Portugal

The Portugal Golden Visa (ARI) grants EU residency to foreign investors. As of 2025, real-estate-based investment is no longer eligible and a range of alternative investment routes has been introduced. The program channels real contributions into the Portuguese economy while offering investors EU residency and a long-term pathway to citizenship.

Portugal Golden Visa (ARI)

Major Investment Options

1. Investment Fund (minimum €500,000)

Invest in venture capital or private equity funds that allocate at least 60% to companies headquartered in Portugal.
Fund maturity must be at least 5 years and real-estate-related activities are prohibited.
Typical annual yield is around 3–10%, suitable for portfolio diversification.

2. Business Creation & Job Creation

Establish a new business in Portugal and create at least 10 full-time jobs.
In low-density areas (NUTS III with population density below 100/km²), the threshold drops to 8 jobs.

3. Existing Business Investment

Invest at least €500,000 in an existing Portuguese-headquartered company and create or maintain at least 5 full-time jobs.
Jobs must be maintained for at least 3 years after investment.

4. Cultural Heritage Contribution (minimum €250,000)

Donate to national cultural heritage restoration or arts projects.
In low-density areas the threshold drops to a minimum of €200,000.

5. Scientific & Technological Research (minimum €500,000)

Invest in public or private research institutions.
In low-density areas the threshold drops to a minimum of €400,000.

Application Process Summary

1. Select an investment route and prepare funds:

Pick one of the options above and arrange the required capital.

2. Open a Portuguese bank account:

Open an account for investment and fund transfer purposes.

3. Execute investment and submit documents:

Carry out the chosen investment and lodge the required paperwork.

4. Golden Visa approval:

After review, the Golden Visa is granted.

5. Citizenship application (after 5 years):

Citizenship may be applied for once the residency requirement is met.

Important Notes

Real estate excluded
Real-estate-based investments have been removed from Golden Visa eligibility from 2025.
Local transfer in euros
Investment funds must be transferred in euros through a Portuguese bank.
5-year holding period
Funds must be held for at least 5 years; early withdrawal may affect Golden Visa status.
Language · residency
For citizenship, applicants must demonstrate Portuguese-language proficiency or meet minimum residency criteria.

Eligibility

1. Age & health

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and in good health.

2. Legal record

Applicants must have no criminal record in Portugal; a record may lead to refusal.

3. Investment threshold

Must meet the minimum investment amount and provide legal proof of fund origin.

Property Rental Option: Minimum total assets of €650,000, with at least €75,000 in financial assets.

4. Residency requirement

After receiving the visa you must stay in Portugal for at least 7 days a year; citizenship is available after 5 years of residency.

5. Family inclusion

Spouse and children may be included. Children must be under 18, or under 26 if financially dependent.

Advantages of the Portugal Golden Visa

1
EU residency:
Live and move freely within EU countries, including Portugal.
2
Tax benefits:
Reduced tax burden under the non-habitual resident regime.
3
PR and citizenship pathway:
Eligible to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency.
4
Family inclusion:
Spouse, children, and other direct family members may be included.
5
High quality of life:
Safe environment, excellent healthcare, and strong education system.

From 2025 the Portugal Golden Visa drops real-estate-based investment and opens up a broader range of routes — giving investors more choice and better diversification while channeling positive impact into the Portuguese economy. The program offers EU residency, a path to citizenship, and the safe, high-quality life Portugal is known for.