated to businesses established and operating in Portugal

Note: Funds directly or indirectly related to the real estate sector are not eligible.

Forms of donation for arts and cultural heritage

Investors can choose to transfer a minimum of EUR 250,000 to support artistic activities, or preserve and restore national cultural heritage.

Contributions must be made through:

Public organization
Private foundation recognized as public benefit organization

Setting up a business or creating a job in Portugal

Investors may qualify if:

Create at least 10 new jobs in a business in Portugal (or 8 new jobs if the business is located in an area with low population density)

Or:

Invest a minimum of EUR 500,000 to establish a business in Portugal, ➤ create at least 5 full-time jobs within 3 years ➤ or increase capital in an existing company and create or maintain the same number of jobs.

Investing in scientific research

Investors can apply for a Golden Visa by investing a minimum of EUR 500,000 in scientific research activities at public or private institutions within the Portuguese national science and technology system.

Special case: The investment amount can be reduced to EUR 400,000 if the research project is carried out in an area with low population density – to support regional development and innovation.

How long does it take to process a Portugal Golden Visa?

The processing time for a Portuguese Golden Visa application typically takes 12–16 months. The first step is to prepare a file that includes identification documents, financial statements, and confirmation of investment. The applicant then submits a pre-qualification application online through the Portuguese Immigration Authority (AIMA).

After submission, applicants need to attend a biometrics appointment at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy.

Once the application is approved, it usually takes about 6–9 months after the biometric session to receive the Golden Visa residence card. Once completed, the applicant is granted a residence permit that is valid for 2 years, and must be renewed every 2 years.

Permanent residency in Portugal through investment

After 5 years, the applicant can renew the temporary residence permit or apply for permanent residence. Once granted permanent residence, the applicant can immediately apply for citizenship if they meet the requirements.

Residency requirements for Portugal Golden Visa holders

One of the highlights of the Portuguese Golden Visa program is its flexibility, which is especially suitable for investors who are from afar or are not yet ready to settle down full-time. To maintain their benefits, investors only need to reside for a minimum of 14 days in the first 2 years, and 21 days in the following 3 years. Meeting this residency requirement is also a mandatory condition if the investor wishes to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after 5 years.

Why is the Portugal Golden Visa still a wise choice in 2025?

In 2025, the Portugal Golden Visa continues to be one of the most attractive investment residency programs for global investors.

With minimal residency requirements, freedom of movement within the Schengen area and a clear path to EU citizenship after 5 years, the programme offers greater flexibility than many other options. Investors have the right to live, work and study in Portugal and have access to the European health system, education and single market.

Why Choose AT Express?

AT Express, we understand that investment immigration programs often come with complex legal processes, require a clear application strategy and guidance from experienced professionals. With over 30 years of experience in the investment immigration field, HLG has assisted thousands of investors worldwide in their successful immigration journey to countries such as the US, Canada, UK, France, Portugal, Greece, UAE and many others.

To do that, AT Express team includes lawyers registered to practice in many countries and territories:

Licensed to practice by the Quebec Bar Association, the Ontario Bar Association and the British Columbia Bar Association in Canada
Registered to practice in the State of New York and the District of Columbia (Washington DC), USA
Member of the Royal Cambodian Bar Association
Is a foreign lawyer recognized by the Hong Kong Bar Association
Registered with the Law Society of England and Wales
Registered at the Court of Appeal of Paris, France
Legally registered to practice at the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam
Member of the Grenada Bar Association

AT Express works directly with immigration authorities and always uses strong, procedural legal strategies to protect the interests of investors and their families. With a global network of offices and a team of highly qualified lawyers, HLG is committed to accompanying you from the initial investment to receiving permanent residency, helping you and your family build a new life in your dream country with peace of mind.

If you are starting with an investment immigration application or would like to learn more about the process of each program, contact us here .

AT Express – established in 1992 – is a leading international law firm, with offices in Asia, North America, South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, ready to assist you with all your international immigration and investment needs.

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