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 Program allows non-EU investors and their families to obtain residence permits in Portugal through qualifying investments that contribute to the country’s economic development.

Portugal is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe due to its safety, high quality of life, and membership in both the European Union and the Schengen Area.

Eligible accompanying family members include:

  • Legal spouse
  • Children under 18 years old, or financially dependent children who are still studying
  • Parents of the main applicant or the spouse

The program provides a renewable residence permit with minimal stay requirements. After maintaining the investment and residence status for five years, applicants may apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship, subject to legal requirements.

Learn more with AT Express about the program requirements, benefits, and application procedures below.

Eligibility Requirements

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

Investment funds

  • Investment of at least EUR 500,000 in qualified Portuguese investment funds.
  • Funds must be regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
  • At least 60% of the investment must be allocated to companies headquartered in Portugal.
  • The investment must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years.

Scientific research contribution

  • Capital transfer of at least EUR 500,000 to support scientific research activities conducted by public or private research institutions in Portugal.
  • Eligible projects must be approved by the Portuguese government.

Cultural heritage investment

  • Investment starting from EUR 250,000 to support artistic production, cultural heritage preservation, or restoration of national heritage.
  • The investment must be made through approved public institutions or foundations.

Business investment and job creation

  • Creation of at least 10 new jobs in Portugal, or
  • Investment of EUR 500,000 in an existing Portuguese company, combined with the creation or maintenance of at least 5 permanent jobs for a minimum period of 3 years.

Benefits of Portugal Golden Visa 

  • Renewable residence permit for the main applicant and eligible family members.
  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, allowing free movement across 29 European countries.
  • Low minimum stay requirement, requiring an average stay of 7 days per year in Portugal.
  • Access to high-quality healthcare and education systems in Portugal.
  • Right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
  • Clear pathway to permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship after 5 years, subject to meeting legal requirements including basic Portuguese language proficiency (A2 level).
  • One of the most powerful EU passports after naturalization, allowing the right to live and work anywhere within the European Union.

Basic Investment Process

Consultation & due diligence

Clients schedule a consultation for eligibility assessment, KYC verification, and background due diligence. AT Express explains the available investment routes under the Portugal Golden Visa program.

Investment completion

The investor completes a qualifying investment such as investment funds starting from EUR 500,000, scientific research projects, or cultural heritage contributions, according to the current regulations.

Application preparation

AT Express prepares the Golden Visa application and submits the documentation to the Portuguese immigration authority AIMA.

Receive the result

Once approved, the investor and family members receive Portugal Golden Visa residence permits. After five years, applicants may apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship.

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.