About the service
Portugal Golden Visa Program Overview
The Portugal Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment programs, attracting global investors with its flexibility, accessible investment thresholds, and long-term benefits. Introduced in 2012, it helped bring the concept of “Golden Visas” into the mainstream and served as a model for other countries, including Italy and Greece.
Since its launch, the program has generated over €6 billion in foreign investment. As a market leader in this field, La Vida has proudly supported more than 1,000 investors and families from over 160 countries in securing Portuguese residency through the Golden Visa route.
From €500k + costs
Fund Investment
Full family residency
Flexible.
No requirement to reside
Citizenship from
7-10 years
The Effort Behind Our Success
The Portugal Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment programs, attracting global investors with its flexibility, accessible investment thresholds, and long-term benefits. Introduced in 2012, it helped bring the concept of “Golden Visas” into the mainstream and served as a model for other countries, including Italy and Greece.
Since its launch, the program has generated over €6 billion in foreign investment. As a market leader in this field, La Vida has proudly supported more than 1,000 investors and families from over 160 countries in securing Portuguese residency through the Golden Visa route.
The Effort Behind Our Success
Private Equity Investment
Explore Private Equity investment opportunities for the Golden Visa in Portugal
Portuguese Citizenship & Passport
After ten years Portuguese Citizenship can be applied for
Program News
Get the latest news and information on the Golden Visa Program
The Effort Behind Our Success
Fund Investment
Investing €500,000 in a qualifying private equity or venture capital fund is currently the most popular route to securing a Portugal Golden Visa. This option allows individuals and their families – including dependent children – to obtain Portuguese residency without the need for active business management or relocation.
While other eligible routes exist, such as job creation or cultural contribution, the fund investment remains the only passive option that may also offer a return on investment.
Associated Costs
Beyond the core investment, the Portugal Golden Visa process involves additional costs such as legal representation and government application fees
- Legal fees typically start from €5,000 in the first year, and ongoing legal support for residency renewals is generally around €1,500 every two years.
- Government application fees are charged per applicant and currently stand at approximately €6,394 for the initial residence permit. For renewals, the fee is €3,488 every two years.
Eligibility and Requirements
To apply for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must meet a few standard criteria beyond the core investment and related fees. This includes opening a Portuguese bank account, holding valid health insurance, and providing proof of a clean criminal record. As part of the application process, biometric data must also be submitted in person during a visit to Portugal.
Once granted, the Golden Visa is valid for two years and can be renewed every two years, as long as the investment is maintained and the applicant spends at least 2 weeks in Portugal within each renewal period.
Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance
La Vida’s experienced advisors understand the landscape. Contact us today to begin your journey toward EU residency.
The Effort Behind Our Success
One of the most attractive options of the Portuguese Golden Visa is the ability to apply for permanent residency after five years, or citizenship after ten years without the need to reside in Portugal full-time. During this period, applicants and their families are only required to spend a minimum of 14 days in the country every two years to maintain their residency status. Read more on the recent changes to Portuguese Citizenship.
The residency permit granted through the program allows visa-free travel across the EU Schengen Area. Once Portuguese citizenship is obtained, it also provides the right to live, work, and study anywhere within the European Union, along with the benefits of holding an EU passport.
Step by step
How we apply for the Golden Visa
Initial Consultation
Discuss your residency and citizenship goals with our team.
Document Preparation
Complete the application stages with guidance from our consultants.
Submission & Follow-Up
Prepare and organize the required documents for your application.
Approval & Post-Visa Support
Move forward with residency approval and relocation assistance.
Portugal Golden Visa Benefits
Portugal’s Golden Visa is widely recognised as one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe. Its key benefits include:
- Low minimum investment of just €500,000
- Eligibility to live, work and study in Portugal
- Visa free travel throughout the EU Schengen zone
- Ability to apply for Portuguese citizenship after ten years – without needing to reside full time.
- Minimum stay requirement of just 14 days every two years
- Potential tax advantages under Portugal’s NHR regime
Read more on the Portugal’s top benefits here.
Portugal Golden Visa Investment Funds
Between 2012 and 2023, real estate investment was one of the main pathways to securing a Portugal Golden Visa. However, as of October 2023, the legislation has changed. Under the current rules, the Golden Visa is now only available through direct company investment (creating jobs) or by investing in approved Private Equity or Venture Capital Funds. Real estate investment is no longer an eligible option.
These funds must be regulated under Portuguese law, have a minimum maturity of five years, and allocate at least 60% of their capital to companies headquartered in Portugal.
La Vida works as an introducer to a curated selection of regulated fund managers, ensuring access to qualifying opportunities. Please note that while we facilitate introductions, we do not offer investment advice. For more details, refer to our full disclaimer.
About the service
Portugal Golden Visa Program Overview
The Portugal Golden Visa is one of Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment programs, attracting global investors with its flexibility, accessible investment thresholds, and long-term benefits. Introduced in 2012, it helped bring the concept of “Golden Visas” into the mainstream and served as a model for other countries, including Italy and Greece.
Since its launch, the program has generated over €6 billion in foreign investment. As a market leader in this field, La Vida has proudly supported more than 1,000 investors and families from over 160 countries in securing Portuguese residency through the Golden Visa route.
From €500k + costs
Fund Investment
Full family residency
Flexible.
No requirement to reside
Citizenship from
7-10 years
Life in Portugal...
Although the Portugal Golden Visa does not require full relocation, it grants investors the freedom to reside in Portugal and experience its lifestyle, culture, and all the privileges of residency if they wish.
Quality of Life
Portugal offers one of Europe’s best lifestyles with over 300 days of sunshine, beautiful beaches, fresh food, and a relaxed pace of life. Ranked amongst the world’s safest countries, it boasts excellent infrastructure, fast internet, modern transport, and easy global connections. English is widely spoken, making it ideal for international residents.
Healthcare
Portugal offers one of Europe’s best lifestyles with over 300 days of sunshine, beautiful beaches, fresh food, and a relaxed pace of life. Ranked amongst the world’s safest countries, it boasts excellent infrastructure, fast internet, modern transport, and easy global connections. English is widely spoken, making it ideal for international residents.
Portugal Golden Visa FAQ’s
We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the Portugal Golden Visa below. For more personalised guidance, feel free to contact our advisors.
