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The Portugal Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most popular residency-by-investment programs, offering non-EU citizens the opportunity to obtain residency in Portugal through qualifying investments.
Before applying, investors must meet several legal and financial requirements established by the Portuguese immigration authority, AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).
These requirements include eligibility criteria, qualifying investments, documentation, and minimum stay obligations.
Who Can Apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is available to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens who make a qualifying investment in Portugal.
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have no serious criminal record
- Make a qualifying investment starting from €250,000
- Maintain the investment for at least five years
- Comply with the program’s minimum stay requirement
Both individuals and families can apply under the program.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Requirements
To qualify for the Golden Visa, applicants must make an eligible investment in Portugal.
Current investment options include:
| Investment Option | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|
| Cultural donation | €250,000 (€200,000 in low-density areas) |
| Venture capital or private equity funds | €500,000 |
| Scientific research | €500,000 (€400,000 in low-density areas) |
| Company investment creating jobs | €500,000 + 5 jobs |
| Job creation | 10 full-time jobs (8 in low-density areas) |
Since October 2023, real estate investments are no longer eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa.
Learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa investment funds.
Personal Eligibility Requirements for the Golden Visa
In addition to the investment requirement, applicants must satisfy several personal eligibility criteria.
These include:
Clean Criminal Record
Applicants must provide criminal record certificates from their country of origin and from any country where they have lived recently.
Legal Source of Funds
Applicants must prove that the funds used for the investment were obtained legally.
Valid Passport
All applicants must hold a valid passport throughout the application process.
Health Insurance
Applicants must have health insurance coverage valid in Portugal.
Portugal Golden Visa Minimum Stay Requirement
One of the main advantages of the Portugal Golden Visa is its flexible residency requirement.
Investors must spend:
- 7 days in Portugal during the first year
- 14 days during each subsequent two-year period
This makes the program attractive for investors who wish to maintain their primary residence in another country.
You can learn more in our guide on the Portugal Golden Visa minimum stay requirement.
Required Documents for the Portugal Golden Visa
Applicants must submit several documents as part of the Golden Visa application.
Typical documents include:
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of qualifying investment
- Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- Confirmation of a Portuguese bank account
- Health insurance coverage
- Documents proving family relationships (if applicable)
For the full checklist, see our Portugal Golden Visa documents guide.
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.
Family Eligibility Requirements
The Golden Visa program allows applicants to include eligible family members through family reunification.
Family members who may qualify include:
- Spouse or partner
- Children under 18
- Dependent adult children who are studying
- Dependent parents of the applicant or spouse
Each family member must also submit their own documentation, including passports and criminal record certificates.
Maintaining the Portugal Golden Visa Requirements
To keep the Golden Visa active, investors must:
- Maintain the qualifying investment for five years
- Meet the minimum stay requirement
- Renew the residence permit periodically
- Maintain a clean criminal record
Failure to comply with these conditions could affect residency status.
Learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa renewal requirements.
Citizenship Requirements After the Golden Visa
Golden Visa holders may apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Maintain the investment for the required period
- Hold valid residence permits
- Pass the A2 Portuguese language test
- Have no serious criminal convictions
Portugal allows dual citizenship, meaning applicants usually do not need to renounce their original nationality.
Your Questions Answered
What is the minimum investment for the Portugal Golden Visa?
The minimum investment starts at €250,000 through cultural heritage projects. Other options, such as venture capital funds, require investments of €500,000 or more.
Who is eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa?
The program is available to non-EU citizens who make a qualifying investment and meet the eligibility requirements established by Portuguese immigration authorities.
Do I need to live in Portugal to qualify?
No. Golden Visa holders only need to spend around 7 days per year in Portugal to maintain residency.
Can family members apply with me?
Yes. The Golden Visa allows applicants to include spouses, children, and dependent parents.
How long must the investment be maintained?
Applicants must maintain their qualifying investment for at least five years to remain eligible for the Golden Visa and eventual citizenship.
Understanding the Portugal Golden Visa requirements is essential before starting the application process. Investors must meet eligibility criteria, complete a qualifying investment, and maintain residency obligations throughout the five-year period.
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