Lisbon typical architectura, Portugal

The Portugal Golden Visa is one of the best-known and most popular in the world. Portugal’s residency by investment program is well-managed and transparent and offers a clear path to European citizenship by investment. Importantly, the government made significant changes to the Portugal Golden Visa scheme in 2022, but demand is still high despite the tighter restrictions. In this article, we have all the information you need to decide if the 2023 Portugal Golden Visa is still your best pathway to an EU passport.

Our easy YouTube Portugal Golden Visa Guide.

2023 Investment Options for the Portugal Golden Visa Program

There are currently five investment options to qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa scheme. Real estate investments are the most popular, accounting for almost 94% of applications.

Qualifying OptionMinimum Investment Amount
Real EstateEUR 280,000
Investment FundsEUR 500,000
Capital TransferEUR 1,500,000
Job CreationNo minimum and must create eight job positions
Science and Research ActivitiesEUR 250,000
2023 Investment Options for the Portugal Golden Visa Program

Note: Portugal Golden Visa Program New Rules from January 2022

Portugal’s Parliament has passed amendments to this residency by investment program. The Portugal Golden Visa’s new rules include limitations on where investment properties can be located and increased investment thresholds. All figures in this article reflect the current 2023 Portugal Golden visa requirements.

2023 Portuguese Real Estate Golden Visa Investment Options

To apply, you must purchase a qualifying property in Portugal outright without a loan or mortgage. You can register an individual or multiple properties to make up the minimum investment level.

The property can be your residence, an investment property to let, or a commercial property.

There are three qualifying real estate investment categories with different investment levels.

  1. €280,000 – Existing properties requiring renovation in low-density areas.
  2. €350,000 – Existing properties or properties located in any designated Portuguese urban regeneration area.
  3. €500,000 – for all other real estate in Portugal.

The property does not have to be a residential home for the program, although this is a popular choice. Commercial real estate is also valid if it meets the minimum investment value.

The most significant change was to properties in high-density areas. And that includes popular destinations like Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and high-density coastal towns like Setubal and the Silver Coast.

The aim is to increase investment into low-density regions, including the Azores, Madeira, and the country’s interior. The Portuguese government defines Low-Density Areas as less than 100 inhabitants per km² or with a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.

A map showing low-density areas appropriate for Portugal Golden Visa real estate investment after the changes in 2022.

Is Property in Portugal a Good Investment?

The property market is currently stable. Some areas show promising growth that should offer a good return for investors over the coming years. Some favored areas are cities and coastal regions popular with Expats and holidaymakers.

However, properties in these areas, including Lisbon and Porto, will no longer qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa.

Foreign investors will need to choose properties wisely, but experts believe there will still be quality investment opportunities.


Need advice on how to get the Portugal Golden visa?

Jason from Holborn Assets is a specialist in Investment Visas. If you would like to understand the opportunities available to you and the steps involved, book a time in his diary.


Golden Visa Investment Programs in the Portuguese economy

2023 Capital Golden Visa Investment options

  • Capital transfer of at least €1.5 million.
  • €500,000 into a Portuguese Investment fund option (private equity or venture capital funds) providing capital to specified companies.
  • €500,000 for companies in the national scientific or technological system (€400,000 in a low population density area).
  • €500,000 to increase or incorporate the share capital of a Portuguese company. This existing business investment should lead to the creation of five permanent jobs for at least three years.
  • €250,000 into eligible Portuguese arts or national heritage. This amount is the minimum investment for the Portuguese Golden Visa, apart from starting a company.

Start a Portuguese business and employ nationals

There is also an option with no minimum Golden Visa investment level. You can apply as an investor in a Portuguese business that creates at least ten jobs for at least five years or eight jobs in a low-density area.

In this scenario, there isn’t a fixed amount of investment required, but what’s crucial is that you create new full-time positions within your business. Your company should be structured as a limited company with a sole owner. This sole owner, as mentioned earlier, will be eligible for the visa, and their family members can also benefit from it. This choice is quite favored, particularly among startup and tech companies. It’s especially popular in Lisbon because of the vibrant lifestyle and the availability of a skilled workforce.

Portugal Golden Visa – Residency Requirements

The residency requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa investor are not hard to meet. You must spend at least seven days of the first year in Portugal and fourteen days during every subsequent two-year period.

There is no requirement to use your property during your visit. Take a fun holiday anywhere in Portugal, and you will still meet the Portugal residency requirement.

The Portugal Golden Visa Application Process

It’s wise to be aware of all the Portugal Golden Visa application steps before starting the process. The requirements can be complicated, but don’t let that put you off.

Our expert Portugal Immigration partners are ready to help. You can book a no-obligation consultation here.

  • Before application: Preparation of all necessary documents, including investment documents and documents for dependent/s. All documents will need to be in Portuguese. You will need translations of any foreign documents approved by the Portuguese consulate.
  • Tax Requirement: You will have to obtain a tax identification number (NIF) and open a Portuguese bank account.
  • Investment: Secure your investment in real estate or another application investment class. You must have invested before you can make the Golden Visa application.
  • Application: Submit all the necessary documents with the application form for review. You also have to pay the fees for the application.
  • Approval or Denial and Issuance: The authorities will notify you when they have processed your application. It can take three to six months for SEF to approve a Golden Visa and issue a residence card.

SEF is ​The Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service, the main body responsible for Portugal’s immigration law, rules, and regulations. They are the contact responsible for processing your Portuguese Golden Visa application.

To complete the process, you will need to book an appointment date with a SEF office. Appointment availability can vary between centers, but a change means your appointment can be in any SEF office.

Golden Visa applicants do not have to take a Portuguese language test to obtain a residency permit. However, a test of Portuguese language capability is required for is required to gain citizenship. The test can be adapted for those under the age of 10 and those with learning difficulties.

Online Application

As a result of COVID-19 and travel restrictions across Europe, the Portuguese government has almost wholly digitalized the application. Everything is done online, from submitting your documents to issuing of your tax file number (NIF).

There is just a biometrics appointment that you must attend in person for your residence card.

Validity and timeframe

The temporary Golden Visa residence card has a validity of two years from the date of issuance. This means that you only need to apply for renewal every two years instead of every year.

You can apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence (PR) after five years. If you choose not to, you’ll need to renew the residency permit by the sixth year of your stay.

Timeline

  • Year 1: SEF approves your Golden Visa and residence permit.
  • End of Year 2: Renew your residence permit for an additional two-year period.
  • End of Year 4: Renew your residence permit for an additional two-year period.
  • Year 5: You can apply for a Portuguese passport and Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency.
  • End of Year 6: Renew your residence permit (if you have not taken the citizenship or PR route).

Portugal Golden Visa Renewal process

The renewal of the Portugal Golden Visa is relatively simple, but you’ll need a plan as there are documentation requirements.

  • Show evidence that you have spent the qualifying time in Portugal. (In year one, you must stay at least seven days in Portugal. And, in years two through to five, you must stay at least fourteen days in Portugal.)
  • If you are not a resident of Portugal, then a new criminal record check is required.
  • Private or Expat Health Insurance for the length of the renewal.
  • Declaration of the absence of debts to the Portuguese Tax Authorities and by the Portuguese Social Security.
  • Submit proof of ownership of your qualifying investments.

Portugal Golden Visa Fees

The Portuguese government charges a fee of €517 for the principal applicant. There is an additional fee of €80 per additional family member.

There is also a charge to issue the Golden Visa of €5,202 per applicant.

Advantages of the Portuguese Golden Visa Program

Family Benefits

As the investor, you can include your spouse, kids, and even your parents and in-laws on your Portugal Golden visa. You’ll need to show that you can look after anyone you nominate. Family members who qualify:

  • Spouse, de facto, or legal partner. (Portugal recognizes same-sex unions.)
  • Children under eighteen years old.
  • Dependent children under twenty-six (must be single, students, or can demonstrate full financial dependence on the parents).
  • Parents of either spouse over sixty-six years old (can be fifty-five if dependent).
  • Siblings under eighteen years old from either spouse if the applicant is designated as the legal guardian by the courts.

What’s more, your dependent children and dependent parents also have the same benefits as you.

Tax Benefits

Portuguese Golden Visa holders have the option to become non-habitual tax residents (NHR) of Portugal. This NHR scheme offers:

  • Reduced tax on new residents for their first ten years in the country.
  • Some foreign income is tax-free.

The NHR ruling can be a massive saving for many people and makes Portugal an attractive financial option.

Important Update: António Costa, Portugal’s Prime Minister, unexpectedly revealed during a television interview on October 2, 2023, that the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax program will cease to accept new participants in 2024.

Key things to know:

  1. Existing participants will keep their NHR status for the entire ten years.
  2. We believe that all qualifying residence permits granted before December 31, 2023, may qualify for the program.
  3. People already living in Portugal who apply for NHR before December 31, 2023, should still be accepted if they are eligible for the program.

Pathway to Portuguese Citizenship

The Portuguese Golden Visa program is an excellent way of gaining EU citizenship for yourself and your family. You’ll need to have a valid visa for five years before you can apply.

Once you have been granted Portuguese citizenship, you can apply for a Portuguese passport with extensive visa-free travel. Portugal offers dual citizenship, so you wouldn’t have to relinquish your existing passport to become a Portuguese citizen.

Access to the Schengen Zone, EU, and EEA.

Residency gives you visa-free access to travel to the SCHENGEN region. A Portuguese passport lets you work and live anywhere European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

Access to Benefits

Portugal has a low cost of living compared to other countries such as the USA. A contributor to that saving is that residents and citizens can use the Portuguese national healthcare system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). This excellent, low-cost system is world-class.

Portugal’s excellent education system is also available to your family to study or do research.

Work Opportunities

The visa gives you the right to work in Portugal. And it also allows you to start a business or work remotely for a foreign company.

You get to live in one of the most beautiful EU countries

Portugal consistently ranks as one of the top Expat countries in Europe and the world. And, even though you don’t have to be a resident of Portugal, it is not a hardship! Check out our article on Living in Portugal for all the reasons why.

Portugal’s Golden Visa Facts

The program was established by the government in 2012. It attracts many people from around the world with its favorable terms and conditions. In Portuguese, it is called Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento (ARI).

It was established to promote investment into the country from non-EU/EEA citizens. It has been well managed and supported by both sides of politics in Portugal. And this means it doesn’t have the legal concerns of other RBI and CBI programs that worry the OECD and EU.

As of October 2023, over 32,700 people were granted residence permits as a part of the program. As a result, Portugal has credited over €7.2 billion from investment linked to the program.

Some cool facts about the program.

  • As of October 2023, there have been 1,026 primary Golden Visa applicants and 1,432 family members.
  • The top countries are Brazil, China, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, and the USA.
  • In 2023 (to October), investment funds /venture capital has jumped to nearly 30% of applications, up from just 4% in 2020.
  • Since BREXIT and the UK’s departure from Europe, visas for UK citizens have increased dramatically.

The massive injection of investment has been welcomed. However, the concentration (especially in real estate) in certain areas continues to cause concern. The Portuguese government will delighted with the increased value of non-property investment.

Portugal Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Important: There is no direct Portugal Citizenship by Investment program where you can instantly “buy” your nationality. You must use your Portuguese Golden Visa residency to qualify for over five years. Read our article to see the easiest countries to get citizenship by investment.

The Golden Visa is Portugal’s Residency by Investment program

Although the Portuguese Golden Visa is a Residency by Investment (RBI) program, it is a great pathway to Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese Passport.

So, although citizenship cannot be immediately granted through investment in this program, you do have a clear pathway. The scheme allows you to apply for citizenship by naturalization five years after gaining residency through the Golden Visa program.

And, as a Golden Visa holder, you don’t need to worry about showing ties to Portugal for your citizenship application. And you don’t need to live in Portugal.

So, although it is not a direct CBI program, this is still one of the easiest countries to get EU/Schengen citizenship.

Golden Visa: Spain vs. Portugal

Portugal and Spain offer two of the best investment visas in Europe. And while the short answer is that both visas are good, you must consider some essential differences.

Both are members of the European Union and Schengen signatories, making both passports exceptionally desirable.

Under the current system, Portugal offers its Golden Visa at lower investment levels than Spain. Where Spain requires a minimum property investment of €500,000, Portugal’s Golden Visa investment minimum is €280,000 in some cases.

Spain has no restrictions on where you can purchase real estate. From January 2022, Portugal has excluded popular regions like Lisbon and Porto.

There are also differences in the path to residency and citizenship, particularly in residence requirements. For the Spain Golden Visa to be renewed, you only have to visit the country once a year at the time of the renewal. For Portugal’s Golden Visa, this requirement is seven days in the first year and fourteen days per two years after that.

In both countries, permanent residence is offered after five years.

But the path to citizenship in Spain is more complex. After five years on a temporary residence permit, you can apply for permanent residence. You then need to spend six months every year in Spain to maintain your status as a permanent resident. After an additional five years, you can apply for Spanish citizenship.

In Portugal, on the other hand, you can qualify for citizenship at the same time as permanent residence (PR). That means you could become a Portuguese citizen just five years after you receive your visa. Portugal’s citizenship also has some clear advantages.


Holborn Assets is hosting a Private Webinar for us on “Which Golden Visa should I choose? Spain or Portugal?”. See The Recording Here

D7 Passive Income Visa or Golden Visa

The D7 is another popular visa for non-EU and EEA citizens. It can be another good option if you don’t want to make a significant investment in Portugal.

It does have a longer residency requirement of four months per year, but is still an excellent path to EU citizenship.

Check out all the details of Portugal’s D7 passive income visa in our article.

Next steps for your Portugal Golden Visa

Applying for a Portuguese Golden Visa takes time and money. However, once approved, your pathway to EU citizenship is open.

If you want to get the process started, our expert immigration lawyer partner will be happy to help guide you. You can book a no-obligation consultation with our Portugal Golden Visa experts here.

You can see some of the amazing feedback that they have had from Where Can I Live clients who have used them.

FAQs for Portuguese Golden Visa

What are the benefits of a Portuguese Golden Visa?

Live and work in the EU.

Portuguese passport and citizenship in just five years.

Just two weeks of residency per year in Portugal is required.

Residency gives you visa-free access to travel to the SCHENGEN region.

You can include your family in your Golden Visa application.

Does Portugal have a Golden Visa program?

Yes, The Portuguese Golden Visa is one of the best in Europe.

Can I get residency in Portugal if I buy a house?

No, as of October 2023 you cann use real estate or pproperty as a qualifying investment for Portugal’s Golden Visa.

How do I get a Golden Visa for Portugal?

You can invest in shares, investment funds, or transfer capital. Minimum investment amounts range from €250,000 to €1,500,000.

How much do you need to invest in Portugal to get residency?

The minimum investments range from €250,000 to €1,000,000, depending on your investment.

How much does a Portugal Golden Visa cost?

The application fee is €517, with an additional fee of €5,202 to issue the visa.

How much do I need to invest in Portugal for citizenship?

There is no direct citizenship by investment program in Portugal. You’ll need to qualify for the Golden Visa (or another residency program) and, after five years, apply for citizenship.

Does Portugal’s Golden Visa lead to citizenship?

Yes, after five years on the Golden Visa, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Can I buy Portugal citizenship?

No, not directly. However, Portugal’s golden visa is a residency by investment program that can lead to citizenship after five years. This may include investing in Portuguese businesses and other options.

How can I get permanent residency in Portugal?

After five years on a Golden Visa (or any qualifying Portuguese residency program), you can apply for a Permanent Residency in Portugal.

Can UK citizens apply for a Portugal Golden Visa?

After Brexit, many UK citizens have used the Golden Visa option to live in Portugal.

Which family members can you sponsor on a Portugal Golden Visa?

Your Portugal Golden Visa application can include your spouse or partner, dependent children, parents, and parents-in-law.

Where can I buy property in Portugal for my Golden Visa?

Portugal updated the program in 2023 to exclude all property investments so you cannot use real estate to qualify.

Does Spain have a Golden Visa?

Yes, Spain’s Golden Visa program is a well-managed and popular EU residency option. It allows property investment.

Can a foreigner buy property in Portugal?

Yes, there are no restrictions on non-citizens purchasing property in Portugal. Remember that as of October 2023, real estate no longer qualifies for a Portugal Golden Visa.

Can I live in Portugal if I buy a property?

No, real estate does not entitle you to a visa in Portugal. The government made this change in October 2023.

Is buying property in Portugal a good investment?

Historically, yes, purchasing real estate in Portugal is a good investment. Portugal’s property market has fluctuated, but many excellent investment opportunities are available.

Is Portugal’s real estate in a bubble?

No. Overall, the Portuguese property market is not considered an investment bubble.

What is the official website of Portugal Golden Visa 2023?

https://www.sef.pt/en/pages/conteudo-detalhe.aspx?nID=21

Is Portugal’s Golden Visa Program ending?

The Portuguese government has no published intention to close the Golden Visa program.

How long is the Portuguese Golden Visa?

The Portuguese Golden Visa is issued for one year initially but can be extended for two-year periods as long as you meet the Golden visa Portugal requirements.

How long does it take for Golden Visa approval?

The Golden Visa process can take up to six months, in this time SEF will process your application and approve your residency.

How long does it take to get a Golden Visa in Portugal?

You’ll need to factor in the time to complete your qualifying investment first. Then add that to the three to six months for SEF to approve your Golden Visa application and issue your residency card.

Can I immigrate to Portugal after Brexit?

Yes, Portugal’s Golden Visa is a popular way for UK citizens to immigrate to Portugal after BREXIT. There are other options, including the D7 Passive income visa.

Can I work on the Portugal Golden Visa?

Yes, there are no restrictions on working in Portugal on the Golden Visa. This includes as an employee in Portugal, freelancer, remote worker, or self-employed person.

Can I work in the EU with a Portuguese Golden Visa?

No, the Golden Visa only gives you the right to work in Portugal. However, once you qualify for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence, you can work anywhere in the EU.

What are Portugal’s Golden Visa rules for 2023?

Portugal’s Parliament has passed amendments to this residency by investment program. The Portugal Golden Visa new rules removed the real estate investment option and increased other investment thresholds.

10 Comments

    1. Hi Anil. The application process can be complicated. We recommend booking an appointment with our Portugal Golden Visa expert here. With the changes to eligible investment properties and investment limits in 2022 this is a great time to explore this option. All the best with your move, Alastair

  1. Hello! If my kids are now 19 & 20 and currently dependents. Will they have to remain dependents for the next five years to be granted citizenship with us in Portugal? Many thanks!

    1. Hi Kaz. Your kids just need to live legally in Portugal for the five qualifying years. So, if they get jobs, undertake study, or any other pathway that lets them qualify for a Portugal Visa or Residency option they can use that immigration option to remain in Portugal. Please see our guide to Portugal’s Visa And Residency options here. Good luck, Alastair

  2. I read that the restrictions on location of real estate investment areas cane into force last July and must be completed by 31/12/21.

    Is this incorrect?

  3. Hi Alastair, I read a lot about how the GV path leads to the citizenship but can not find any data on actual numbers of applicants who were actually granted the citizenship and a Portuguese passport through golden visa path. Moreover I found out that the citizenship is granted through the court who acts on Portuguese law that requires the ties to Portugal through “jus sanguinis” ( blood/decent). I read a lot of applications are being rejected due to lack of that connection? Is that true? Thank you.

    1. Hi Elvira. If you meet the requirements of the Golden Visa you can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years. I have not heard of any rejections of those who do meet the requirements we list in the article. Our Portugal immigration partner is very experienced with this visa class and will assist with the citizenship process as well. The requirements for “ties to Portugal” is unchanged – you can see that the Golden Visa property and visits + Level A2 language proficiency are all ways to show links to Portugal. https://wherecani.live/blog/view/portuguese-citizenship-passport/#how-to-show-ties-to-the-portuguese-national-community

      You can discuss your situation with our Golden Visa experts in Portugal in your personalised immigration consultation.

      All the best, Alastair

  4. I currently live in USA as an immigrant from India on a visa. I had an arrest for domestic violence in USA but no conviction. I am ineligible for golden visa just merely based on my arrest?

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