Portugal Golden Visa Program
Everything You Need to Know About Portugal's Residence by Investment Program in 2026
The Portugal Golden Visa 2026 program is a government-backed residency by investment pathway for non-EU nationals. Through a qualifying investment, applicants receive a Portuguese residence permit with visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and a pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship — with a minimum stay (7 days/year).
0+
SCHENGEN COUNTRIES
0K+
MINIMUM INVESTMENT
0 Days
STAY REQUIREMENT
About the Program
What Is the Portugal Golden Visa Program?
The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program remains one of Europe’s most effective residency by investment pathways, now focused exclusively on CMVM-regulated investment funds, job creation, scientific research contributions, and cultural heritage donations.The standard route requires a minimum €500,000 investment in qualifying investment funds. Upon approval, applicants receive a 5-year renewable residence permit with a minimum stay of just 7 days per year — no relocation required.For non-EU nationals, the Portugal Golden Visa delivers visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries, the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, and a clear pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship.All applications are processed through AIMA in accordance with the updated Portugal Golden Visa requirements, recent Portugal Golden Visa changes, and new rules introduced under the 2023 legislative reform signed by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, with current processing times ranging from 6 to 9 months.
Key Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa program
More than a residence permit a long-term investment in your family's European future. The Portugal Golden Visa program offers non-EU nationals a government-backed residency by investment pathway to Portuguese residency through qualifying investments — including CMVM-regulated investment funds, job creation, and cultural heritage donations — all fully compliant with current Portuguese immigration law.
- Visa-Free Travel Across 29 Schengen Countries · Right to Live, Work, and Study in Portugal · Minimal Stay of Just 7 Days Per Year · No Relocation Required
- Full Family Inclusion Under One Application · Citizenship Pathway to Permanent Residency & Portugal Citizenship · Dual Citizenship Permitted · Investment Starting from €500,000
Visa-Free Travel
Enjoy visa-free access across 29 Schengen countries.
Family Inclusion
Include your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in a single application.
What We Offer
6 Reasons the Portugal Golden Visa Program Stands Apart
A government-backed residence by investment program built for globally mobile investors and their families.
Portuguese Residence Permit
A 5-year renewable residence permit granting the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, issued to the main applicant and all eligible family members under one unified application.
Get StartedVisa-Free Schengen Access
Travel freely across the entire Schengen Area and all 29 Schengen countries for business or leisure, with no additional visas, no border restrictions, and no limits on frequency of travel.
Get StartedMinimal Stay Requirement
Minimum Stay (7 days/year). Maintain your primary residence, business, and lifestyle anywhere in the world while keeping your Portuguese residency fully active and compliant.
Get StartedFull Family Reunification
Your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents are all included under your single Portugal Golden Visa application, each receiving an independent residence permit with identical rights.
Get StartedPathway to Portuguese Citizenship
After 5 years of legal residence, apply for permanent residency or a Portuguese passport, unlocking full EU citizenship and visa-free access to over 180 destinations worldwide. Dual citizenship fully permitted under Portuguese nationality law. For eligible investors and their families, this provides a structured long-term pathway to immigrate to Portugal and establish a future in the European Union.
Get StartedCMVM-Regulated Investment Routes
Every qualifying investment option, from regulated investment funds at €500,000 to cultural heritage donations from €250,000, is fully supervised and compliant with current Portuguese immigration law and the 2023 legislative reform.
Get Started
Visa-Free Travel
Access to the Schengen Area and visa-free entry to all 29 Schengen countries, giving you the freedom to explore Europe.
Residency and Work Rights
Right to live, work, and study in Portugal with full access to employment and educational opportunities throughout the country.
Path to Citizenship
Eligibility to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence, while retaining other citizenship
High Quality of Life
Enjoy Portugal's excellent schools, quality healthcare, rich culture, mild climate, and high level of security for you and your family.
Low Residency Requirement
Minimum presence of just 7 days per year—no need to live full-time in Portugal to maintain your residency status.
Family Benefits
Dependent family members can also obtain residence permits, including spouse, children, parents and parents in law in a single application.
Find Out if You Qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa Program
0+
SCHENGEN COUNTRIES
29+
SCHENGEN COUNTRIES
€500k
MINIMUM INVESTMENT
10 Years
PATH TO CITIZENSHIP
Family Inclusion
One Investment. A Legacy for Three Generations.
A single qualifying investment secures long-term Portuguese Passport / EU Passport for your entire family spouse, children, and dependent family members all under one unified application, with identical residence permit rights for every member.
01.Main Applicant
Must be 18 years or older, hold a clean criminal record with no ongoing prosecutions, and demonstrate a legal source of funds. Upon approval, receives a Portuguese residence permit valid for 2 years renewable for a subsequent 3-year period with a clear pathway to permanent residency and Portugal citizenship after 5 years of legal residence.
02.Spouse & Dependent Children
The main applicant's spouse or registered civil partner and dependent children under 18 are included under the same Portugal Golden Visa application. Children over 18 may be included if they are unmarried, enrolled as full-time students, and remain fully financially dependent on the main applicant. Each family member receives an independent residence permit with identical residency rights.
03.Parents & Parents-in-Law
Parents and parents-in-law aged 65 and above are eligible for inclusion without the need to prove financial dependency making family reunification straightforward for elderly relatives. Parents under 65 may be included provided financial dependency on the main applicant can be demonstrated through supporting documentation submitted to AIMA.
Portugal Golden Visa 4 Simple Steps
Your licensed Portuguese immigration lawyer reviews your portugal golden visa requirements 2026, prepares all required documentation, and obtains your NIF Número de Identificação Fiscal Portugal's taxpayer identification number. A Portuguese bank account is opened in your name to facilitate the qualifying investment transfer.
Legal Preparation & NIF Registration
Select and execute your qualifying investment, the most widely used route being the Fund Option at €500,000 minimum, subscribed into a CMVM-regulated investment fund committed to Portuguese companies. All investment documentation is verified in full compliance with current Portuguese immigration law and AIMA requirements. Note that the Investment Holding Period of 5 years begins from the date your residence permit is issued.
The Portugal Golden Visa investment fund route offers investors a regulated pathway to Portuguese residency without purchasing real estate.
Investment Execution
Your complete application including all personal documents, proof of qualifying investment, source of funds documentation, and clean criminal record certificates — is submitted through the AIMA portal. Overall Processing Time (12–24 months) from initial submission to final residence permit issuance, depending on documentation completeness and AIMA case volume.
Application Submission
You and your included family members visit Portugal for a biometric appointment at an AIMA immigration office. Upon approval, your Portuguese residence permit is issued valid for 2 years, followed by a renewal for a subsequent 3-year period, and carrying full rights to live, work, study, and travel freely across all 29 Schengen countries.
Biometric Appointment & Residence Permit Issuance
Find The Right Investment Route
During your consultation, we will:
- Discuss Available Investment Options.
- Match Options With Your Goals.
- Explain Requirements & Process.
- Answer Your Questions.
Claudia Feliciano
Investment Consultant
Contact us
Phone
Program Features
Why Choose Portugal Golden Visa?
Investment Flexibility
Choose from CMVM-regulated investment funds, scientific research contributions, cultural heritage donations, and job creation routes, all fully compliant with current Portugal Golden Visa requirements 2026 and the latest portugal investment visa new rules.
Get StartedMinimal Stay Requirement
Just 7 days per year to maintain your Portuguese residence permit, no relocation required, no obligation to become a tax resident or change your existing tax residency.
Get StartedEU Market Access
Your Portugal Golden Visa unlocks access to one of Europe's most stable and established markets, with long-term growth potential and the security of full EU membership.
Get StartedStreamlined Application Process
A clear, structured Portugal Golden Visa process managed end-to-end by licensed Portuguese immigration lawyers, from NIF registration and investment execution to biometric appointment and residence permit issuance.
Get StartedChoose from regulated investment funds in one of Europe's most stable markets.
Just 7 days per year to maintain residency no need to relocate or to become a tax resident/change tax residenc.
Access to a stable EU market with long-term growth potential.
Clear application process with professional support every step of the way.
Golden Visa for Americans — FATCA, PFIC & IRS Compliance
The fund route is open to US citizens, but American investors face a distinct set of regulatory considerations most non-US applicants do not encounter. These must be addressed before fund subscription — not after.
FATCA Compliance
Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), US citizens are required to report foreign financial accounts and investments exceeding threshold limits to the IRS. Portuguese funds accepting US investors must be FATCA-compliant and registered accordingly. Verify this status explicitly before subscribing — do not assume compliance.
PFIC (Passive Foreign Investment Company) Rules
Most Portuguese Golden Visa investment funds are classified as PFICs under IRS rules. Investing in a PFIC without a qualified election filing (QEF election or mark-to-market election) results in punitive US tax treatment on gains and distributions — potentially eliminating a significant portion of your investment returns at the US tax level. A limited number of qualifying funds offer structures specifically designed for Americans with PFIC-compliant frameworks. These funds are in the minority. If you are a US citizen, your fund shortlist should begin with PFIC compliance status — not sector preference or return targets.
IRA and 401(k) Investment
Some US investors ask whether IRA or 401(k) capital can be deployed into a Golden Visa fund subscription. Structures exist that may permit this, but they require careful navigation of IRS self-directed IRA rules and fund structure compatibility. Only a small number of qualifying funds currently offer IRA-compatible subscription mechanisms.
Get Independent Tax Advice
For all US citizens: before signing a subscription agreement, consult a US tax attorney or CPA with specific international investment and PFIC experience. Do not rely on the fund manager's guidance alone on FATCA or IRS compliance — their legal obligation is to the fund, not to your individual US tax position.
The IMGA Portugal fund Golden Visa range is among the fund families referenced in professional advisory discussions for US-friendly structuring — though all US investors should conduct independent tax verification regardless of fund brand or reputation.
Investment Options
Portugal Golden Visa 2026 Qualifying Investment Route
Investment Funds
The most widely used route. Subscribe into a CMVM-regulated investment fund or venture capital fund committed to Portuguese companies — with at least 60% of the portfolio allocated to businesses registered in Portugal. A 5-year Investment Holding Period applies. Real estate (discontinued) funds do not qualify.
Job Creation
Create a minimum of 10 new full-time jobs through a qualifying business incorporated and headquartered in Portugal. Reduced to 8 positions in low population density areas, a strategic route for entrepreneurs entering the EU market.
Cultural Heritage & Scientific Research
Support Portuguese cultural heritage or national scientific research through a qualifying contribution starting from €250,000, reduced to €200,000 in low population density areas. The scientific research route requires a minimum €500,000 contribution to public or private entities within Portugal's national scientific and technological system.
Invest €500,000 in approved Portuguese investment funds, including private equity or venture capital options. The most popular route for Golden Visa applicants.
Create at least 10 full-time jobs in Portugal through a qualifying business. A strategic option for entrepreneurs looking to expand into the EU market.
Support Portuguese cultural heritage or scientific research with qualifying contributions. Make an impact while securing residency.
Featured blog
Featured insights and articles
The portugal golden visa investment fund route is now the main qualifying option for investors who want Portuguese residency without buying property. Real estate has not qualified for new...
Most explanations of Portugal Golden Visa cost stop at the headline investment figure. That figure is the starting point, not the full budget. A serious cost estimate must include...
Most comparisons of portugal golden visa vs d7 focus on cost first. Cost matters, but it is not the real dividing line. The real difference is lifestyle: the Golden...
FAQs
Everything You Need to Know About Portugal Golden Visa Requirements 2026.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa program?
The Portugal Golden Visa program — officially the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program — is a government-backed residence by investment pathway for non-EU nationals operating under the latest Portugal Golden Visa new rules. A single qualifying investment grants a Portuguese residence permit for you and your entire family, with visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries, the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, and a clear pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after 10 years of legal residence.
Who qualifies for a Portugal Golden Visa?
Any non-EU national aged 18 or above who can demonstrate a clean criminal record, a legal source of funds, and the ability to fulfill one of the current qualifying investment routes under Portuguese immigration law. There is no minimum net worth requirement and no obligation to relocate or change tax residency.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa?
Yes. After 10 years of legal residency under the Portugal Golden Visa program, you may apply for permanent residency or full Portuguese citizenship through Portugal’s naturalisation process — provided you meet the A2 Portuguese language requirement and hold a clean criminal record. Portugal allows dual citizenship.
What is the minimum investment required for the Portugal Golden Visa?
The minimum investment starts at €200,000 for donations. The most widely used route — CMVM-regulated investment funds — requires a minimum of €500,000, with a mandatory Investment Holding Period of 5 years from the date your residence permit is issued.
How long does the Portugal Golden Visa application take?
The full processing time runs between 12–24 months from application submission to final residence permit issuance, depending on documentation completeness and AIMA case volume. Initial approval typically takes 6 to 9 months.
Are there additional costs involved?
Yes. Beyond the qualifying investment, additional costs include government fees of approximately €5,000–€7,000, legal and documentation fees, due diligence costs, and — for the fund route — annual fund management fees typically ranging from 1–2% of the invested capital.
Do I need to live in Portugal to maintain my residency?
No. The Portugal Golden Visa program requires a minimum physical presence of just 7 days per year — one of the lowest stay requirements of any European residence by investment program. You are not required to relocate, become a tax resident, or change your existing tax residency.
Who can I include in my Portugal Golden Visa application?
You can include your spouse or registered civil partner, dependent children under 18, unmarried children over 18 who are full-time students and financially dependent, and parents or parents-in-law aged 65 and above — all under one unified application, with no additional qualifying investment required.
How hard is it for a US citizen to move to Portugal?
US citizens are among the most active applicants in the Portugal Golden Visa program. The process is straightforward — no prior connection to Portugal is required, and the program imposes no relocation obligation. With the support of licensed Portuguese immigration lawyers, most US-based applicants complete the process without visiting Portugal more than once during the application stage.
Is Portugal still welcoming American expats?
Yes. Portugal remains one of the most accessible and welcoming European destinations for American expats and investors. The Portugal Golden Visa program continues to accept applications from US citizens, with the CMVM-regulated investment fund route remaining fully available and FATCA-compliant options accessible to American investors through specialist fund managers.
Contact Information
Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.
Av. Conselheiro Fernando de Sousa nº 19, 15º
1070-072 Lisboa
+351 910 970 297
Get in touch with us!
Find The Right Investment Route
During your consultation, we will:
- Discuss Available Investment Options.
- Match Options With Your Goals.
- Explain Requirements & Process.
- Answer Your Questions.
Portugal
1070-072 Lisboa
Sat, Sun — closed
Turkey
No:103/2 T3 Blok Ofis:87, Kağıthane
Sat, Sun — closed
UAE
Office 1706, Al-Manara Tower, Business Bay
Sat, Sun — closed
Egypt
E202-2 The Courtyard by Dorra, Sheikh Zayed City
Fri, Sat — closed