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Overview

The Golden Visa is a Residency by Investment (RBI) program that allows high-net-worth individuals to obtain a temporary residence permit in Portugal by making a qualifying investment. This visa is designed for third-country nationals who wish to conduct business activities, invest in Portugal, and gain residency benefits for themselves and their families.

Key Benefits of the Golden Visa

  • Residency in Portugal – Right to live and work in Portugal with minimal stay requirements.
  • Visa-Free Travel – Allows visa-free access to Schengen Zone countries.
  • Work and Study – Eligibility to work and pursue education in Portugal.
  • Family Reunification – Immediate family members (spouse, children, and dependent parents) can also receive residency benefits.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship – Eligible to apply for permanent residence after five years and Portuguese citizenship after meeting all requirements under the Nationality Act (Act No. 37/81 of 3 October, as amended).

Processing Time

  • Visa applications can be submitted up to three months in advance of the intended travel date.
  • Standard processing time ranges from six to twelve months. However, additional analysis may be required in justified circumstances.

Investment Routes

Golden Visa applicants can qualify through one of the following investment options:

  1. Capital Transfer
    • Minimum investment of €1.5 million in Portugal’s economy.
  1. Job Creation
    • Creation of at least 10 full-time jobs in Portugal.
  1. Real Estate Investment
    • Purchase of real estate worth at least €500,000.
    • Purchase of older real estate (30+ years) or property in an urban regeneration area with a minimum investment of €350,000 (including refurbishment costs).
  1. Research & Development Investment
    • Capital transfer of at least €500,000 for investment in scientific research at public or private research institutions in Portugal.
  1. Cultural & Heritage Investment
    • Capital transfer of at least €250,000 to support the arts, cultural projects, or the preservation of national heritage through public and private institutions.
  1. Investment Funds & Venture Capital
    • Minimum investment of €500,000 in qualified investment funds or venture capital funds that focus on Portuguese companies.
    • Funds must have a minimum maturity of five years, with at least 60% of the investment directed toward businesses headquartered in Portugal.
  1. Company Formation & Business Expansion
    • Investment of at least €500,000 to establish a new company in Portugal, combined with the creation of at least five permanent jobs.
    • Investment in an existing company with the creation or maintenance of at least five permanent jobs for a minimum of three years.
  1. Family Reunification
    • Family members of a Golden Visa holder can also apply for residency, provided the main applicant meets investment requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Golden Visa, the applicant must:

  • Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
  • Make an eligible investment in Portugal and maintain it for at least five years.
  • Spend at least seven days in Portugal in the first year and at least 14 days in subsequent years.
  • Have no criminal record.

Your Visa, Our Priority

With our express appointment scheduling and expert guidance, your visa process is handled with ease.

Documents Required

 General Requirements

  • National Visa Application Form – Completed and signed by the applicant. If the applicant is a minor, a legal guardian must sign.
  • Two passport-sized photos – Recent, identical, passport-type, and in good condition for identification.
  • Personal Statement – An explanation of the reason for applying, planned accommodation, and proof of financial resources.
  • Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least three months beyond the visa duration.
  • Photocopy of Passport – A clear copy of the biographic page.
  • Proof of Legal Residency (if applicable) – If residing in a country other than the country of nationality, a valid residence permit.
  • Travel Insurance – Must cover at least six months from the visa application date, including medical expenses, emergency medical assistance, and repatriation. British nationals may submit an S1 Form instead.
  • Criminal Record Certificate – Issued within the past four months by the applicant’s home country or country of residence (if residing there for over a year).
    • Must be apostilled or legalized (if applicable).
    • Only ACRO certificates are accepted as UK Criminal Record Certificates and do not require additional apostille or certification.
  • Proof of Accommodation in Portugal – Must cover the initial visa duration.
    • Property deed in the applicant’s name.
    • Long-term rental agreement in Portugal.
    • Term of Responsibility signed by a host/sponsor, with proof of property ownership or rental agreement. The host’s signature must be notarized.

Investment-Specific Documents

  • Proof of Investment – Evidence of one of the qualifying investments (real estate deeds, bank transfer records, employment contracts, research grants, business registration, etc.).
  • Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF) – Required for financial transactions in Portugal.
  • Portuguese Bank Account – Proof of an account in Portugal showing investment transactions.
  • Employment Contracts (if applicable) – If applying through job creation, contracts for the required number of employees must be provided.
  • Investment Fund Registration (if applicable) – Documentation from fund management companies verifying the applicant’s capital transfer.
  • Business Plan (if applicable) – If applying via company formation, a detailed business plan outlining job creation and projected impact is required.

Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship

  • The Golden Visa allows holders to apply for permanent residency in Portugal after five years.
  • After meeting all legal requirements under the Nationality Act (Act No. 37/81 of 3 October, as amended), applicants may apply for Portuguese citizenship via naturalization.
  • Portugal does not require full-time residency but applicants must meet the minimum stay requirement (7 days in the first year, 14 days in subsequent years).

Visa Solutions, Designed for You – With our deep expertise, securing an appointment and navigating the process has never been easier.

Need Assistance?

  • +44 7700 172153
  • sales@portugalvisaonline.co.uk
  • +44 2038832960

Downloads & Useful Links

Understanding National Visas for Portugal

A National Visa is required for individuals planning to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days. Depending on the duration and purpose of stay, the visa is categorized into:

  • Temporary Stay Visa – Allows a stay of more than 90 days, up to one year, with multiple entries permitted.
  • Residence Visa – Intended for stays of more than one year. Initially, applicants receive a 120-day visa with two entries, after which they must schedule an appointment with AIMA in Portugal to apply for a Residence Permit that grants long-term stay and multiple re-entries.

Registration is done directly through Portal ARI: http://ari.sef.pt

Identity & Immigration Status Verification

Non-UK passport holders applying for a Portugal visa must verify their immigration status. Use the links below for official UK government services:

Ensure you have a valid digital share code ready for submission during your application.

Additional Resources

For a full list of visa categories, requirements, and application procedures, visit:

This page is regularly updated to include the latest visa forms, legal requirements, and verification links. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our expert team for personalized visa guidance.

Visa Solutions, Designed for You – With our deep expertise, securing an appointment and navigating the process has never been easier.

Need Assistance?

  • +44 7700 172153
  • sales@portugalvisaonline.co.uk
  • +44 2038832960

Visa Charges

Below is the fee structure for our visa services.

Standard Visa Processing Fees

Package Processing Time Fee Includes
Silver Package Appointments within 6 weeks ÂŁ550 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling
Bronze Package Appointments within 4 weeks ÂŁ750 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling
Gold Package Appointments within 2 weeks £1250 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling, priority submission

 

Visa service charges are separate from official visa fees charged by the consulate.

It is highly recommended that applicants book their visa appointments early and ensure all documents meet the consulate’s requirements.

Apply early! Book your visa appointment as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

Need Assistance?

  • +44 7700 172153
  • sales@portugalvisaonline.co.uk
  • +44 2038832960
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