Golden Visa
Portugal
Program Overview
Portugal's Golden Visa (ARI — Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento) is one of Europe's most established and sought-after investor residency programmes. Launched in 2012, it has attracted billions in foreign direct investment and remains a benchmark for transparent, well-regulated residency-by-investment schemes globally.
The programme grants a renewable residency permit to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Portugal. Holders can live, work, and study in Portugal, travel freely across the 27 Schengen Area countries, and — after just five years of holding the permit — apply for permanent residency or full Portuguese citizenship, one of the world's most powerful passports with visa-free access to over 185 countries including the United States, Canada, and the UK.
What sets Portugal's Golden Visa apart from comparable European programmes is its exceptionally low physical presence requirement: applicants need only spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal to maintain their permit. This makes it uniquely suited to internationally mobile investors and families who want a credible EU foothold without relocating full-time.
Key Highlights
Suited For
Eligibility Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals aged 18 or over
- Clean criminal record in country of residence and Portugal
- Valid health insurance covering Portugal
- Qualifying investment maintained for a minimum of five years
- Minimum seven days physical presence in Portugal per year on average
- No requirement to speak Portuguese at residency stage (language test required at citizenship application)
Investment Options
Investment Fund
€500,000Subscription to a qualifying Portuguese investment fund or venture capital fund focused on capitalising Portuguese companies. The most popular route since the 2022 real estate exclusion.
Scientific Research
€500,000Capital transfer for research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions integrated in the national scientific and technological system.
Cultural Heritage / Arts
€250,000Investment in the production of artistic output or support for the arts, restoration, or maintenance of national cultural heritage.
Job Creation
No minimum capitalIncorporation of a commercial company in Portugal combined with the creation of at least ten permanent jobs, or reinforcement of share capital of an existing company creating or maintaining at least ten jobs.
Key Benefits
- Full EU residency with the right to live, work, and study in Portugal
- Visa-free travel across all 26 Schengen Area countries
- Path to one of the world's top-ranked passports after just five years
- Minimum stay of only seven days per year — no full relocation required
- Family reunification: spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents included
- Access to Portugal's public healthcare and education systems
- No requirement to transfer tax residency or pay Portuguese tax on foreign income (unless you choose NHR status)
- Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime available for those who do relocate, offering a flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese-source income for ten years
Based on enquiry volume and advisor recommendations on the Jurentra platform.
Min. Investment
€500,000
Processing Time
6–12 months
Visa Type
Investor Residency
Path to Citizenship
5 years
Ready to take the next step?
Our network of licensed advisory firms can guide you through every stage of your Golden Visa application.