🇵🇹 Portugal · Residence by investment
Portugal Residence Permit by Investment (Golden Visa)
EU residence status through an investment in Portugal's economy — with no requirement to live in the country full-time.
Portugal's Golden Visa has been in effect since 2012, letting foreign investors obtain residence status in exchange for investing in the country's economy — with no requirement to live in Portugal full-time.
Legal basis
The residence-by-investment program (Autorização de Residência para Investimento, ARI) is regulated by Portugal's immigration legislation. The initial residence card is issued for 2 years and can then be renewed every two years an unlimited number of times. After 5 years under the Golden Visa, the investor may apply for permanent residence or citizenship. Full-time residence is not required — spending at least 7 days a year in Portugal is enough.
Investor requirements
Any adult citizen outside the EU/EEA with a lawful source of income, no criminal record and no debts to the Portuguese tax authorities may apply. Invested funds must originate outside Portugal. Health insurance and documents proving the lawful origin of funds are required. A spouse or partner, children (including adult children up to 26 if financially dependent) and the investor's parents can be included.
Investment options
- Investment fund units — from €500,000, held for at least 5 years without redemption.
- Cultural heritage contribution — from €250,000, a non-refundable donation to monument restoration and the arts.
- R&D projects — from €500,000, non-refundable funding through accredited institutions.
- Business investment — from €500,000, creating at least 5 jobs for 3 years; capital may be returned after 3 years.
- New company — at least 10 permanent jobs, with no fixed minimum investment amount.
The real-estate purchase option was abolished in autumn 2023.
Portugal is discussing raising the residence period required for citizenship from 5 to 7–10 years for most foreigners. Murblz is monitoring the changes and will let you know when the law takes effect and how it affects your plans.
Benefits of Portugal residence by investment
Free entry without full-time residence
You can enter Portugal at any time and stay as long as needed, while only 7 days a year are required to keep your status.
Visa-free Schengen travel
Residents can visit other EU states for up to 90 days per half-year and travel visa-free across the 29 Schengen countries.
Path to EU citizenship
After 5 years you can apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization, with A2-level Portuguese and a clean record, without giving up your current citizenship.
Residence for the family, citizenship for children
A spouse, children and parents receive residence alongside the investor. Children born in Portugal to residence holders (after at least a year in the program) acquire citizenship by right of birth.
How to obtain Portugal residence by investment: step by step
Choose an investment option
Study the program conditions and pick a route — fund, R&D project, business or cultural contribution — that fits your budget and goals.
Documents and a Portuguese account
Gather your document package (passport, criminal record certificate, family status documents), open a bank account, obtain a NIF tax number and arrange health insurance.
Make the investment
Transfer the funds to Portugal and complete the chosen investment, obtaining official documents confirming its amount and completion.
Submit the application
File the Golden Visa application online or through a consulate and pay the government fees. Preliminary review takes several months.
Approval and residence card
After approval you visit Portugal in person for biometrics. Residence cards are issued within a few weeks — collected in person or by a proxy.
FAQ
Is Portugal going to shut down the Golden Visa program?
What is the minimum investment amount?
Do I need to live in Portugal full-time to renew my residence permit?
When can I get Portuguese citizenship with a residence by investment?
Want Portugal residence by investment?
Message our Telegram bot — an expert reviews your case, gives honest timelines and costs, and builds a plan. The first consultation is free.