Program Quick Facts
Investment Amount
€500,000
Fees and Expenses
From €34,000
Residency (Visa) Length
2 years
Time to Obtain
1-3 years
Complexity
Moderate
The Portugal Golden Visa grants permanent residency to eligible applicants upon approval.
An investment of €500,000 is required to qualify for the program.
Additional fees, including government and legal fees, total approximately €34,000 depending on the case, family size etc.
There is no annual income requirement for this visa.
To maintain the visa, applicants must spend at least seven days per year in Portugal.
Permanent residency is granted upon approval, and citizenship eligibility is available after five years.
Dependents can be included in the application, allowing family members to benefit from the visa.
Applications can be submitted remotely, but a visit to the government office is required for biometrics.
The processing time for the Portugal Golden Visa is approximately 360 days but can be longer depending on the backlog.
The Portugal Golden Visa is ideal for investors seeking low maintenance residency or plan-B and ultimately an EU citizenship.
Who can apply for Portugal Golden Visa?
Eligibility and requirements for the main applicant and family members.
Main Applicant Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be a non-EU national
- Must have a clean criminal record
- Funds used for the investment must be earned outside of Portugal
- Must have valid medical insurance
- Source of funds must have proven legality
Spouse/Partner Requirements
- Included - only government fees apply
Children Requirements
Under 18:
- Included - only government fees apply
Over 18:
- Must be financially dependent on the investor
- Must live with the investor or study at a university
Special Cases (Any Age):
- —
Other Family Members Requirements
- Parents:
- Must be financially dependent on the investor
Program Options, Fees and Requirements
Option 1: Bitcoin Fund
It is possible to apply for Portugal GV through investing in a fund that invests solely in IBIT (Bitcoin tracking ETF). The money is usually returned after 7-9 years.
Feature: SimpleFeature: High Potential ReturnRequirements:
Investment Amount
Investment of €500,000 in a Bitcoin-focused fund.
Amount: €500,000
Fees:
Setup Fee
One-time setup fee of €10,000.
Amount: €10,000
Management Fee
1.5% annual management fee applied to the initial investment value.
Amount: 1.5%
Performance Fee
10% performance fee applied on distributed profits after voting.
Amount: 10%
Government Fees
€6,000 per applicant paid upon receiving the residency card.
Amount: €6,000
Legal Fees
Legal fees of €5,000 for the main applicant and €1,000 per family member.
Amount: €5,000
Administrative Fees
Administrative fee of €1,500 per person.
Amount: €1,500
Health Insurance
Health insurance fee of €560+ per person.
Amount: €560
Option 2: Traditional Investment Fund Units
An investment fund is a financial institution that aims to attract and increase capital. The fund raises money and invests in selected assets such as commercial real estate, Portuguese companies, industrial facilities, or the European stock market. The minimum fund investment is €500,000. The holding period is at least 5 years, and the money is usually returned in 6–10 years. The fund distributes the earned profit among investors after deducting a commission.
Feature: Diverse PortfolioRequirements:
Investment Amount
Minimum investment of €500,000 in a traditional investment fund that invests in Portugal or EU securities or REIITs.
Amount: €500,000
Fees:
Fund Commission
Up to 7.5% commission on the initial investment.
Amount: 7.5%
Annual Fund Commission on Profits
Annual commission of 0.5% to 3% on profits.
Amount: undefined%
Tax on Investment Income (Portuguese Tax Residents)
14% tax on investment income for Portuguese tax residents.
Amount: 14%
Tax on Investment Income (Non-Residents)
0% tax on investment income for non-residents.
Amount: 0%
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance fee of €400+ per person.
Amount: €400
Application Fee
Application fee of €605 per family member.
Amount: €605
Residence Permit Card Fee
Residence permit card fee of €6,045 per family member.
Amount: €6,045
It is possible to apply for Portugal GV through investing in a fund that invests solely in IBIT (Bitcoin tracking ETF). The money is usually returned after 7-9 years.
Main Applicant | Spouse (additional) | Child (additional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | |||
Investment Amount | €500,000 | €0 | €0 |
| Fees and Expenses | |||
Setup Fee | €10,000 | €0 | €0 |
Management Fee | 1.5% of investment | 0% of investment | 0% of investment |
Performance Fee* | 10% (not included in total) | 0% (not included in total) | 0% (not included in total) |
Government Fees | €6,000 | €6,000 | €6,000 |
Legal Fees | €5,000 | €1,000 | €1,000 |
Administrative Fees | €1,500 | €1,500 | €1,500 |
Health Insurance | €560 | €560 | €560 |
| Total Cost | €530,560 for main applicant | €539,620 for married couple | €548,680 for family of 3 |
| * Items marked with an asterisk are not included in the total cost calculation | |||
Benefits & Restrictions
Benefits | Restrictions and Drawbacks |
|---|---|
Warm climatePortugal’s warm climate offers year-round sunshine and mild winters, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle. | No tax incentivesThe Golden Visa program does not provide any direct tax incentives, meaning investors must comply with Portugal's standard tax requirements. |
Family friendlyWith family-friendly residency options, applicants can include spouses and children, providing a supportive environment and stable residency pathway for families. | High tax countryPortugal’s tax rates can be relatively high compared to some other EU countries, which may affect investors seeking more favorable tax regimes. |
High quality of lifePortugal ranks highly in quality of life, with a mix of vibrant culture, safe living conditions, and excellent healthcare, making it a prime choice for expats. | |
Well connected airportPortugal’s international airports, especially Lisbon, are well-connected with major global hubs, facilitating easy travel to and from Europe. | |
Path to citizenshipThe Golden Visa program allows investors to gain Portuguese citizenship after five years, granting holders the rights of an EU citizen. | |
Access to public healthcareGolden Visa holders have access to Portugal’s public healthcare system, known for its affordability and high standards. | |
EU Schengen accessWith residency in Portugal, holders enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, expanding their mobility within Europe. | |
Minimal residency requirementThe Golden Visa requires a minimal annual stay of just seven days, allowing for maximum flexibility for those not residing full-time. |
Golden Visa vs other programs in Portugal
| Criteria | Golden Visa | D1 - Highly Skilled Worker Visa> | D7 - Passive Income Visa> | D8 - Digital Nomad Visa> | D2 - Entrepreneur Visa> |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | €500,000 | €0 | €0 | €0 | €0 |
| Residency Type | Permanent Residency | Temporary Residency | Temporary Residency | Temporary Residency | Temporary Residency |
| Application Fees | €34,000 | €1,650 | €2,500 | €320 | €1,146 |
| Annual Income Requirement | €0 | €10,440 | €9,800 | €41,760 | €10,440 |
| Annual Presence Requirement | 7 days | 183 days | 183 days | NaN days | 183 days |
| Key Perks | EU Schengen AccessInstant Permanent ResidencyNo Presence Required | EU Schengen AccessSimple Setup | Simple SetupEU Schengen AccessLow Cost Program | Simple SetupEU Schengen Access | EU Schengen AccessSimple Setup |
| Ideal For | Investors | Digital Nomads | Person of independent means | Digital NomadsPerson of independent means | EntrepreneursInvestorsDigital Nomads |
How to apply for Golden Visa - Timeline
Obtain NIF (Tax ID)
Apply for and receive a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF), essential for financial activities in Portugal.
Open Portuguese Bank Account
Set up a local bank account in Portugal, required to hold and transfer funds for investment purposes.
Complete KYC for Investment Fund
Fulfill the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements for the chosen investment fund, typically taking 1-3 days.
Transfer Investment Funds
Transfer €500,000 to your Portuguese bank account to meet the minimum investment requirement.
Wait for Capital Call
Await the next capital call, where the funds will be directed to your chosen investment.
Submit Online Application
A lawyer submits the Golden Visa application online with all required documents and proof of investment.
Application Processing
The application undergoes a review process, which can take between 12 to 18 months for approval.
Attend Biometrics Appointment
Visit Portugal to complete biometrics and other procedural requirements after initial application approval.
Portugal Taxation at a glance
Key Information
Taxation Type: Residence based
Special Regime: Non-Habitual Residence
Normal Tax Residency: 183 days
Special Residency: Permanent home
Income Tax Rate: 48
