Portugal

Residency by Investment

The Portugal Residency by Investment, often referred to as Golden Visa, is a residency-by-investment scheme that offers non-EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals the ability to obtain a Portuguese residence permit through eligible investment.

Introduced in 2012 to stimulate foreign investment and support economic development, it has become one of Europe’s most popular residency pathways. The program grants investors and their families the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, along with visa-free access to the Schengen Area.

After five years, applicants may apply for Portuguese citizenship without needing to maintain full-time residency.

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Requirements and Investment Options

You must be over 18 and have a clean criminal record with no potential national security or reputational risk.

Venture Capital Funds*

€500,000 capital investment into qualifying venture capital funds with no connection to real estate.

*You may be able to use a retirement fund (e.g. 401 (k), IRA, or your country's equivalent) for the investment portion of the program.

Job Creation

Applicants must create at least ten full-time positions — reduced to eight in areas with lower population density — and these jobs must meet Portugal’s employment and social security rules.

Business Investment

€500,000 invested in establishing a new commercial company registered and based in Portugal, which must create at least five permanent jobs for three years. The same amount may also be used to increase the share capital of an existing Portuguese company, provided it creates five new permanent positions or maintains at least ten existing jobs for a three-year period.

Scientific Research

Golden Visa applicants may also qualify by transferring €500,000 or more into research projects carried out by public or private scientific institutions that form part of Portugal’s national science or technology system.

Cultural and Artistic Support

Investors may donate or invest at least €200,000 in low-density regions (usually €250,000 otherwise) toward eligible initiatives in Portuguese arts, culture, or heritage. Only government-approved Cultural Production Golden Visa projects, vetted by GEPAC, qualify.

Why Portugal?

Portugal’s Golden Visa offers a range of affordable investment options, starting from €200,000 in cultural projects or €500,000 in venture capital funds. The program requires minimal stay—just seven days in the first year and 14 days every two years—and allows family inclusion under one application. It provides a clear pathway to long-term residency or citizenship, visa-free travel across the EU and Schengen Area, and the opportunity to live in a safe, high-quality, and cost-effective country.

Benefits of Portugal Golden Visa

Golden Visa holders enjoy access to 29 EU countries, providing exceptional freedom for both travel and business opportunities.