Gold visa for residence in Portugal through investment in 2025

Portugal is globally recognized as an attractive destination for investors seeking stability, quality of life, and the possibility of residence in the European Union. The Golden Visa stands out as one of the most prestigious pathways to obtain a residence permit in the country, requiring a qualified investment that can range from job creation to supporting scientific research.

In this article, we explain in detail the investment options, necessary procedures, and benefits associated with the Golden Visa, including the possibility of reuniting with family and acquiring Portuguese nationality after 5 years.

What are the eligible investment options to obtain a Golden Visa in Portugal?

The main requirement to acquire a Golden Visa is proof of one of the eligible investment options for obtaining this residence permit.

The following investment types are admissible:

• Creation of at least 10 jobs;

• Transfer of capital in an amount equal to or greater than € 500,000, which is applied in research activities developed by public or private scientific research institutions integrated into the national scientific and technological system;

• Transfer of capital in an amount equal to or greater than € 250,000, which is applied in investment or support for artistic production, recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage;

• Transfer of capital in an amount equal to or greater than € 500,000, intended for the acquisition of shares in non-real estate collective investment schemes, established under Portuguese law, whose maturity, at the time of investment, is at least five years, and at least 60% of the value of the investments must be made in commercial companies established in national territory;

• Transfer of capital in an amount equal to or greater than € 500,000, intended for the establishment of a commercial company based in national territory, combined with the creation of five permanent jobs, or for increasing the share capital of an already established commercial company in national territory, with the creation of at least five permanent jobs or maintaining at least ten jobs, with a minimum of five permanent jobs, for a minimum period of three years.

What is the procedure and timeline?

The granting of residence permits for investors consists of four key steps:

Step 1 – Submission of Application on the ARI Portal

The application for a residence permit for investors must be submitted online on the ARI Portal.

At the time of submission on the ARI Portal, a applicant profile must be created, to which all documents relating to the investment and all those that constitute requirements for the residence permit must be attached, including:

• Valid criminal record certificate, certified by the Portuguese diplomatic or consular representation;
• Financial institution declaration, certifying the international and effective transfer of capital;
• Documents related to the investment, depending on the type of investment.

Once the application for the residence permit has been submitted, it is subject to analysis for pre-approval. This analysis period can last between one and two years until the application is pre-approved.

Simultaneously with the submission of the Golden Visa application by the main applicant (the investor), applications for family members can also be submitted.

Fee: €580.31

Step 2 – Request for Residence Permit

When the main applicant is notified of the pre-approval of their residence permit application, and once vacancies are available for this purpose, the applicant must schedule a visit to the AIMA to submit all the original documents initially submitted on the ARI Portal and to collect biometric data.

Step 3 – Request for Residence Permit

After submitting all the original documents and collecting biometric data – photo, fingerprints, and signature – AIMA will reanalyze all collected information to approve the issuance of the card. This reanalysis phase may take between six months and a year.

On the scheduled date at AIMA, in addition to the main applicant, the reunited family members may also attend.

After this period and if the process is approved, the applicant will be notified to proceed with the payment of the fees.

Fee: €5798.58

Step 4 – Issuance of Residence Permit

Once the fee is paid, the residence card should be issued within approximately 90 days.

What quantitative and temporal requirements does a Golden Visa imply?

Once the residence card is granted, the main applicant and their family members must comply with quantitative and temporal requirements. The residence card holder is required to maintain the investment for a minimum period of five years and must also comply with minimum stay periods in national territory:

• First year – the card holder must stay in Portugal for at least 7 days (consecutive or intermittent)
• Subsequent two-year periods – the card holder must stay in Portugal for at least 14 days (consecutive or intermittent).

Note that family members reunited are subject to the same minimum stay periods in Portugal as those established for the main applicant.

What are the main benefits of the Golden Visa?

• Allows free movement in the Schengen Area as a tourist for up to 90 days without the need for a Schengen visa;
• Access to the National Health System;
• Allows access to the Courts, Education, and the Business Environment;
• Eligibility for obtaining Portuguese nationality after 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, counting from the date of submission of the application on the ARI Portal;
• Eligibility for obtaining a permanent residence permit after 5 years of legal residence in Portugal.

The Golden Visa is not only an opportunity to invest in Portugal but also to enjoy the unique benefits of residing in the country, such as access to healthcare, education, and the Schengen Area. The process may seem complex, but we are here to simplify every step and ensure your investment is rewarded with a smooth transition. Contact us to clarify doubts or begin your application process.