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The Portugal Golden Visa Scheme has become the most popular residence-by-investment program in Europe. Created to encourage international investors to bring their capital to Portugal, the program has generated investments totaling several billion euros, with thousands of family applications processed each year.
The scheme has attracted interest from many nationalities, including Chinese, Russian, and American investors. South African citizens, in particular, are increasingly drawn to the program, enticed by Portugal’s favorable climate, affordable living costs, and prime location.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of applying for the Portugal Golden Visa as a South African citizen.
📣 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.
Portuguese Citizenship Through the Golden Visa
Both Portugal and South Africa permit dual citizenship, allowing individuals to acquire Portuguese citizenship without giving up their South African citizenship. However, obtaining Portuguese citizenship requires holding the Golden Visa for a minimum of five years and maintaining the necessary investment.
Initially, the Portugal Golden Visa grants a two-year temporary residency permit, which can be renewed for an additional three years. It’s important to note that continuous residency in Portugal is not mandatory during this period; maintaining your status only requires visiting Portugal for an average of seven days per year.
To qualify for citizenship, you must meet the five-year residency requirement and pass a basic Portuguese language exam.
Investment Types for Portugal Golden Visa for South Africans
The initial step toward obtaining a Portuguese Golden Visa involves making an investment in Portugal. Several investment options are available, including:
- Purchasing a property valued at €500,000 or aged over 30 years, and requiring renovation (no longer eligible)
- Purchasing property in a low-density area with a minimum investment of €280,000 (no longer eligible)
- Subscribing to a qualifying investment fund in Portugal for €500,000
- Making a capital transfer of €1.5 million to Portugal (no longer eligible)
- Establishing a company that generates a minimum of ten jobs for Portuguese citizens
- Investing €250,000 in arts or national heritage refurbishment projects in Portugal.
The Benefits of a Golden Visa in Portugal for South Africans Citizens
Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Program for South Africans
Bring Your Family Along
The program allows you to include your family members, ensuring they can all enjoy the benefits of residency in Portugal.
Live, Work, and Study in Portugal
Golden Visa holders have the freedom to live, work, and access educational opportunities in Portugal.
Obtain EU Citizenship
Upon fulfilling the residency requirements, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, which grants you EU citizenship and all its associated benefits.
Cost-Effective Living
Portugal boasts a relatively low cost of living compared to other European nations, making it a favorable choice for South Africans.
Travel Freely Within Europe
With Portuguese residency, you can enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, giving you access to numerous European countries.
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.
How to Get the Golden Visa for South Africans
Portugal Golden Visa Requirements for South Africans
To be eligible for the Golden Visa program, the main applicant must:
- Be a citizen of a country outside the EU, Switzerland, and the EEA
- Show proof of a dependable income source to meet the minimum investment criteria
- Have a clean criminal background
- Stay in Portugal for an average of at least 7 days per year
- Retain the specified investment in Portugal throughout the five-year period
Golden Visa documents
The documentation required for the Portugal Golden Visa may vary and is subject to change at the discretion of the Portuguese Immigration Authorities. Below are the typical documents needed:
- Golden Visa application form
- Valid passport and, if applicable, a valid Schengen visa, for each applicant
- Criminal record certificate
- Applicant’s authorization for AIMA to access their Portuguese criminal record
- Valid health insurance coverage in Portugal
- Proof of professional occupation, such as an employer-issued letter
- Documentary evidence of family members’ eligibility for the visa
- Certificate of no debts from Portuguese tax and insurance authorities
- Signed statement confirming commitment to meet investment requirements
- Evidence of the minimum investment
- Letter from a local bank confirming funds transfer
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining the Portugal Golden Visa
Step 1 – Familiarize with the Program Requirements
Start by understanding the key prerequisites of the Golden Visa program, including eligibility criteria and required documentation. Gather all necessary paperwork, such as a valid passport, a clean criminal record certificate, and any other supporting documents.
Step 2 – Set Up Your Fiscal Presence
To begin the Portugal Golden Visa process, obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) and appoint a fiscal representative. The NIF is essential for tax identification purposes. Additionally, you can open a bank account remotely for convenience.
Step 3 – Meet Your Investment Requirements
Choose an eligible investment option, such as purchasing real estate, transferring capital, creating jobs, investing in funds, or supporting scientific research. Complete the investment according to the guidelines for your chosen option.
Step 4 – Submit Your Application Online
Complete your Golden Visa application and submit it electronically via the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) website. Ensure all required information is accurate, necessary documents are uploaded, and the application fee is paid.
Step 5 – Biometric Enrollment in Portugal
After submitting your application, schedule an appointment with AIMA in Portugal for biometric enrollment, including fingerprinting and a photograph. This step usually requires your physical presence in Portugal.
Step 6 – Wait for Golden Visa Approval
Once you have completed the biometric enrollment process, AIMA will review your application. If all criteria are satisfied and your application is approved, you will receive a residency permit (Golden Visa) valid for two years.
For more videos about investing or moving to Portugal, explore our YouTube channel here: YouTube Channel Portugal Residency Advisors.
Why Work With 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.
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?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment program that allows non-EU nationals to obtain a residency permit in Portugal by making a qualifying investment.
What are the benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa for South Africans?
- Residency for Family: The visa extends to family members, including spouse, children, and dependent parents.
- Travel Freedom: Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
- Path to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years.
- Quality of Life: Access to Portugal’s high standard of living, healthcare, and education.
- Investment Opportunities: Various investment options, including real estate and business ventures.
Can family members of South Africans be included in the application?
Yes, the Golden Visa program allows for family reunification. You can include your spouse, children under 18, dependent children over 18 who are studying, and dependent parents.
What are the eligibility criteria for South Africans?
- Non-EU Nationality: Must be a citizen of a country outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
- Investment: Make a qualifying investment in Portugal (e.g., real estate, capital transfer, job creation).
- Clean Criminal Record: Provide a certificate of no criminal record.
- Stay Requirement: Spend an average of at least 7 days per year in Portugal.
Do i need to live in Portugal holding a Golden Visa?
No, continuous residency in Portugal is not required. You need to stay in Portugal for an average of at least 7 days per year.
What happens after five years holding a Golden Visa?
After holding the Golden Visa for five years and meeting the residency requirements, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. This includes passing a basic Portuguese language test.
Can i live in Portugal only with a South African passport?
No, you cannot live in Portugal permanently with just a South African passport. South Africans need a visa or residency permit to stay in Portugal for an extended period. Short visits for up to 90 days within a 180-day period are allowed without a visa, but for longer stays, you need to apply for an appropriate visa, such as the D7 Visa or the Golden Visa, depending on your situation.
Can South Africans retire in Portugal?
Yes, South Africans can retire in Portugal. The most common visa for retirees is the D7 Visa, also known as the Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa. This visa is designed for individuals who have a stable income from pensions, investments, or other sources and wish to live in Portugal. The D7 Visa allows retirees to enjoy Portugal’s favorable climate, affordable cost of living, and high quality of life.
What's the difference between the Portugal D7 Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa?
Income vs. Investment: The D7 Visa is based on having a stable passive income, while the Golden Visa requires a significant financial investment.
Residency: The D7 Visa has stricter residency requirements compared to the Golden Visa, which requires only minimal presence in Portugal.
Target Audience: The D7 Visa is ideal for retirees and those with independent means, whereas the Golden Visa is suited for investors seeking residency through investment.
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