Portugal’s Cultural Golden Visa 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 Cultural Golden Visa, how the process works, and why it’s becoming an increasingly popular option for those looking to invest with purpose.
The Portugal Cultural Golden Visa
Portugal’s Cultural Golden Visa program, also known as the “Artistic Production” Golden Visa, remains one of the lesser-known and less-utilized investment routes. This is largely due to the lack of clear regulations and the procedural challenges involved. However, it is considered one of the most affordable Golden Visa options in Europe.
With a minimum investment of €250,000—or €200,000 if applied in low-density areas of inland Portugal—it offers a relatively low entry point for investors interested in gaining residency or citizenship through support of the arts and cultural heritage.
Portugal’s Cultural Golden Visa offers two main investment routes:
- Artistic Production Support: Investors can qualify by funding artistic projects such as films, music, or other creative productions that promote Portuguese culture.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation: Alternatively, investors may contribute the required amount to an approved cultural or heritage foundation dedicated to preserving Portugal’s national heritage.
Portugal Cultural 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 following the closure of the real estate route.
Who approves the eligible projects for Portugal Cultural Golden Visa?
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 Cultural Golden Visa 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.
Full-List of Approved Projects for the Portugal Cultural Golden Visa
The Cultural Golden Visa Application Process
The Cultural Golden Visa route allows investors to contribute to approved cultural projects in Portugal while securing residency. Below is a step-by-step overview of the process, from selecting a project to submitting your application to AIMA.
STEP 1: Choose an Approved Cultural Project
The investor selects one of the pre-approved projects, all of which have been recognized by the Ministry of Culture as eligible for the Golden Visa program.
STEP 2. Request GEPAC Approval Declaration
The investor’s lawyer requests the official declaration of approval from GEPAC (Bureau of Strategy, Planning, and Cultural Assessment). This document is typically issued within 15 days.
STEP 3: Submit KYC to the Foundation
The investor completes and submits the KYC (Know Your Customer) form to the chosen foundation.
STEP 4: Transfer Investment Funds
The investor transfers the investment amount from their Portuguese bank account and provides proof of the transfer to the foundation.
STEP 5: Receive Declarations from the Foundation
Upon receiving the funds, the foundation issues two documents to the investor: a commitment declaration confirming the investment in the project, and a receipt declaration. The foundation also sends bank proof of receipt.
STEP 6: Submit the Golden Visa Application
The investor’s lawyer submits the Golden Visa application to AIMA.
Documentation required for the Portugal Cultural Golden Visa
To ensure a smooth application process, the following documents must be submitted:
- Valid passport
- Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)
- Investor’s commitment statement
- Foundation’s receipt declaration
- Commitment statement regarding the use of foundation funds
- Bank confirmation from the foundation of funds received
- Project eligibility certificate (issued by GEPAC)
- Investor’s bank statement confirming the transfer
Portugal Cultural Golden Visa Statistics
Portugal’s Cultural Heritage Golden Visa has steadily gained traction, attracting €22.15 million in investments since its first approval in 2020, according to the Centro Português das Fundações.
The program saw impressive momentum in 2024, with nearly €12 million invested—a 165% jump from the €4.5 million recorded in 2023.
This growth has continued into 2025, fueled by the end of the real estate investment option, which shifted investor focus toward cultural initiatives.
Currently, more than 20 pre-approved cultural projects are open for investment, and the first quarter of 2025 has already brought in €850,100 through this route.
Can I Submit my Own Project for the Cultural Golden Visa?
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 choose us for your Portugal 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 Portugal Cultural Golden Visa
What is the Portugal Cultural Golden Visa?
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 cultural 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.
