The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program

The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program (commonly known as the Portugal Golden Visa Program) is a five-year residence by investment program for non-EU nationals. The residence permit gives the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and allows free circulation in Europe’s Schengen Area. Furthermore, the program only requires an average of seven days per year stay in Portugal over this period, which can also count towards citizenship eligibility after five years.

Benefits of a Portuguese Golden Visa

    - Visa-free travel in Europe’s Schengen Area and the right to live, work, and study in Portugal

    - Eligibility to apply for citizenship after five years as a legal resident while keeping other citizenship(s)

    - Low physical presence requirement (seven days during the first year of residence and 14 days for the two subsequent years, which can count towards citizenship eligibility after five years)

    - Excellent international and Portuguese schools and universities quality of life, local cuisine and wines, rich culture, mild climate, and a high level of security international quality healthcare clinics and        hospitals

Portuguese Golden Visa 2024

The new law came into effect on October 7, 2023 and real estate investments are no longer accepted as a qualifying investment for the Portugal Golden Visa. However, the good news is that there are several alternative ways of applying for the Golden Visa program.

1. Investment funds

Contribution of €500,000 or higher, for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital fund of funds under the Portuguese legislation, whose maturity, at the moment of the investment, is, at least, of five years and, at least, 60% of the investments is realized in commercial companies with head office in national territory.

2. Business Investment

A minimum investment of €500,000 for the constitution of a company in Portugal, combined with the creation of five permanent working jobs, or for the reinforcement of the share capital of a company already existing in Portugal, with the creation or keeping of a minimum of five permanent jobs, and for a minimum period of three years. If the investment is located in a ‘low-density’ area, then a 20 percent discount applies.

3. Job Creation

Incorporating a company and creation of at least, ten jobs positions. If the investment is located in a designated ‘low-density’ area, then a 20 percent discount applies