Portugal Residency

The Portugal Golden Visa program allows non-EU citizens to qualify for a residency permit and eventually a passport in the country through investments

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Overview of Portugal 

Portugal is located at the confluence of Europe, Africa and the Americas, at the southwestern end of the European continent. It borders with Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. The country is divided into 18 regions and two islands. The capital of Portugal is Lisbon. There are about 10.8 million people in the country, 97% of whom are Portuguese, and 85% are Catholic. Portugal has a pleasant climate and long hours of sunshine, with 300 sunny days a year. The average temperature is 17-28℃, and 8-14℃ in winter.

  • Ranked 3rd in the World Peace Index 2019 and 2020
  • The fifth most livable country in the world
  • One of the best countries in the global peace index in 2020
  • Ranked sixth in the World Health Index
  • Selected in the “Lonely Planet” Top Ten Best Travel Countries Ranking
  • In 2020, won the title of Europe’s first “safe travel country”
  • The most suitable country to live after the epidemic is over

Would you like us to check your eligibility for this program?

Please get in touch with us and our experts will guide you!

Introduction to the Portugal Golden Visa Program

The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe for non-EU investors. The program allows investors and their families to obtain long-term residence permits in Portugal, with full access to healthcare, education, and social welfare benefits, as well as visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.

After maintaining the Golden Visa for 5 years, investors may apply for Portuguese citizenship, opening the door to living and working anywhere within the European Union. The Portuguese passport ranks among the world’s most powerful, offering visa-free or e-visa access to many developed countries such as the UK, the United States, Australia, and Canada.

Portugal is also highly regarded for its safety, quality of life, and healthcare system, and consistently ranks among the most livable countries in Europe.

Requirements of the Portugal Golden Visa Program

Main applicant:

  • At least 18 years old

  • No business experience required

  • No language proficiency required

  • No requirement to prove source of funds

  • No asset declaration required

Dependents:

  • Legal spouse

  • Children under 18, or over 18 if still studying

  • Parents of both the main applicant and the spouse
    → Allows three generations of one family to apply together

Investment options:

  • Purchase of new real estate with a minimum value of EUR 500,000, or

  • Purchase of renovated/rehabilitated real estate with a minimum value of EUR 350,000

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Program

  • High-quality education and EU-standard healthcare

  • High standard of living with a lower cost of living compared to many European countries

  • Membership in the European Union and Schengen Area

  • Clear and straightforward pathway to permanent residence and citizenship

  • No language requirements

  • No educational qualifications or management experience required

  • Family application covering three generations

  • Lifetime ownership of investment property, which can be used for personal residence or rented out

4-Step Application Process

CONSULTATION

Book an appointment for a detailed assessment and consultation with our Immigration Specialist.

REVIEW & COMMENT

Based on the initial consultation and your profile, we will give you our reviews and advise you about the best option for your immigration needs.

PREPARE & SUBMIT APPLICATION

Once you’re ready to proceed, we will prepare all necessary documents & complete the application and submit to Portugal Immigration.

DELIVER RESULTS

We follow up and reply to inquiries coming from Portugal Immigration until the approval of the case. After approval, we deliver the visa to you.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Yes. Holders of the Portugal Golden Visa are allowed to travel visa-free within the Schengen Area, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, the Golden Visa does not grant the right to live or work permanently in other EU countries. Long-term residence is permitted only in Portugal, unless the holder later obtains permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship.

Yes. Children of Golden Visa holders have access to Portugal’s public education system, which is largely free or low-cost, similar to Portuguese citizens.

That said:

  • Public schools mainly teach in Portuguese

  • International or private schools (English-based) charge tuition fees

Families can freely choose between public and international education depending on language and academic preferences.

It depends on tax residency status.

  • Golden Visa holders are not automatically considered tax residents

  • You become a Portuguese tax resident only if:

    • You spend 183 days or more per year in Portugal, or

    • You establish Portugal as your primary residence

If you are not a tax resident, foreign-sourced income is not subject to Portuguese tax.

If you become a tax resident, foreign income taxation will depend on:

  • Portugal’s tax laws

  • Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) between Portugal and the income source country

Professional tax planning is strongly recommended.

After maintaining Golden Visa status for 5 years, investors may choose one of the following options:

  • Apply for Permanent Residency in Portugal, or

  • Apply for Portuguese citizenship, subject to:

    • Basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level)

    • Clean criminal record

Portuguese citizenship grants the right to live, work, and settle anywhere in the EU, along with a highly ranked EU passport.

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program designed for non-EU citizens, allowing residence in Portugal with minimal physical stay requirements (average of 7 days per year).

Key differences from permanent residency:

Golden Visa Permanent Residency
Investment-based Residence-based
Minimal stay requirement Continuous residence required
Renewable every 2 years Long-term status
Ideal for investors Ideal for full-time residents

Golden Visa is often used as a strategic pathway toward permanent residence or citizenship, without the need to relocate immediately.