Skip to content 
Portugal’s Cultural Golden Visa Donation offers a unique opportunity for investors to gain residency while directly contributing to the country’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Unlike traditional investment routes, this pathway focuses on supporting artistic production, heritage preservation, and cultural development.
In this article, we’ll explore the types of projects that qualify for the Golden Visa Donation and who approve them.
📣 Portugal Citizenship Law Update 2025
On October 28, 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved proposed amendments to the Nationality Law and the immigration framework, following their initial presentation by the government on June 23, 2025. This development marks a major step forward in Portugal’s ongoing legislative reform process.
The proposal aims to extend the minimum residency period for citizenship from five to ten years, or seven years for EU and CPLP nationals, and to revise how residency time is calculated—starting from the issuance of the first residence permit rather than the date the application was submitted.
The bill is not yet in effect, as it still requires Presidential review. The President may approve, veto, or refer the legislation to the Constitutional Court, and the final version could still be modified before promulgation.
Who Approves The Portugal Golden Visa Donation Projects?
The Bureau for Cultural Strategy, Planning, and Assessment (GEPAC), which operates under the Ministry of Culture, is the official body responsible for certifying eligible projects under Portugal’s Golden Visa Donation program.
GEPAC evaluates whether a cultural or artistic project aligns with the national cultural policy and meets the legal requirements. Once a project is approved, investors can proceed with funding it to qualify for the Golden Visa.
This certification is a key part of the application process, and GEPAC regularly updates the list of eligible projects in coordination with the Ministry.
List of Approved Portugal Golden Visa Cultural Projects
Portugal Cultural Production Golden Visa Benefits
Compared to real estate or fund investments, the cultural route is newer and less common, so there’s less public data available. However, it presents several advantages that make it one of the most important Golden Visa options in Portugal following the closure of the real estate route.
Lower Investment Threshold
With a minimum investment of €250,000 — or €200,000 in designated low-density areas — this is one of the most affordable Golden Visa routes in Europe.
Pre-Approval Option
Most cultural foundations offer a pre-approval process, allowing you to confirm that your investment qualifies before submitting your Golden Visa application.
No Additional Costs
Unlike real estate investments, there are no extra expenses such as property taxes, maintenance fees, or condominium charges. Your full contribution goes directly to the cultural initiative.
Support Meaningful Projects
Your investment directly supports artistic production or cultural-heritage preservation, helping to protect and promote Portugal’s cultural landscape.
Portuguese Citizenship Pathway
After 5 years of residency, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship without needing full-time residence or a permanent-residency permit.
Get In Touch With a Portugal Golden Visa Specialist
Portugal Residency Advisors® has assisted numerous international investors in securing residency in Portugal through the Golden Visa Program. Get in touch with a specialist today and discover how we can support you in starting your investment journey in Portugal.
Can I Submit My Own Cultural Golden Visa Project?
Yes, you can submit your own cultural project for the Cultural Golden Visa in Portugal. To qualify, your project must receive approval from GEPAC (Bureau for Cultural Strategy, Planning, and Assessment), which operates under the Ministry of Culture.
It’s important to note that this process can be complex and may require significant effort to meet all necessary criteria. Alternatively, many investors choose to invest in pre-approved cultural projects, which can streamline the application process.
In case you decide for submitting you own project for the Portugal’s Cultural Golden Visa program, the approval process for cultural projects involves multiple steps:
1. Project Submission to GEPAC
The project is initially submitted to the Bureau for Cultural Strategy, Planning, and Assessment (GEPAC) for evaluation.
2. Ministerial Review
GEPAC forwards the project to the Minister of Culture, who has ten working days to assess its eligibility.
3. Investment and Documentation
Upon approval, the investor proceeds with the investment and submits proof of the transfer, along with other required documents, to GEPAC.
4. Certification Issuance
GEPAC issues a declaration confirming the investment, which is then used in the Golden Visa application process with AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum).
Why Work With Us
Local Expertise
We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.
Honest Guidance
We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.
All-in-One Solution
One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.
Seamless Process
Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Portugal Golden Visa Donation?
It’s a residency-by-investment option that allows you to obtain a Portuguese residence permit by investing in cultural or artistic projects approved by the Ministry of Culture.
What is the minimum investment required?
The minimum is €250,000, or €200,000 if the project is located in a low-density area.
Who approves the Golden visa donation projects?
Projects must be certified by GEPAC (Bureau for Cultural Strategy, Planning, and Assessment), under the Ministry of Culture.
Can I choose any cultural project to invest in?
No — the project must be pre-approved and certified for the Cultural Golden Visa. Many investors work with specialized foundations that handle this process.
Does the investment in the Cultural Golden Visa generate returns?
Usually, no. It’s not structured for financial return but rather as a contribution or sponsorship. Some foundations may offer partial capital recovery.
Can my family be included in the application?
Yes — your spouse, children, and dependent parents can be included under one application.
Do I need to live in Portugal full-time with the Golden Visa?
No — the program only requires 7 days of stay per year, on average.
Is the Cultural Golden Visa route faster than other visa options?
It should be. However due to high demand and backlogs at AIMA, processing times can be several months or longer, similar to other routes.
Does Portugal's Cultural Golden Visa provide a path to citizenship?
Yes — after 5 years of holding the visa, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet basic requirements (e.g., language test).
Why choose the cultural route over others?
It’s more affordable, has no property tax or maintenance costs, and supports Portugal’s culture. It’s also one of the last remaining Golden Visa paths with with the investment funds after real estate was removed.
Excellent
4.9 | 46 Reviews
