Golden Visa in Portugal

The Golden Visa lets wealthy people and their families live and work in the country in return for a large investment. It is first valid for two years and can then be renewed for five years. Later, permanent residence is possible, and after 10 years of living there, citizenship.

Basic requirements

• The main applicant must be over 18.
• A valid passport and birth certificate.
• Suitable private health insurance.
• No criminal record, either in the country or in your home country.
• Proof that you have made one of the approved investments.

Approved investments

• The most common: buying property worth €500,000, without a mortgage.
• A major business investment that creates jobs, has a strong effect on the local economy, or is an innovative business in science or technology.
• €2 million in government bonds.
• €1 million in company shares.
• €1 million in investment funds.
• €1 million in bank deposits with local banks.

Why people choose it

• The process is simpler than for other visas.
• You can leave and return as often as you like, with no minimum stay, unlike most other residence visas.
• You may both live and work in the country.
• A longer first permit with fewer renewal demands.
• Your family can come with you.

Common problem

Many applications fail because the authorities do not receive all the detailed information they ask for.

What happens

• A first talk with lawyers who have experience with Golden Visa applications.
• The application and all supporting papers are prepared with the lawyer's guidance.
• The lawyer submits the application to the right government office on time.
• You are told the result.
• Once approved, the lawyer helps you collect your foreigner's ID card.