Looking to make a smart, cost-effective investment for your Portugal Golden Visa?
Low-density areas in Portugal offer an excellent opportunity to qualify for residency with a reduced investment threshold — all while enjoying the charm of quieter regions, lower living costs, and strong long-term potential.
In this article, we’ll explore what qualifies as a low-density area, the benefits of investing there, and how it fits into the Golden Visa program.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Options
1. Investment Funds
Invest a minimum of €500,000 in qualifying investment or venture capital funds governed by Portuguese legislation. These funds must have a maturity of at least five years at the time of investment, with at least 60% of their portfolio invested in commercial companies headquartered in Portugal.
2. Supporting Art or Culture
Often referred to as the “Cultural Golden Visa,” this option involves a minimum donation of €250,000 to support artistic endeavors or heritage restoration projects. Eligible investments can be made through local or central government bodies, public institutions, or private foundations of public interest.
3. Supporting Scientific Research
Investors can contribute €500,000 or more to research and development projects within Portugal. Investments must support public or private scientific research institutions that are part of the national scientific system.
4. Business Investment
Entrepreneurs and investors have the opportunity to contribute to Portugal’s economic growth by either establishing new businesses or expanding existing ones. To set up a new company, an investment of at least €500,000 in share capital is required, along with the creation of a minimum of five permanent jobs.
Alternatively, investors can inject a minimum of €500,000 into the share capital of an existing Portuguese company, provided they meet the job creation requirements outlined by the Portuguese government.
5. Employing people in Portugal
Investors can qualify by creating at least ten full-time jobs in Portugal. All jobs must comply with Portuguese labor laws and include social security contributions, ensuring legal and ethical employment practices.
What are Low Density Areas in Portugal?
Low-density areas of Portugal is a designation of the Portuguese government for the regions of the country that have a lower population density and, or a lower economic activity. Now, these are areas with less than 100 persons per km2 and/or a GDP per capita of less than 75% the average GDP per capita of the entire land mass.
The primary purpose in classifying these regions as “low-density” is to stimulate investment in areas of the country that are less developed or more isolated. Reducing the investment barrier that the Golden Visa currently presents, the Portuguese government sees the chance to increase foreign capital inflows, local economic activity and to foster more evenly distributed regional development.
For Golden Visa investers, investing in these areas is a cheaper way to obtain Portuguese residency… at the same time as promoting regeneration in parts of Portugal which are likely to have wonderful landscapes, lower living costs and a more tranquil pace of life. It’s a win-win, for investors looking for an affordable visa pathway, and for communities needing a boost.
Why Invest in a Low-Density Area for the Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa program offers several investment routes, and choosing to invest in a low-density area can provide a significant advantage — a 20% reduction in the required investment amount.
This incentive applies if your chosen investment is located within a region officially classified as low-density by the Portuguese government. As we presented before these areas are less populated and economically underdeveloped, and the incentive is designed to attract investment to help boost local development.
The 20% discount can apply to several eligible Golden Visa routes, including:
- Supporting scientific research in Portugal
- Investing in cultural or artistic projects
- Creating at least 10 jobs through a business venture in Portugal
Portugal Golden Visa Low-Density Areas Map
Here is a map highlighting the low-density regions in Portugal eligible for Golden Visa investment.
Why Work With Us For Your Golden Visa Application
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.
Holistic Approach
One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your investment and Golden Visa application.
Transparent Service
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.
Simple 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 About Low Density Areas in Portugal
What are low-density areas in Portugal?
Low-density areas are regions with either fewer than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer or a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average, as defined by the Portuguese government.
Why does Portugal offer incentives for investing in low-density areas?
The goal is to direct investment to underdeveloped or rural areas, stimulating economic growth, job creation, and balanced regional development.
How does investing in a low-density area affect the Golden Visa requirements?
Investors benefit from a 20% reduction in the minimum investment amount required for certain Golden Visa routes if the investment is made in a low-density area.
Which Golden Visa routes qualify for the low-density discount?
The 20% discount applies to eligible routes such as:
- Scientific research
- Cultural/artistic support
- Job generation
Golden Visa Low Density
Does real estate still qualify for the Golden Visa in low-density areas?
No, real estate investment is no longer eligible under the Golden Visa program, even in low-density regions, as of recent legislative changes.
How can I know if an area qualifies as low-density?
The Portuguese government publishes an official list and map of municipalities classified as low-density. Your legal or investment advisor can also confirm eligibility for a specific location.
Are low-density areas mostly rural or isolated?
While many low-density regions are rural, some include well-connected towns with growing tourism and infrastructure — offering a good balance between affordability and potential.
Can I live in a major city and still invest in a low-density area?
Yes, you can invest in a low-density region for the Golden Visa benefit, but live elsewhere in Portugal, including Lisbon or Porto.
Will low-density areas continue to be part of the Golden Visa program?
While future policy changes are possible, low-density investment routes remain valid under the current legislation. It’s wise to act sooner to benefit from the existing terms.
Low-density
Low-density areas are regions with either fewer than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer or a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average, as defined by the Portuguese government.
The goal is to direct investment to underdeveloped or rural areas, stimulating economic growth, job creation, and balanced regional development.
Investors benefit from a 20% reduction in the minimum investment amount required for certain Golden Visa routes if the investment is made in a low-density area.
The 20% discount applies to eligible routes such as:
- Scientific research
- Cultural/artistic support
- Job generation
No, real estate investment is no longer eligible under the Golden Visa program, even in low-density regions, as of recent legislative changes.
Canclusion
The Portuguese government publishes an official list and map of municipalities classified as low-density. Your legal or investment advisor can also confirm eligibility for a specific location.
While many low-density regions are rural, some include well-connected towns with growing tourism and infrastructure — offering a good balance between affordability and potential.
Yes, you can invest in a low-density region for the Golden Visa benefit, but live elsewhere in Portugal, including Lisbon or Porto.
While future policy changes are possible, low-density investment routes remain valid under the current legislation. It’s wise to act sooner to benefit from the existing terms.
